Overpaying for Workers' Comp
with Your PEO?
California businesses are discovering they're paying 20-40% more than necessary through PEOs like ADP TotalSource, Insperity, and Paychex — and losing thousands in hidden costs.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Average workers' comp overpayment inside a PEO arrangement
Potential annual savings for a mid-size California employer
Of our PEO transition clients have reduced their total workers' comp costs
What PEO Clients Are Saying
I had no idea we were paying a 28% markup on our workers' comp through ADP. Nobody ever showed us the actual rate.
ADP TotalSource Client — Manufacturing
Insperity told us leaving would be a nightmare. It took less than 30 days and we saved over $120,000 in the first year.
Insperity Client — Construction
We stayed with our PEO for 5 years because we were afraid of the transition. We should have left after year one.
Paychex PEO Client — Distribution
The 'bundled savings' they promised never materialized. When we unbundled, every single line item was cheaper on its own.
ADP TotalSource Client — Wholesale
What Your PEO Isn't Telling You
PEOs bundle your workers' comp into a single bill — making it nearly impossible to see what you're actually paying. Here's what's hidden.
Your Claims History Matters — But Not the Way You Think
Whether your claims experience is good or bad, the PEO structure works against you.
Good Claims History?
- Your good experience subsidizes other companies in the pool
- You'd get a much lower rate on your own standalone policy
- Your X-Mod would be below 1.00, reducing your premium significantly
Bad Claims History?
- The PEO is already charging you more — they just don't show you
- You have no direct claims advocacy or ability to manage reserves
- Nobody is working to correct your X-Mod or reclassify claims
California Businesses: You Face Unique Risks with PEO Coverage
California has some of the strictest workers' comp regulations in the country. PEO arrangements can create compliance gaps.
OFFICIAL STATE WARNING
When a PEO arrangement ends, the client employer must immediately secure their own workers' compensation coverage. Any gap in coverage — even one day — exposes the employer to serious penalties and personal liability.
The Risk to Your Business:
- Coverage gaps: Even a single day without coverage can result in penalties up to $100,000
- Misclassification liability: If the PEO has misclassified your workers, you may be liable for back premiums and penalties
- Claims ownership: When you leave, claims history transfers back to you — and if the PEO hasn't managed them well, your standalone X-Mod suffers
Compliance Requirements:
Don't Take Our Word For It
Official sources confirm the risks of PEO workers' comp arrangements.
California DIR Warning
The California Department of Industrial Relations has published guidance warning employers about the risks of PEO arrangements, including coverage gaps, misclassification exposure, and the importance of verifying proper coverage.
Source: California Department of Industrial Relations
Garcias Pallets Precedent Case
In the Garcias Pallets case, a California business discovered that their PEO's workers' comp coverage had lapsed — leaving them personally liable for employee injuries and facing six-figure penalties.
California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board
Don't wait for a problem to discover you're exposed. A free 15-minute review can identify compliance risks in your current PEO arrangement.
What Is Your PEO Actually Costing You?
Real-world comparisons based on typical California PEO arrangements.
Example: 150 Employees | $5M Annual Payroll
| Cost Component | PEO (Bundled) | Unbundled Solution | Potential Overpayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Fees | $264,600/year | $40,000/year | $224,600 |
| Workers' Comp Premium | $137,500/year | $100,000/year | $37,500 |
| Claims Management | Included (no advocacy) | Active advocacy | — |
| Risk Control Services | Generic | Industry-specific | — |
| TOTAL ANNUAL COST | $447,100-$462,100 | $200,000 | $247,100-$262,100 |
Potential Savings Over 5 Years: $1,235,500 - $1,310,500
Example: 50 Employees | $2M Annual Payroll
| Cost Component | PEO (Bundled) | Unbundled Solution | Potential Overpayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Fees | $90,000/year | $15,000/year | $75,000 |
| Workers' Comp Premium | $55,000/year | $40,000/year | $15,000 |
| TOTAL ANNUAL COST | $145,000 | $55,000 | $90,000 |
Potential Savings Over 5 Years: $450,000
How We Help You Break Free
A proven 5-step process to transition from your PEO to a standalone workers' comp program.
Cost Analysis
We analyze your current PEO arrangement to identify exactly how much you're overpaying on workers' comp, admin fees, and hidden costs.
Market Survey
We survey the standalone workers' comp market to get competitive quotes from carriers that specialize in your industry and risk profile.
Side-by-Side Comparison
We present a clear, line-by-line comparison of your PEO costs vs. standalone options so you can make an informed decision.
Transition Management
We manage the entire transition — coordinating with your PEO, new carriers, and payroll provider to ensure zero coverage gaps.
Ongoing Advocacy
After transition, we continue managing your workers' comp program — auditing your X-Mod, advocating on claims, and marketing your account annually.
But I'm Worried About...
Leaving a PEO feels like a big move. Here are the concerns we hear most — and honest answers.
Stop Overpaying. Start Saving.
A free 15-minute consultation is all it takes to find out how much you could save by leaving your PEO.