I give -5 STARS!!! THE WORST COMPANY EVER!! AVOID THEM AVOID THEM!! I have been with AU for 2 years now and it has been a total nightmare!!! i tried to get my EDD balance as well as how much they are charging me for payroll service i called and after rude and almost imposible customer service, long holds, and transfers between one another, NOTHING!!! THEY SAID THAT THEY COULDNT GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION!!! i asked them why? and said that that information is mine by right, i should know whats going on with my account and were my money is going because they are very EXPENSIVE, they said and i quote " yeah... so... no i cant give you any infomation..." i was beyond enraged, I told them that i was not happy with their service and they said nothing not even a sorry!!! i couldnt belive the shadiness of these people, i hope i can get away from this company soon and go to a better one, i hope nobody has to deal with them ever... read more

1) They do not save money 2) They consider the fax machine essential for communication 3) Sometimes the payroll does not get done or is done improperly 4) Their workforce is unmotivated. Luckily I haven't had a claim against their workers' compensation insurance as I do not think that would go smoothly. You can't go wrong picking another company. read more

I have been with this company for over 3 years and they are HORRIBLE. When I first started with them they made claims they were moving into this century but that was a lie. The employees at Applied don't even have access to email. Everything is done by hand on the employer end and faxed in like it is 1990. Not one person is accountable. The employees will tell you they do not have supervisors if you ask to talk to them. A client paying this kind of money for WC and payroll services should not have to follow up with them on everything from garnishments to direct deposit forms submitted and not processed. They seem like a good deal at first but they do not stop charging the amount for some of the employer paid taxes that should be capped out when an employee hits 7k...they keep charging it throughout the year. I would not recommend this company to an enemy. Instead of making your life easier they do the exact opposite. read more

The workers comp from this company is a sort of a trap. They provide reasonable claim service, but they will hold onto deposit and premium refunds owed you for years and years. In short, AU uses numerous approaches to over-collect on your monthly premium-- you put down high deposits, you pay monthly premiums based on their arbitrarily high estimates of your claims (not your actual claims) and apparently (based on at least one current lawsuit) they demand final premium payments in the last month of the 3-year contract that are huge, based on jacking up reserves on open claims into the stratosphere. These are not small numbers. At the end of three years on my contract, they will have collected and held nearly $150,000 in deposits alone, and this does not include the extra premiums they have collected that are likely due back to me some day. Yes, they owe all this back. Most of us who buy insurance are used to audits with return premiums a few months after a policy expires. So that is the normal expectation I had. Now I found out they will hold my money for the entire 3-year term, and likely for years after that. In fact, from my reading they have no contractual commitment on how soon they will repay you. It can be years and years. This is all a game to find ways to get you to overpay advance premiums today and then hold on to them as long as possible so they can invest the money. I would encourage you to read the fine print of the reinsurance agreement that governs all this, but it is unreadable, using terms even experienced insurance professionals have never seen elsewhere. I encourage you to do what I failed to do -- if you don't understand it, don't sign it! UPDATE: I finally got an answer from Applied Underwriter's customer service. They said two things 1) They confirmed that there is not deadline in the contract mandating that they return your money in any specific timeframe; and 2) That the typical customer gets their money back in 3-7 years after the contract ends. Realize that this means any deposits you put down when you sign the 3 year contract will not come back to you for 6-10 YEARS! By the way, beware that Applied will offer you "teaser rates" that look very attractive. Study the rate charts though. These rates go up exponentially - not linearly - with even the first few dollars of claims such that in any reasonable set of circumstances you will likely be paying much closer to the max rather than the min rates. Postscript: Note that Applied Underwriters has written me a letter threatening to sue me unless I take down this review. Update 7-11-16: Applied Underwriters (AU) followed through on their threats to file suit against me for my posts, claiming they were defamatory. I hired an attorney who filed a motion to dismiss the claims, asserting among other things, that my statements were opinion and were protected by the First Amendment. However, the Court found that the manner in which my statements were made "could" be considered statements of fact and not mere opinions. As a result, the Court ruled that the case could go forward and denied my motion. I am happy to report, however, that AU and I have resolved our differences and the case is being dismissed. In the meantime, I have worked and will continue to work with AU on trying to better understand the program. While I continue to believe that the terms were not clearly explained to me during the sales process and that there is an unknown factor regarding my deposits that AU decides, I do have a better understanding of my program and my hope is that it will continue to work as they claimed. I still do not know when I am going to get the return of my deposits, if at all, but I will wait and see as it depends on my claims during the life of the program. But, more importantly, they provided me with workers' compensation insurance when no other alternative was available, which allowed me to stay in business. My final word on this issue is that whenever you are procuring insurance, regardless of whether it is from AU or another company, take the time to understand the program and get a broker who will work with you to answer any questions you may have. read more

