Non-renewals in the workers’ comp space are never ideal, but they’re especially challenging when high-risk accounts are involved. Agents are often left dealing with tight timelines, limited carrier options, and concerned clients who expect quick answers. When those clients are already high-risk, the stakes are even higher. But with the right process and the right partner, agents can pivot quickly and place high-risk workers’ comp accounts after non-renewal. Landmark Wholesale is here to help you do just that.
Why Workers’ Comp Policies Get Non-Renewed
According to the Insurance Information Institute, while workers’ comp remains a profitable line overall, underwriting appetite continues to narrow in certain sectors. Industries with high severity claims, like construction and transportation, are seeing increased scrutiny and reduced market flexibility. Therefore, there’s added pressure for agents placing high-MOD or loss-heavy accounts, especially when a non-renewal hits unexpectedly.
Common causes for non-renewals include:
- Claims frequency or open severity claims
- Experience MOD over 1.20, indicating a company’s accident rate is higher than the industry average
- Changes in operations or business classification
- Premium audits revealing misreported payroll
- Shifts in carrier appetite or underwriting guidelines
Some warning signs are easy to spot — like missed payments, inaccurate class codes, or a pattern of claims over several years. Others might catch you off guard. That’s why it’s critical to stay in regular contact with clients about risk factors, compliance, and claims trends. When a renewal seems questionable, start gathering documentation early so you’re not scrambling last-minute.
How To Respond Quickly After a Non-Renewal
When you receive a non-renewal notice, speed and accuracy matter.
Step 1: Gather the Essentials
Prepare a clean, complete submission:
- Five years of loss runs
- Updated payroll records
- Detailed business description
- Accurate class codes
- Explanation of risk improvements or safety measures
Step 2: Present the Account With Confidence
Don’t just send data — tell the story. What’s changed? What proactive steps has the client taken? Landmark underwriters work best when we understand the full picture. We help agents position high-MOD or high-frequency accounts in the best possible light, giving underwriters the context they need to respond quickly.
Step 3: Work With a Partner Who Knows the Terrain
Landmark Wholesale doesn’t just “shop” accounts — we help agents triage them. We know which carriers can entertain high-MOD staffing firms, cannabis operations, or contractors with a rough history. We support you through pre-submission prep and post-bind servicing.
What High-Risk Markets Are Still Available?
There’s life after non-renewal. You just need to know where to look. Landmark gives agents access to options that other wholesalers can’t.
- Captives and large deductible programs for premium control
- Small deductible alternatives for more moderate risks
- Niche markets for staffing, healthcare, cannabis, manufacturing, and transportation
- Specialty carriers with flexible underwriting appetites
We’ve placed staffing companies with multiple open claims, contractors with MODs over 1.60, and cannabis distributors dropped by standard carriers. Whether you’re dealing with a challenged class code or a rocky claims history, Landmark knows how to navigate around underwriting roadblocks.
Turn Non-Renewals Into Opportunity
A non-renewal doesn’t have to be a dead end — it’s an opportunity to reposition the risk. With the right submission, partner, and program, you can deliver a better outcome for your client and deepen their trust in your agency.
Here’s how Landmark supports you:
- Responsive underwriting with speed-to-quote tools
- Active claims advocacy that improves outcomes and renewal potential
- Access to markets that others overlook
- Post-bind support through safety, compliance, and HR solutions
We don’t stop at binding coverage. We stay engaged throughout the policy cycle to help agents retain clients and improve performance.
Need help placing a non-renewed account? Send us a submission or get appointed today to access alternative markets designed for high-risk, hard-to-place workers’ comp.
About Landmark Wholesale
Landmark is a nationally licensed facility for tough-to-place risk, specializing in alternate workers’ comp solutions. From PEOs to captives to industry-specific programs, we offer access to markets other wholesalers can’t. We’ve placed complex risks in staffing, construction, healthcare, and cannabis — and we’re ready to help you do the same. Partner with Landmark to grow your capabilities and secure the coverage your clients need, even when others say no.
