At policy expiration, your carrier conducts a premium audit — comparing the payroll you estimated at the start of the policy to the actual payroll paid during the year. If actual payroll exceeded the estimate, you’ll owe additional premium. If it came in lower, you may receive a refund. Audits also review class-code assignments. Common audit findings that increase premium: overtime improperly included in straight-time payroll, subcontractor labor without proper certificates of insurance, owner/officer compensation not properly excluded or included, and bonuses or commissions added to base payroll. We help clients prepare records before the audit so it goes smoothly and accurately.