Company will not divulge method of raising premiums, no rhyme or reason. Our claims are lower at 82% mode rate, yet major increase as we approach end of 3 year contract. Our broker has told that Applied has never returned any money to their clients. read more

I have to say I've been really happy with applied underwriters their Solution one payroll system works great for us. It took a little getting used to at first but there's an overall simplicity to it that other payroll companies can't provide. We haven't had any issues with the workers comp. Rates seem pretty fair and cross your fingers we haven't had any claims In the past few years. The reason I'm writing a post is that I wanted a way to say thank you to the rep that I worked with the other day on an issue I had with my payroll Nicole did a really good job and I hope that she get promoted (but stays on my account) thanks Nicole! read more

Outstanding Service, don't know what all the fuss is about the negative reviews. They are on top of everything, and saved me a ton! read more

I have only begun working with Applied Underwriters for my payroll services. I am a smaller company and it took me a while to realize that the one thing holding me from my own growth was "payroll" all the paper work, taxes and all the other items that come with business growth. Last year I decided to start setting things up for growth. I was able to hire Applied Underwriters to help me with those payroll services. We are 5 months in and things look good. The process of setting it all up was actually pretty easy. So for that I give them 4 out of 5 stars. I will be back in the future should anything change this review. read more

Very difficult to work with. Their methods are very outdated - who fills out payroll sheets by hand anymore? Very poor customer service. I would avoid at all costs. read more

RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN! This is not a real company, it is a complete scam that should be shut down by the government for it's illegal and super sneaky business practices! They refuse to help you with any issues you call them with, except to tell you to read your statement or proposal. They add it SUBSTANTIAL HIDDEN FEES that you have no way of arguing because the only response you get is "I apologize" and than when you ask to speak to a higher up, they tell you that they aren't available. It is a well oiled scam machine that you should avoid at all costs. It really should be illegal to operate in this manner. They also put super specific language in their contract that prohibits you from taking any course of action against them if things go sour, as they know they will almost immediately. How convenient. Total SCAM! read more

I'm a broker and use Applied on a daily basis. They are very quick to respond and provide a great product. I think most negative reviews come from not fully understanding the product prior to binding an account. Don't be afraid to ask questions they are great about explaining every aspect. read more

Worse payroll company ever. They are rude and have no clue what they are doing! You send in a payroll and they call on everything even when you spell it out! Glad my company went with someone else. Believe all the bad reviews!!! Worst company read more

Great experience with applied underwriting team! The bobble head Dog is amazing! Two thumbs up!!!!!

Applied Underwriters is the best! So nice and caring, with people who really truly care about you. If I didn't have applied underwriters, I don't know where I'd be! read more

This company is the worst of all that I have had to deal with, AU took $10,000 form my checking account with out me being aware it, they sent an email that I missed about the withdrawal, no phone call no text but they would call me if I didn't cross a t or dot an i, I was bouncing check all over the place until we figured it out. They told me I was in a pool and that I could do nothing about it, I had a lawyer look at it and he said I was F****d, I signed a contract with them and didn't realize I was in this dirty pool, and I still don't see it if I read it over and over again. This is fraud and this has to stop, every one wants to rip you off and scam you these days and AU tops the charts. I got scammed by this company and because of that I no longer can afford to stay in business, after doing this for almost 40 years this was the straw that broke the camels back This is defiantly a criminal act and they should be held accountable for it. read more

I also only give them 1 star to post this rating. Why can't we give negative starts? They would have about 5,000 negative if I could. This is only a BRIEF summary... 1) They are still using DOS programs. That says a lot. They will not be able to give you ANY reports you might need. They have NO flexibility. 2) I must provide them a hand-written report for them to prepare payroll. 3) They will provide a report, then, when called to get it again, say that it is not possible to provide that report. They say they "know their system well" and know absolutely that it is just not possible to provide such a report. And yet, they did. The right hand has no idea what the left hand can do/did. REALLY FRUSTRATING. 4) When we were ready to toss them, they lowered the workers oomp rate, got out business, then TRIPLED the payroll processing fee. Yes, TRIPLED. That made the net effect of making up all and more of a higher workers comp rate. Watch out for this! 5) I could go on for another hour but need to get to work trying to sort out these stupid reports they provided that are different from those received prior but they can't figure out why. read more

I work with a company that has had to use their workers comp on a couple of occasions for employees being injured and everything went great with them. They recommended that I check them out. I signed my small company up for their all in one program. I actually love that they do both workers comp and payroll. I have had no problems with them so far. read more

THE WORST - stay away at all costs. No real issues with their workers comp side of the business, but absolutely the WORST payroll service. Must use payroll service in order to obtain their workers comp coverage. If they can screw something up, they will. Takes no responsibility for their mistakes. I will NEVER use their "service" again. read more

