https://completemarkets.com/company/usrisk/Hard-to-Place-Workers-Compensation-Insurance-eQBE-and-QBE/
Unisource Program Administrators (UPA), a division of U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc., places a specialized workers’ compensation program to help agents write hard-to-place and higher-risk accounts. Whether you have a small business facing a high experience modification or a middle-market account with complex operations, UPA’s underwriting partnership with QBE provides capacity and flexible solutions for tough workers’ comp risks.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program targets accounts that conventional markets often decline because of loss history, elevated experience mods, or difficult industry classes. Typical fits include:
Security guard companies
Construction businesses of all types
Healthcare operations, including nursing homes, assisted living and senior housing
Transportation-related businesses and private fleets
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
Guaranteed-cost workers’ compensation policies (no retrospective aftermarket)
Premium financing options to help clients manage cash flow
No program-wide maximum premium cap — suitable for larger, complex accounts
Admitted coverage available in all eligible states
Underwriting Guidelines and Submission Requirements
UPA and QBE look for accounts that demonstrate improvement or strong loss-control plans, even when the current experience mod is high. To evaluate quickly, include:
Completed ACORD 130 application
Current experience modification worksheet
Three years of currently valued loss runs
Any applicable supplemental applications (e.g., transportation, healthcare)
Program Tiers and Minimum Premiums
Small Business Program (eQBE): For smaller accounts with a minimum premium of $5,000. Available in: AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, ME, MO, MS, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, OK, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA.
Middle Market Program (QBE): For larger or more complex accounts with a minimum premium of $75,000. Available in the states listed above, plus: DE, MA, MI, NJ, PA. Incidental exposure is accepted in: AK, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, MN, MT, NY, OR, SD, WV, WI.
Why Work With U.S. Risk and UPA?
U.S. Risk Insurance Group and Unisource Program Administrators combine deep program expertise with access to QBE’s underwriting and capacity. That pairing helps agents place accounts other markets decline by offering tailored underwriting, flexible tiering for small and middle-market risks, and hands-on support through placement.
Example scenarios you might place through this program:
A regional security firm with a high mod but documented safety improvements and strong loss control practices.
A transportation fleet with prior claims and exposure in multiple states that needs admitted coverage in core territories and incidental acceptance elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?Construction, healthcare, transportation, and security guard businesses with hard-to-place workers’ comp needs—especially accounts with high experience mods or prior losses that show signs of improvement or effective loss control.
What are the minimum premium requirements?The small business (eQBE) program starts at $5,000 minimum premium. The middle market (QBE) program requires a minimum premium of $75,000.
Which states is this program available in?The program has broad availability across most states. Specific state eligibility depends on the program tier and account structure; review the listed territories or contact a market specialist for state-specific details.
What documents are needed to submit an account?Submit a completed ACORD 130, the current experience mod worksheet, three years of currently valued loss runs, and any supplemental applications that apply to the account.
Does this program offer guaranteed cost options?Yes—this program places guaranteed-cost workers' compensation policies only.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.