Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most.

Managing your workers’ comp premiums can feel overwhelming. That’s why we make it simple. Explore answers to our most common questions and discover how RPM helps you save time, stay compliant, and avoid costly surprises.

 

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FAQs

  • What does RPM do, and why should I use this service?

    RPM manages your workers’ compensation insurance payments on your behalf. Instead of making large payments upfront based on estimates, with RPM’s pay-as-you-go you only pay what you owe, each time you run payroll.

    Our goal is to make workers’ comp one less thing to worry about. Benefits of working with RPM include:

    • Save cash flow: no large upfront deposits, cheaper than premium financing
    • Accurate billing: premiums based on your real payroll, not estimates
    • Forward-thinking: avoid surprises at audit time
    • Stress-free: we will handle all of the calculations and payments to your insurance carrier
    • Human support at every step: a dedicated team available to answer any questions, from class codes to carrier audit results. More than that – we’re monitoring everything for you, so workers’ comp becomes one less thing for you to worry about.

     

  • How do I get started with RPM?

    Getting started is simple – there’s a few things we need from you and we’ll guide you through the process.

    To begin, we’ll need two things from you:

    • A completed Authorization Form for policy, payroll, and payment information
    • A copy of your workers’ compensation policy, from you or your agent

    Once we receive both, our team will reach out to walk you through the next steps of connecting with your payroll system. Then you can focus on growing your business, knowing RPM is watching your workers’ comp payments for you.

     

  • How does RPM's service work?

    Every time you run payroll, RPM gets to work. We calculate your premium based on your actual payroll, then send you an itemized invoice so you understand exactly where your premiums are coming from. We handle the collection, processing, and reporting of data and payments to your insurance carrier on your behalf.

    A few things worth knowing:

    • Your invoice amount will vary from period to period based on your actual payroll. This is expected and how pay-as-you-go works – you only pay what you owe.
    • RPM processes your premium based on the date your employees are paid, not the pay period worked. This aligns with how workers’ compensation premiums are calculated under industry standards, where exposure is measured based on wages actually paid. It also keeps your workers’ comp reporting consistent with your payroll tax records.
    • We monitor your payroll and premiums throughout the year so you don’t have to. If we notice anything that could affect your billing accuracy, we’ll reach out.
    • With workers’ comp, insurance carriers are usually required to audit your policy after it expires. While carriers may still issue volume-based bills, our goal is to keep things smooth and avoid any surprises at audit time.

     

  • How much does RPM cost?

    RPM’s price is simple: a flat fee per pay period. On average, RPM costs $20 per pay period. Your price is listed in every payroll invoice.

    Other convenience fees include:

    • A one-time $100 setup fee.
    • A payment processing fee, if you prefer to pay via credit card.
    • For seasonal businesses not running payroll: a monthly fee that replaces the per pay period charge. This helps keep your policy compliant with your insurance carrier’s policies.

     

  • How does RPM’s Pay As You Go service help my business?

    We simplify workers’ compensation insurance through a flexible, “pay as you go” model that works with any payroll provider. Instead of estimating payroll and paying premiums upfront, we calculate and collect accurate premiums for you, each time your payroll is run – whether weekly, biweekly, or monthly. This precise payment and improved cash flow management system means you only pay for exactly what’s owed, exactly when it’s owed.

    Because we connect directly with the policyholder’s (insured’s) payroll provider, we can calculate, collect, and remit work comp premiums to carriers. This minimizes costly audit surprises at the end of the year and helps policyholders avoid administrative headaches. Plus, there’s no need to switch providers. Our service can be integrated with over 100 carriers and any payroll provider, giving you more flexibility.

     

  • What is a payroll report?

    A payroll report is a document that summarizes employee pay information during a specific period, including wages, taxes, deductions, and benefits.

     

  • What is workers’ comp?

    Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who are injured or sick due to something that happened at work. Employers are usually required by state law to carry workers’ compensation insurance, making it mandatory in most industries. If you need guidance with workers’ comp insurance Pay As You Go services and the audit process, our specialists are ready to help. Simply fill out our online form or call 320-203-0700.

     

  • What is a workers’ compensation audit, and what should I expect?

    At the end of every workers’ compensation policy term, your insurance carrier reviews your actual payroll against the premiums paid throughout the year. This is a standard requirement for carriers in the industry.

    Here’s what makes RPM different: we’re working toward that audit from day one. Because your premiums are tied to your real payroll all year long, there’s very little gap between what you’ve paid and what you actually owe. Our goal is to get your audit balance as close to zero as possible – and understanding where a final refund or bill is coming from.

    If you receive audit documents or have questions about the process, reach out. Part of RPM’s service is helping you prepare audit documents and making sure you understand audit outcomes from the carrier. We know this territory and we’ll make sure you’re not navigating it alone.

     

  • How does an Audit Review from RPM help my business?

    Workers’ comp audits can be stressful and confusing. Auditors are often looking at your account for the first time, missing critical context. If you’re an RPM client, we already know your business, so we’re a step ahead when audit season comes around. During the review, our team gathers and provides reports to streamline the audit process. You’ll get the accuracy you need, with none of the stress.

