As a general rule of thumb, businesses become more attractive to insurers as they grow. Increased revenues and payrolls mean more risk, but they also mean a more statistically credible base on which insurance companies can estimate claims. The more employees you cover for health insurance, for example, the more predictable your losses become, and the easier it is to spread your risk.

On the flip side, as payrolls and revenues increase, insurance premiums will also increase for certain types of coverage. Liability coverage is based on sales and revenues. Moreover, workers' compensation rates are generally based on covered payroll. While heath insurance rates will not necessarily increase with more employees, more employees means a higher overall premium.

Many insurance contracts have language that allows the insurance carrier to modify rates if your employee population fluctuates by as little as 10 percent either way. Make sure your agent or broker understands your projected growth and lets insurance carriers know this before they write any policies for you.

Some carriers may give you a discount in anticipation of your growth. On the other hand, every firm has great expectations. Don't be offended if insurance carriers are indifferent to your ambitious growth projections. Hunt around for an insurer that focuses on companies of your size. As your company grows, you'll find an increasing number of interested carriers.