Buying insurance for your business is more difficult than making
the same purchase for your home. You should seek a professional that
has expertise in the hospitality industry and a history of providing
coverage for your specific type of business.
In an effort to make sure that hotels minimize the risk of not having
adequate coverage, we recommend that you follow this checklist as
you prepare for the insurance buying process.
_____ Consult the Americas Best Value Inn requirements. (See the summary
provided in your
membership packet
_____ Locate an expert agent
_____ Start the process approximately 90 days prior to your closing
or
renewal date.
_____ If a renewal, request updated loss history from your
agent/insurance
carrier for the past 5 years - even if you
have had no claims.
_____ Refer to www.bestchoiceinsurance.com/bvi to complete
an application.
_____ Owners of older/smaller hotels should seek quotes from smaller,
regional insurance
companies rather than larger, national
carriers.
_____ Find out if your carrier is going to provide a renewal quote.
_____ See a renewal quote from two or three different insurance
companies through
your hospitality insurance professional.
_____ Prepare to give more information than required in the past
(more detailed property
information, management specifics, etc.)
_____ Be prepared to submit financial information, if
requested
(balance sheet and
income statement).
_____ Evaluate the benefit of higher deductibles.
_____ Review quotes carefully. Understand and compare
changes in
coverage.
_____ Make an educated decision based on coverage, limits,
deductibles and
the financial strength and quality of service
of
the insurance company.