The short answer
StartupInsurance.ai helps startups explore general liability, Tech E&O, cyber, D&O, employment practices, workers’ comp and other commercial insurance. The contract check provides an initial written review within one business day after the necessary information is received. Quotes, policy changes, binding and certificates have separate timelines that depend on underwriting and the carrier.
Use this guide to prepare questions, not to establish coverage. Any unsourced costs, limits or timing ranges are illustrative planning examples, not quotes, verified market averages or carrier commitments.
What to prepare by coverage
| Coverage | What to share | What can affect timing |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | Operations, locations, revenue, claims and the insurance exhibit | Eligibility, required endorsements and insurer approval |
| Tech E&O and cyber | Product description, customer contracts, revenue, security controls and claims | Underwriting questions, AI or sensitive-data exposures, limits |
| Excess Tech E&O and cyber | Primary policy terms and the total limit requested | Availability and compatibility of each additional layer |
| D&O | Financials, cap table, board details and pending transactions | Financial review, financing disclosures and policy terms |
| Employment practices | Headcount by state, HR practices and known or planned events | Carrier appetite, exclusions and disclosure follow-up |
| Workers’ comp | Payroll and duties by work location | State requirements, classifications and carrier process |
| Umbrella and other commercial lines | The underlying policies and the relevant physical or operational risks | Underlying coverage requirements and market appetite |
Limits shown in other guides are examples of requirements or program designs, not a commitment that a particular insurer will offer them. A carrier must confirm both capacity and terms.
For the GL detail, see general liability and certificate timing. For higher limits, see a $5M Tech E&O and cyber program.
A review response is not a binding deadline
Our free contract check provides an initial written review within one business day after the necessary information is received. It identifies questions and next steps; it does not guarantee a completed quote, contract approval or bound policy in that period.
For a real placement, the steps are:
- Complete the application and disclose relevant facts.
- Resolve underwriting questions and review any offered terms.
- Complete required signatures, payment arrangements and binding instructions.
- Obtain written confirmation of coverage and then request the appropriate evidence.
Do not assume coverage has started because an application or payment was submitted. Wait for written confirmation from an authorized insurance representative.
Planning for a deadline
Start early when the requirement includes several lines, custom wording, excess layers or a funding transaction. If you need a certificate on a specific day, tell us which entity needs it and what the contract actually requires. The certificate must reflect coverage that exists; it cannot add missing insurance.
For D&O ahead of a financing, see D&O before your round closes. For an employment event, involve counsel as well as your broker; see insurance considerations before a layoff.
Scope of this service
These guides focus on commercial property and casualty insurance. Employee benefits, life insurance and personal insurance require separate advice. We do not give legal advice or guarantee a claim outcome. For buying-channel differences, see broker vs. online platform.
Get a contract check
Send us the requirement and your deadline. We provide an initial written review within one business day after receiving the necessary information, with questions and next steps. Carrier quotes, coverage decisions and policy changes may take longer. Get a free contract check.
A few more answers
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a certificate today?
Sometimes, if suitable coverage is already bound or can be approved in time and the wording is available. Send the requirement and deadline first. We will confirm what is feasible; a same-day result is not guaranteed.
Can a company with prior claims seek coverage?
Yes, it can apply, but prior claims may narrow the available markets or affect terms. Disclose claims and known circumstances fully. Only a carrier can confirm its willingness to offer coverage.
What if my deadline is tight?
Tell us the exact deadline and what evidence the customer or investor will accept. We can explain the outstanding steps and whether an extension or different requirement should be discussed with your counsel and counterparty.
Do I have to move my existing policies?
No. We can review the documents you provide first. If a change is needed, consider continuity, cancellation terms and any reporting obligations before replacing a policy.
Does StartupInsurance.ai work with businesses outside software?
Our focus is startups, including technology businesses with hardware or on-site exposures. Tell us what you do so we can check appetite. We will say when another specialist is a better fit.
General information, not a coverage determination or legal advice. Unless a specific source is identified, prices and timing ranges are illustrative planning examples—not measured market averages, quotes or guarantees. Policy wording, carrier, state and your company’s operations determine what applies.