Pay-as-you-Owe (PAYO) is fast becoming a preferred premium structure for modern workers' compensation policies. As payrolls have fluctuated in recent years, businesses and insurers have looked for ways to smooth premium payments so they more closely reflect current operations.
Large differences between estimated premium and audited premium have been a persistent issue. Big return premiums can mean large return commissions, and when an audit adjusts previous commission earnings, an agent can lose twice: once from the audit and again when the current year is adjusted.
Advantages of PAYO
- Cash flow for the insured.
- Premium payments align with pay periods or monthly.
- Pay electronically, online.
- Available at relatively low premium levels.
- Easier audits.
- Reduction of audits with disproportionate changes in premium.
- Easier for agents to monitor changes in operations.
Insureds often enjoy better cash flow when premium payments are tied to current payroll. Agents also benefit: PAYO makes it easier to spot significant swings in the size of operations and to evaluate whether coverage or plan design remains appropriate.
PAYO premiums produce more reliable commissions, letting agents plan and budget with greater confidence. One frequent source of client frustration—audit timing and unexpected premium demands—is reduced under PAYO because payroll is reconciled more frequently.
Seasonal businesses, companies with uneven payrolls, and firms that move among states can especially benefit from PAYO. For more information about PAYO and seasonal employees, see Workers' Compensation: PAYO, Cost Transparency, Seasonal Employees, Hiring and Off‑Duty Assistance.
If you want a focused overview of pay-as-you-go options and how they compare to traditional plans, see Pay-As-You-Go Workers Compensation (PAYGO).
In effect, each pay period under PAYO acts like a mini-audit, reducing the likelihood of large year-end adjustments. Can PAYO benefit your business? Probably so. If you're unsure whether PAYO suits your situation, ask an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pay-as-you-owe (PAYO)?
PAYO ties workers' compensation premiums to actual payroll as it is reported, so payments vary with staff hours and pay periods rather than a fixed annual estimate.
How does PAYO affect audits?
PAYO reduces the impact of large, infrequent audits by reconciling payroll more frequently, which can smooth year-end adjustments.
Which businesses benefit most from PAYO?
Seasonal employers, businesses with fluctuating payrolls, and organizations that operate in multiple states typically see the biggest advantages.
Does PAYO change an agent's commissions?
PAYO generally produces more reliable earned premium and therefore more predictable commissions for agents.