Start with matching coverage
Compare liability limits, covered vehicles, drivers, locations and operations. Check whether each proposal includes inventory, garagekeepers, property, workers’ compensation and any requested specialty coverage.
Look for excluded drivers, restricted test drives, personal-use limitations and location conditions. One quote may be cheaper because it leaves out a meaningful part of the operation.
Compare the loss you would pay yourself
Review every deductible, including theft, collision and weather deductibles. Ask how a deductible applies when several vehicles are damaged in one event. A manageable single-car deductible can feel different across a full lot.
Check inventory valuation, maximum unit values, reporting requirements and sublimits. Ask the agent to explain a realistic hail, theft or test-drive scenario using the actual proposal.
Compare the payment options
Put the annual premium, down payment and monthly payments side by side. Check the number of payments and due dates.
Compare the same policy term and coverage. Keep the payment schedule with your policy documents. Make sure you understand the cancellation and renewal terms before choosing a policy.
Confirm the documents you need
Make sure the insurer can provide the evidence required for licensing, plates, lenders and landlords. A certificate summarizes coverage; it cannot expand the policy to meet a requirement the insurer has not accepted.
Choose a proposal after reviewing the actual terms. Complete the required steps and obtain confirmation of coverage before assuming the new policy is in force.