It seems a lot of companies either DO NOT UNDERSTAND or do not want to understand Insurance Renewal. I do not know why? But let's try to take some of the mystery out of the equation.

1) Choose an INSURANCE BROKER, who you are comfortable dealing with. Especially since they will need access to certain CONFIDENTIAL FINANCIAL DATA. IF YOU WANT TO SWITCH BROKERS, check with others in the industry to seeor obain a recommendation
2) Do your homework, you can be sure both the AGENT AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY WEILL BE DOING THEIRS>
3) TO PREPARE ALLOW YOURSELF BETWEEN 60 TO 90 DAYS, TO START THE PROCESS AND GET THE BALL ROLLING (OR IN OUR CASE TRUCK)
WHAT WILL YOU NEED TO GET READY?
1) A list of all equipment (TRUCKS AND TRAILERS) Be prepared to supply: year, make, model, VIN, Plates on them at present, and of course a FMV (FAIR MARKET VALUE)
2) A Complete and current (within the last 15-30 days) ABSTRACT FOR EVERY DRIVER WORKING FOR YOU
3) A Complete and current (within the last 15-30 days) C.V.O.R. for every driver driving for you
4) A current loss run up to and including the last 5 YEARS.
5) A complete and current mileage travelled and where to (very important) tell you why later
6) As best as you can a breakdown of commodities hauled
7) A list of your top 5-10 accounts, Be prepared to supply a copy of a CONTRACT YOU MAY SIGNED if available.
8) A current Domiciled C.V.O.R. OF THE PROVINCE OR STATE YOU ARE LOCATED IN.
9) A current SafeStat ( CSA 2010 soon) up to date rating of your company.
10) Be prepared to show a proper breakdown of DRIVER TURNOVER and explain it.
11) An HONEST list of any Safety initiatives you have undertaken in the past year. PROOF IS REQUIRED
12) AN HONEST UP TO DATE CURRENT LIST OF ANY DRIVER MEETINGS, PROVIDE AN AGENDA OF WHAT WAS DISCUSSED. SHOW ATTENDANCE RECORDS
In our industry, there should not be any fear of the unknown, Educate yourself, and find out what the Insurance company is looking for, when they quote a renewal price. YOU should not meet with the Insurance company that is quoting, without your agent present.
13) If you have had any ANOMOLIES be prepared to discuss them and what steps have been taken to mitigate them.
Remember your agent can and will be there every step of the way to assist you. Your Insurance company whether the incumbent or a new one, is rating you , on HISTORICAL DATA, that you provide, and present market conditions. If you say you did it, be prepared to prove you did it. If you say you do ot go there, be prepared to prove it, If you say you never carry a specific commodty, be preared to prove you do not do it.

Like anything, information, and knowledge can be a good thing. Especially when handled properly. As to why it is so important to include where you travel and why (point 5 above). Well there is more chance of theft, in certain areas of North America and more chance of accidents, in certain areas of North America, higher settlement costs in certain areas of North America, different liaibility settlement schedules for certain parts of North America, more traffic in certain areas of North America. THESE ARE ALL AREAS OF EXPERTISE THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY CAN HELP AND ASSIST YOU WITH, AND PROVIDE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AS WELL.
Safe Motoring and happy renewal.