When retail agents submit tough Workers’ Comp cases to standard carriers, rejection is often the first — and last — response. That’s especially true for high-risk clients with claims histories, high mods, lapse issues, or job classes that underwriters avoid. Many of these clients go into the state’s assigned risk pool, with limited coverage flexibility and high costs.

But with the right strategy and market access, high-risk Workers’ Comp insurance doesn’t have to end in the pool. At Worksperity, we specialize in turning complex Workers’ Comp scenarios into real-world placement wins. Below, we explore hypothetical examples of high-risk placements and what agents can learn from each.

What Makes a Client High-Risk in the Eyes of Underwriters?

High-risk Workers’ Comp insurance isn’t just about what industry the client operates in. Underwriters assess several key risk factors:

• High experience modifiers (e-mods)
• Frequent or severe claims within the past three to five years
• Lapsed coverage, cancellations, or inconsistent insurance history
• Dangerous class codes, such as roofing, transportation, or healthcare staffing
• Operational complexity, like multi-state exposure or high seasonal turnover

Certain industries experience higher injury rates due to increased exposure to hazards, dangerous work environments, or repetitive tasks. For example, jobs in agriculture, construction, and transportation are more likely to result in workplace injuries than jobs in finance or information technology, which involve fewer physical risks. Agents working with higher-risk industries should proactively identify potential red flags and prep their submissions accordingly.

Securing Coverage for a High-Mod Client With Prior Claims

Scenario: A regional manufacturing client had multiple lost-time claims over the last policy term and an experience modifier well above average. Their incumbent carrier declined renewal, and no standard market would quote.

Strategy: The agent partnered with Worksperity to reframe the submission:

• Included a detailed loss control narrative, outlining steps taken to prevent similar incidents
• Submitted updated payroll data showing headcount and department shifts
• Highlighted investment in onsite safety training and new equipment

Outcome: Instead of defaulting to the assigned risk pool, the client secured a quote from a specialized Workers’ Comp carrier that underwrites high-mod manufacturing risks.

Takeaway for agents: Underwriters respond to context, not just data. A strong narrative around operational changes, safety upgrades, and proactive loss management can move even high-mod clients into competitive programs.

Moving a Staffing Account Out of the Pool

Scenario: A mid-sized staffing agency, specializing in light industrial and warehouse placements, had its policy canceled due to missed audits and payroll misreporting. The client was placed into the state pool with higher premiums and reduced flexibility.

Strategy: Worksperity guided the agent through a structured resubmission:

• Provided clean financial records and verified employee classification codes
• Explained previous reporting issues and outlined a corrected payroll tracking process
• Positioned the client for a PayGo billing program, allowing premium payments based on actual payroll per pay period

Outcome: The staffing agency moved out of the pool and into a tailored program that matched its seasonal workforce needs, with better pricing and no year-end audit surprises.

Takeaway for agents: When placing high-risk Workers’ Comp insurance, remember that transparency and documentation build trust. Carriers are more open to quoting when the agent demonstrates clarity and control over the client’s operations.

Can High-Risk Clients Still Get Competitive Workers’ Comp?

Yes, if the agent knows how to position the client and works with a wholesale partner that specializes in nonstandard risks. Here are key tips when pursuing coverage for high-risk Workers’ Comp clients:

• Know your client’s business inside and out, especially class codes, payroll, and job site controls.
• Prepare the loss history with commentary on what’s changed.
• Engage a wholesaler early, especially when renewal deadlines are approaching.

The best submissions aren’t just clean; they’re also credible. That’s what separates agents who place difficult cases from those who simply hand them off to the pool.

Send Your Toughest Submissions

High-risk Workers’ Comp insurance placements are complex, but they’re also winnable with the right strategy and support. At Worksperity, we specialize in helping retail agents place clients with past claims, high mods, risky class codes, or assigned risk exposure.

Our team of experts reviews every case. We work one-on-one with agents to find the best possible placement — and do it quickly. Ready to move your client out of the pool? Send a Submission today.

About Worksperity

Worksperity is a specialized wholesale brokerage focused exclusively on Workers’ Compensation. We partner directly with retail agents to simplify placements for hard-to-place industries and clients with coverage barriers. Our deep expertise, rapid quote capabilities, and access to 90+ niche markets empower agents to win more business, faster. Learn more at worksperity.com.