Little Extras Get more from your insurance company than just coverage.

Are you taking advantage of everything your insurance companyhas to offer? Most insurers offer their clients a variety of freeservices that can save you money, improve your business and reduceyour risks.

"We'd love to see far more of our clients either callus or tap into our website," says Everett Waite, vicepresident of risk control at Cleveland-based St PaulTravelers. Free services your insurer probably offersinclude:

• Risk-managementanalysis: The insurer will send someone to inspect yourfacility and make suggestions for improvements.

• Safety programs andtraining: Waite says his company offers free classes andother training materials to teach clients how to handle a widerange of safety issues, including how to conduct an accidentinvestigation and how to make sure your facility is in compliancewith all applicable OSHA regulations.

• Discounts onprograms and equipment from other vendors: Insurancecompanies often form alliances with various vendors that will givepolicyholders discounts.

• Current news andinformation: Insurers provide policyholders with the latestinformation on risk and safety issues, and will help clientsdevelop appropriate policies and procedures.

To find out what your insurance company can do for you, contactyour insurer's risk-control manager and simply ask what'savailable.

Jacquelyn Lynn is a freelance business writer in Orlando,Florida.