Premium Audit Services

Workers’ Compensation Audit Process

A workers’ compensation policy is issued based on the estimated exposure (payroll and job classification). The final premium is determined through the premium audit.

At the end of the policy term, an audit professional will reach out to the business owner to make arrangements for a review of operations, records, and books of account. Based on the outcome of the premium audit, an adjustment may be made resulting in either an increase or decrease to the initial deposit premium.

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Audit Process

Be prepared. The auditor will need access to records. These records may include: payroll reports, overtime earnings, 941s, state unemployment reports, general ledgers and certificates of insurance if subcontractors were used. Compile the applicable financial records and put together a complete and organized audit file prior to the visit.

Designate a knowledgeable staff member to work with the auditor. Choose a representative who is familiar with the financial records and the daily operations of the business. Workers’ compensation policies are based on assigning employees a proper classification. It is imperative that the insured’s audit contact is knowledgeable on the specific job duties of employees and that contact can assist the auditor with any questions.

Feel free to ask questions during the audit. Ask the auditor to clarify anything not understood.

Conduct a final review with the auditor. At the conclusion of the audit, review the auditor’s findings. A company representative and the auditor should recap the audit results to ensure that they are accurate.

The Importance of a Workers’ Compensation Premium Audit

The premium audit serves a very important function. Not only does it determine the final premium for an insurance policy, but the data collected at audit (payrolls, class codes and claims data) is later submitted to rating organizations (NCCI and independent bureaus) to be used in developing experience modifiers and loss costs. It is paramount that the premium audit is accurate, verified, and in compliance with mandated rules and regulations.

Beacon manages and directs all payroll audits in-house on behalf of AmTrust. Our focus on the aviation industry gives us unparalleled insight into managing issues that might otherwise result in inaccurate classifications.

Sharon Meeds
Internal Premium Auditor

Sharon Meeds has been a Senior Premium Auditor for 18 years.

She has a lengthy background in Accounting and operated her own small business accounting service as well.

Sharon enjoys several hobbies including –  gardening, sewing, quilting, cooking, reading and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

Sharon looks forward to meeting and working with all our Partner Aviation Brokers and Insureds.

Steve Diserio
Senior Aviation Underwriter

Steve DiSerio is a seasoned Aviation Underwriter with over a decade of experience in the industry. Steve has been responsible for underwriting aviation exposures for hull and liability coverage, including light aircraft, rotor wing, and small to medium-sized jets. He also handled aviation commercial general liability, including flight schools, flying clubs, Fixed Base Operators and airports.  

In addition to his extensive Insurance Underwriting experience, Steve worked as an FBO Manager and as a Commercial Lines Policy Analyst. He holds a B.A. in Communications from Marist College, with a minor in Fine Art/Photography.

Steve has a commercial pilot’s license and an instrument rating from the FAA. Steve currently serves on the Airport Advisory Board at the Leadville Lake County Airport in Colorado. Deeply invested in the world of aviation, Steve is an active member of the local aviation community. 

 Steve resides in Colorado with his wife and two dogs. Steve is an accomplished outdoors enthusiast, with a passion for skiing, biking, and all things active. With extensive experience exploring the natural world, he brings a deep appreciation for the value of physical activity and the great outdoors to his work. 

Nick Umali
Aviation Underwriter

Nick Umali started his Aviation career when he chose to attend West Michigan Aviation Academy. He was part of the first graduating class and went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management at Walla Walla University. During his time in college, Nick became a Certified Flight Instructor with Multi-Engine Commercial and Instrument Ratings. He began flight instructing with the FLT Academy.  

Nick incorporated his love of flight with becoming an Aviation Underwriter before joining Beacon Aviation Insurance.  

Nick is an avid aviation enthusiast and enjoys all types of flying, including gliders and seaplanes. In his own words, “If I’m not in the air, I’m usually outdoors exploring the vast wilderness in my overlanding Tacoma”. 

Aviation General Liability

Beacon Aviation offers this coverage to protect you and your business if a third party is injured on your property or by your actions.

These policies are necessary because most commercial general liability policies will not cover aviation-related exposures.

Hull & Liability

Beacon Aviation offers this insurance to protect firms that use planes and other aircraft for business purposes. Aircraft aren’t covered under standard liability policies.

Aircraft Hull covers physical damage to an aircraft. 

Aircraft liability includes coverage for Bodily Injury/death to passengers, other than passengers and third party property damage.