Remember that all insurance premiums are based on the risks involved.
The insurance company evaluates the situation to determine the risks—or potential for losses—and bases its rates on the results.
Therefore, deliberate steps you take to lower your risks not only can help safeguard your business but also may make you eligible for lower insurance rates.
Consider these steps:

Maintain adequate lighting throughout your business premises.
Keep electrical wiring, stairways, carpeting, flooring, elevators, and escalators in good repair.
Install a sprinkler system, smoke and fire alarms, and adequate security devices.
Keep only a small amount of cash in the cash register.
Keep good records of inventory, accounts receivable, equipment purchases and the like. Consider keeping a second set of records off-site, such as with your accountant, Trusted Choice® agent or at home.
Make sure your employees have good driving records.
Make sure your employees know how to lift properly and use all necessary safety equipment, such as goggles, gloves and respirators.
Consider using the services of a risk manager.
Such an outside consultant can advise you of any safety or environmental regulations you may have overlooked or not been aware of and talk to your employees about safety practices.
You may also wish to raise your deductible where appropriate to lower your insurance premiums.
How high to raise the deductible should be governed by how much you can afford to pay out of pocket.
Be careful not to raise it so high that you cannot cover it should a loss occur.
Finally, make sure your Trusted Choice® agent is familiar with your business and the risks inherent in it.
He or she should be able to advise you on risk management techniques and their benefits to both you and the insurer.

Last updated on July 21, 2010 by [Your Name Here]