If you’ve ever had a client turned away by a standard carrier due to a high MOD, startup status, or industry classification, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. Alternative risk solutions like an ASO program or a PEO program can open up new placement opportunities and help agents secure accounts that others walk away from. At Landmark Wholesale, we help agents unlock access to both PEOs and ASOs, providing the flexibility needed to place tough risks and win new business.
What Is the Difference Between ASO and PEO?
While PEO and ASO models both offer outsourced HR support, the key difference is co-employment. A PEO program enters into a co-employment arrangement — meaning the PEO becomes the employer of record for tax and insurance purposes. This setup allows the client to access workers’ comp and benefits through the PEO’s master policy. In contrast, an ASO program provides administrative support like payroll and compliance help, but the client company retains full employment responsibility and direct access to their own policies.
Both options can be valuable depending on the client’s size, risk profile, and appetite for bundled services. For agents, understanding these models creates new pathways for business: ASOs work well for larger companies that need compliance support but want to stay in control, while PEOs offer an all-in-one solution for smaller firms or clients with workers’ comp challenges.
Unlocking New Markets With PEOs and ASOs
Clients in industries like staffing, cannabis, and transportation often struggle to find affordable coverage through traditional channels. ASO and PEO workers’ comp insurance solutions open up options:
- ASO programs are ideal for established businesses that need help managing human resources tasks but want to keep direct carrier relationships.
- PEO programs bundle payroll, benefits, and comp, which is especially helpful for high-risk or high-MOD clients who have been declined elsewhere.
By offering both types of programs, Landmark Wholesale helps agents expand into niche markets. Whether you’re working with a startup dispensary, a school bus operator, or a multi-state staffing agency, we provide the support and market access to get the deal done — even when others can’t.
FAQ About PEO Versus ASO Model
What’s the main difference between a PEO and an ASO?
Co-employment. PEOs become the employer of record for tax and insurance purposes; ASOs do not.
Which model works best for high-MOD or tough-to-place clients?
PEOs typically offer more flexibility for high-risk clients due to their group rating structures and access to broader markets.
Can PEOs or ASOs help agents write business they couldn’t place before?
Yes, these models give agents tools to write accounts rejected by standard carriers, including clients in high-risk industries or with poor loss history.
What types of new markets can agents reach with Landmark’s help?
Landmark’s network includes programs serving staffing, cannabis, transportation, public entities, and healthcare — markets that many wholesalers can’t access directly.
What if a client outgrows a PEO?
Landmark can help agents transition accounts into an ASO or direct placement when the time is right.
Do clients lose control under a PEO?
Not necessarily. While PEOs take on more responsibility, many businesses appreciate the reduced compliance burden and bundled services.
Find the Right Fit for Your Client
PEOs and ASOs aren’t just HR solutions; they’re business development tools. With Landmark as your partner, you don’t have to choose between access and service. We support our agents with:
- Compliance resources and onboarding tools
- Fast underwriting turnaround and pre-qual insights
- Access to exclusive ASO and PEO markets for tough-to-place clients
We stay involved, offering you the tools and insight to match each client with the model that best fits their growth, control needs, and risk profile. When clients evolve, we help agents transition them from PEO to ASO, or even to direct placement, ensuring long-term retention and flexibility.
Contact Landmark to find out which model is right for your next complex account.
About Landmark Wholesale
Landmark is a nationally licensed facility for tough-to-place risk with a focus on securing alternate workers’ comp solutions. From PEOs to specialty programs, we offer access to coverage solutions other wholesalers can’t. Our recent placements include complex risks in staffing, transportation, and construction sectors — demonstrating our ability to secure coverage where others fail. Partner with Landmark Wholesale to find solutions for your toughest accounts and expand your market reach.
