The Anatomy of Winning a Submission

Build stronger submissions. Get faster quotes.

In the E&S market, submission quality drives everything. Unlike the standard market, where underwriting can be largely formula‑driven, E&S underwriting relies on context, clarity, and completeness. Strong submissions help underwriters understand the risk quickly, reduce back‑and‑forth, and often lead to faster indications, more accurate pricing, and smoother binds.

Below will show you exactly what a “GREAT” submission looks like, and how to get there consistently.

OBJECTIVES

• How submission quality affects pricing and turnaround times.

• Differentiate a good submission from a "GREAT" one.

• Know what makes a risk bindable vs. non-bindable.

WHY SUBMISSION QUALITY MATTERS

In E&S, underwriters build confidence from the story you tell and the documentation you provide. You aren't just submitting a risk, you're advocating for the insured. A strong submission:

• Reduces follow‑ups by answering common underwriting questions up front 

• Accelerates quotes/indications because the file is easy to evaluate 

• Improves pricing accuracy by giving a complete, consistent picture of operations and exposure 

• Raises bind ratios, clean submissions are easier to bind 

• Prevents audit surprises through consistent, verifiable data 

  
  

The bottom line: better submissions = better outcomes for you and your insured.

GOOD VS. GREAT: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

A good submission includes the required forms and basic information, but is often lacking in context. A "GREAT" submission goes further by illustrating the big picture by explaining operations, elaborating exposures, anticipating underwriting questions, and providing consistent data, clean narratives, and supporting documents that eliminate guesswork.

Good Submission

GREAT Submission

Specific type of business - i.e., residential plumbing Quote Date Applications completed to include: ACORD 125 Name, address, contact information Years in business Current carrier Loss information Location information ACORD 126 Limits Brief description of class codes - i.e. residential plumbing only Include the payroll of the owner, the payroll of the employees, annual sales, and the cost of subcontractors ACORD 140 Building and contents limits Type of construction Year built Square footage Number of stories Updates (plumbing, heating, wiring, roofing)

In addition to all the Good Submission items: Complete narrative of what the insured is doing; in-depth description of operations Description of why the insured is shopping Completed supplemental applications that support the type of risk being submitted 3-5 years of loss runs If losses have occurred, what happened? What did the insured do to rectify the situation and prevent this type of loss from occurring again? 3 years of prior carrier information, including company name and premiums Target Premium

Don't love ACORDS? We completely understand! You can submit ACORDs to us fast and easily using the "Create Submission" function on The Grove!

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Pro tip: Think like an underwriter. If there’s a "red flag" (lapse, new venture, prior loss, heavy subcontracting, higher‑hazard ops), frame it with context and show what’s changed.

WHAT MAKES A SUBMISSION BINDABLE

When it comes to understanding what makes a submission bindable, it relies on three key elements: completeness, consistency, and transparency.

When we receive all the required information up front, the back-end work becomes simple. Consistent information leads to realistic data, which gives us a clear understanding of operations, helps us classify the risk correctly, and allows us to evaluate exposures accurately.

Presenting a complete and consistent submission ensures that everything is aligned from the start. This saves time for everyone, increases your bind ratio, and helps us match your insured with the right coverage - positioning you as a reliable risk advisor, not just a quote provider.

Transparency is equally important. Avoid leaving anything out and pay special attention to ensure that all information on the customer's website matches the operations listed on your submission.

Submission Narrative Example

"ABC Roofing is a residential‑only roofer performing tear‑offs and replacements. They do not perform commercial work or any industrial projects. They use vetted subcontractors who provide COIs and sign hold‑harmless agreements. No height exposures above two stories. Recent losses involved wind damage; the insured has since implemented new safety protocols."

We will always provide you with a clear list of required items so that, when you’re ready to bind, the process moves as quickly as possible. This not only supports a smooth workflow but also protects both of our E&O coverage.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Agents have more influence on E&S submissions than many realize. As the primary touchpoint for insureds, the clarity of your communication, how you tell the insured’s story, and the context you provide all directly affect pricing, turnaround time, and underwriting confidence. You aren’t just sending data - you’re the bridge between your client and the coverage they need and deserve.  

Insureds often expect standard‑market speed, and agents play a critical role in resetting expectations and guiding clients through the specialty‑market process, positioning themselves as trusted risk advisors. Sharing pricing expectations and quote deadlines up front helps us work efficiently and select the right markets.  

When your GREAT submission meets our in‑house binding authority, earned through years of disciplined underwriting, we can move swiftly and confidently to place the coverage your insured needs. Ultimately, a strong agent‑underwriter partnership leads to smoother submissions, better communication, and stronger outcomes for everyone.