    If you’re an insurer, we can help you collect audit balances by breaking them into more easily managed payments for your clients. If you’re a business owner or policyholder, we give you a flexible payment option so you don’t have to suddenly come up with a surprise lump sum of money. We’ll also review auditor findings and advocate for policyholders if discrepancies are found.

     

  • How do I prepare for a workers’ comp audit?

    It’s really simple. We offer our Audit Review service to our policyholders at no additional cost. Once you send your audit notice, our team will gather everything we need to prepare your audit review and will reach out if we need anything else from you.

     

  • What happens if I don't do a workers’ comp audit?

    Workers’ comp audits are mandated by law. Without completing a workers’ comp audit, your carrier may issue an estimated premium that’s often higher, issue penalties, or may even cancel your coverage. Audit penalties are additional premium charges, policy cancellation, non-renewal, estimated premiums, or even legal action if your business fails to comply with an audit.

     

  • What payroll is included in a workers' compensation audit?

    A workers’ compensation audit includes all payroll paid to employees for work performed during the policy period. The types of payroll included depend on many factors, including which state you’re working in, policy exclusions and endorsements, and state-specific caps. Our workers’ comp experts can help answer any payroll questions you may have. Simply fill out our online form or call 320-203-0700.

     

  • Why does my business need an audit review?

    Most workers’ comp policies require an audit. Carriers work with auditors to ensure compliance. RPM customers have access to our professional review service to help them prepare and understand results. While audit balances are rarely zero, RPM Pay As You Go is designed to keep them as close to zero as possible.

     

  • Is RPM associated with my insurance carrier or agent?

    RPM partners with your insurance agent and carrier.

    • Your carrier provides your insurance coverage.
    • Your agent is your insurance advisor, helping you shop for the right coverage and handle any claims or policy questions.
    • Think of RPM as directing traffic in the middle, making sure things are flowing smoothly.

    We work with over 100 carriers and are completely independent, which means our focus is entirely on getting things right, for you. We are your advocate, here to simplify workers’ comp for you.

     

  • What happens when my policy renews or I change insurance carriers?

    RPM works with over 100 carriers. Whether you and your agent decide to stick with the same one or decide to move, RPM can help.

    Once you’ve decided on your coverage, you or your agent can let RPM know – ideally before the effective date. We’ll look for your policy details as soon as possible, to make sure your service continues without interruption.

    If you have any questions, contact us at 320-203-0700 or support@reliablepremium.com and our team will guide you through the transition.

     

  • My payroll setup has changed what do I need to do?

    Keeping your payroll setup aligned with your policy helps ensure your premiums are accurate. This is where RPM stands out from pure API or technology solutions.

    As your business grows, RPM is on the lookout for changes to your payroll. New employees, changing jobs, or even expanding to a new line of business or state. We’ll keep things running smoothly and will reach out to you if needed.

    If you are switching payroll providers, reach out to us so we can keep your service running without interruption. Contact us at 320-203-0700 or support@reliablepremium.com and we’ll work with you to make the update smoothly.

    Note: there may be situations where we may direct you to your agent of record for guidance, particularly on policy or underwriting questions. When in doubt, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help.

     

  • How do I get a Certificate of Insurance or file a workers’ compensation claim?

    There may be situations where we may direct you to your agent of record for guidance, particularly on policy, claims, or underwriting questions.

    COIs and claims are examples of where your agent is there to help you.

    If you’re not sure how to reach your agent or carrier, call us at 320-203-0700 and we’ll help you find the right contact.

     

  • Does RPM work with my existing payroll provider?

    As an independent provider, we’re unaffiliated with any specific payroll provider, insurance agent, broker, or carrier. That means you can enjoy all the benefits of our Pay As You Go service with any carrier and payroll provider.

     

  • How do I get workers’ comp insurance for my small business?

    You can contact a licensed insurance provider, broker, or your state’s workers’ compensation agency to obtain coverage.

     

  • Does it cost agents and carriers to partner with RPM?

    As an agent or carrier, you can partner with us at no additional cost, improving your value with our technology and team without impacting budget and overhead.

     

  • What experience does RPM have with policyholders?

    We’ve helped over 20,000 businesses simplify their workers’ comp payments through accuracy, technology, and genuine human support. Simply fill out our online form or call 320-203-0700 to learn more.

     

  • How does RPM ensure my data is protected?

    All payroll, employee, and payment data is encrypted to the highest industry standards. Every transaction is protected with encrypted systems and clear reporting. These systems and strict access controls keep your data secure.

     

  • How do I get in touch with RPM for support?

    Simply fill out our online form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible, or call 320-203-0700 to speak with our friendly, knowledgeable team. No automated bots, just real people ready to help with workers’ comp premium management.

     

  • How fast are your response times?

    At RPM, you come first. We aim to respond to most inquiries within 48 hours, with additional hands-on support when you’re navigating audits, payment changes, or other complex workers’ comp matters. You’ll also find extensive self-serve resources on our website, including our FAQ page. If you need urgent assistance, a quick call at 320-203-0700 will always connect you with a real person.