1. Comply with recommendations from company engineers and loss control. Naturally, the company will be more favorable to their customers who help keep losses down.

2. Voluntarily take steps to eliminate hazardous conditions and create a safe environment any company would want to insure. And safeguard your property to reduce the risk of theft and damage. This puts you in a position of deserving the lowest rate possible.

3. Make a list of the actions you've taken to reduce your risk. I'll be able to use that list to negotiate your rates.

4. Minimize your claims. The businesses that will get the highest rate increases, or not be able to get insurance at all, will be those with frequent small losses or who ignored loss control recommendations.

5. Make sure any new equipment or buildings are installed or constructed in a manner desirable to the insurance company. Consult with your insurance specialist BEFORE proceeding with construction or installation and avoid nasty surprises on the back-end.

6. Increase your deductibles and retain more risk - most companies look favorably upon clients with higher deductibles. It shows you are willing to cover the small day-to-day stuff, and use your insurance for large losses - as it is intended. This will help lower your rates, too.

7. If possible, use higher coinsurance formulas to help lower rates.

8. Be sure your insurance is providing proper coverage amounts. You may be dangerously underinsured in some instances, or paying for coverage you don't need in others. Be sure to make contact with your insurance specialist.