Very deceptive company - consumer beware! Applied Underwriters lures clients with very low worker comp rates but requires that they use their payroll service. AU refuses to disclose what the Administrative fees by stating they are bundled with the Composite Rate. The AU agent verbally told me the fees should run between 1-2% of the payroll & I believed him. When the end of the year came around I asked AU what the Administrative fees had been and they still refused to disclose the amount we had paid. Using our own math it was over 3% of our payroll!!! One AU agent admitted we were correct but we were still stonewalled as we had nothing in writing - AU's whole strategy to deflect & deceive & profit. read more

Promised amazing savings on our workers comp ins. HAD to use them for payroll tho. Many mistakes made. Takes forever to get information or paperwork requested. Terrible customer service response. And with all the "hidden" fees, it doesn't appear we are saving what we were promised on the workers comp after all. I would not recommend. read more

Wouldn't renew for free! This is by far the worst payroll& workers company there is. I will save you all some time and fill you in, they quote you with low rates, then add A LOT of hidden fees in with payroll. They file your federal reports under THEIR federal ID number and then make it mandatory for your employees to receive disability through them and not the state. So many surprises once you sign up with them. Also, as the employer, any time I needed reports I got the run around. I should not have to explain why I need my own payroll information and reports that were filled on behalf of my company. Any positive reviews that this company receives is either from an agent that does not deal directly with them the way that an employer does or someone that doesn't understand there statements and just signs off your employees state disability rights. In the end, I don't even think I saved any money. read more

I would give them 0 stars if that were an option. AU lures you in with the promise of lower WC rates, and then forces you to use their payroll service. At the end, when you add the payroll fees, the "this fee" and the "that fee", you end up paying way more than what you were quoted. They will not give you a detailed break-down of their fees, so it is really hard to get a clear picture of what it is you are actually paying. It took us two years to figure out how much we were really paying, and when the renewal quote came in this year, we were tempted to continue with them because what they quoted us still was the lowest. But don't be fooled - when all is said and done, you will pay the same if not more than if you had gone with another carrier that gives you a break-down upfront. In the two years we were with AU, we had to deal with dozens of different reps, account managers, etc, most of them were rather rude, and any time there was a problem, nobody would take responsibility. I would discourage anyone from falling into their trap... read more

Very poor company to deal with. This company causes problems. They cannot tell you what they paid to the IRS or EDD on your behalf. Would never trust them with my insurance again or an agent that recommends them. This company is very much like the Obama administration - no "transparency" whatsoever -- not a good thing for a small business and their taxes. read more

Do not go with this company!!! They are THIEVES! They hook you with low workers' comp rates, only to find out that they charge an astronomical amount for payroll service (which is part of the deal). All of their fees are masked by one rate which they WILL NOT break down for you, and trust that I have been VERY persistent and have gotten nowhere.Their customer service will not work with you to solve your problems, they throw their contract in your face at every turn. They have overcharged our company THOUSANDS and we have a relatively small payroll. GO WITH PAYCHEX. read more

They don't deal well with problems which they tend to create as they don't seem to know what they are doing on multi state payroll issues. Then when they know you are upset and expecting a correction to the problem, they ignore you and make you chase after them. Poor customer service when mistakes are made, as they are frequently. read more

This company completed our company's payroll for 3 years. Once contract was up we were never in such a hurry to leave them. They claim to save you money, but really don't. They simply charge you less to make you think you're paying less, but in actuality are tallying the amount you actually do owe and will hit you with the bill the second you try to leave them. They've been trying to get $ back from us since 2012 for $9k and it's at $11k now. When the bill first arrived we called with the concern for the purpose. Not to mention the bill came 4 months after our contract ended. They stated that this was the extra $ that we "would" have had to pay if not for their savings. Can you believe that? When asked what our rate was and what the rate actually is they had no information. They could never tell you rates, etc. They just take your money and show no record for what apparently. Everything is a secret. Then when you leave you actually owe money. Bogus. Payroll was always done with little issues, but the company itself is beyond immoral and honest. Our books are a mess as well. read more

I have been with Applied Underwriters for 3 years and the contract just ended. They want into our checking account and literally helped themselves to $70,000 more than they were entitled to for the final premium. This is the second time they have done this. trying to get an explanation or escalate to senior management is virtually impossible. I wonder if Warren Buffet realizes what a joke this place is. I can't wait to report them to the New York State Insurance Board read more

I think everyone needs to be duly warned that the worker's comp program through Applied Underwriters profit sharing pool is a really bad idea. We have finally finished our three year contract with them, and wanted to find out about that "great" profit sharing check I might get. I was told that I won't know if I get money back until after all the worker's comp claims in that pool are finished being paid. When pressed for a time line, the account manager said that he couldn't be certain, but if he were to venture a guess, it could be anywhere from three to seven years from now. And the kicker is, they may come back to me to collect more money if someone else has continuing claims and the pool runs out of money. This is after having no claims for our own company at all in the last three years. I also think that the initial price quote is incredibly misleading since they don't include all the extra charges that are usually included with a traditional worker's comp policy. Not to mention the exorbitant charges to do the payroll processing. The low rate doesn't last, and locking in a 3 year contract gives them carte blanche to raise rates, and you have no opportunity to shop for a better rate. I also had to pay in an initial deposit of about $1000 that I thought I would get back, since they got all my charges on time, but no, I will not be getting that back either. Run away, as fast as you can. read more

I had my W/C policy with AU for three months. They dropped me without notice because I was late paying them (by about 3 days) on 3 occasions. They completely jeopardized my operation and forced me to shut down for a while until I got a new W/C policy. They gave me zero warning that they were dropping me. Now they claim I owe them an early cancellation fee of over $3,000.00. Avoid these guys like the plague. Terrible company. read more

I agree with Dannie D. Applied Underwriters is the WORST "payroll service" company. They are constantly making mistakes, missing checks, missing deductions..........it's as if they don't know how to process a payroll. The phone reps are extremely rude and don't care if they've messed anything up. I can never get tax information from them and all correspondence requests are ignored. Additionally they will only take your payroll reporting via FAX! There's no online platform or even email. AVOID THIS COMPANY AT ALL COSTS!!!! read more

This is by far the worst company i have ever delt with in my professional and personal life. No complaints really with workers comp but the payroll company that is mandatory to use is TERRIBLE! the customer service is terrible, they are always late. Constantly making mistakes. Any "savings" you might recieve are not worth the hassle that this company brings. Not to mention with all the hidden fees there are no savings at all. Cannot even express in words how terrible this company was, We made the mistake of switching and within 1 month switched back to USA Payroll. I would not reccommend this company to my worst enemy. read more

This is the WORSE company!! promised lots of savings gave a quote that ended up being a lot hire when had agreed on a certain price. Took a while for them to do our payroll and when they did the charged a ridiculously amount of money and of course every bill had hidden charges. They do not want to answer to any problem by email only by phone which makes you wonder are they hiding something. you ask for explanation of the charges and they dont provide them. Their customer service is terrible and after canceling their services they still take money from your account without authorization. Be careful if you come across this company stay away from them if you dont want to end up losing money. I would definitely not recommend this awful company. read more

Heed the bad reviews. We used the company starting in 2005 and finished with them in 2008. For the record it was Applied Underwriters who decided they no longer wanted our business as contractors were apparently too high risk. We never had a claim. To this day they are still trumping up and trying to collect premiums. In 20 years in business I have never seen anything like it. If we didn't block our corporate account, they would still try to debit it 7 YEARS LATER. STAY FAR, FAR AWAY!! read more

Mike C. Our company completed a 3-year policy with AU on 3/31/15. Like other reviewers, we were signed onto to a group policy at what appeared to be a low rate. While we understood that this could increase (or decrease - hah!) we understood this to be a maximum of 25%. When by the end of the policy term the increase was 67% and when we questioned them were told that this was the maximum increase each quarter!. Since we were near the end we just put up with it. Our company had zero claims against this 3 year policy for which we paid in over $130,000.00. Today we get a debit notification that they are taking (stealing) $11,287.00 from our account. When we called we were told this was due to claims (apparently by others) that came in after the fact for the 3 year period. One of the reasons we switched to this company & their payroll package was that there would be no more audits resulting in unexpected cash flow hits. So much for that. When I asked the rep on the phone why we got no notice that they would be taking over $11,000 from our account I was told I should have known by reading their unintelligible small print (my words) in the contract. Prior to this our biggest complaint was the lousy "fax it in" payroll service. Often we had to wait by the fax machine hoping the payroll would go through as it often came up busy. Once they claimed not to have received it and when we did not receive the debit notification as usual, we called them since they didn't bother to check on it. We resent to a different number and they did process on time but charged a "late call in fee". Since we never had a W/C claim we don't know how this would have been handled (thank god). Not sure if the Illinois Department of Insurance can be of help but AU can be sure that a complaint will be filed. Not even the IRS just dips into your checking account at will and without notice. Like $130,000.00 with no claims against it wasn't enough. No wonder Buffet is so rich! read more

Read everything Janet M says--she's spot on. Never again--hidden fees, difficult customer service reps, can't get you any info you need. Had to wait out a 3-year contract to ditch them, because if you try to cancel early, they prorate everything and charge tens of thousands of dollars to get out of it. Miserable experience, as this all comes out after the fact. Unless you think of everything and know the exact questions to ask upfront, you will be in for a shock because they hide everything. Why can't I give 0 stars??? read more