CompWise Retro - Questions & Answers
What is a workers' compensation Retrospective Rating (Retro) Program?
Retrospective Rating (Retro) is a program offered by sponsoring organizations through the Department of Labor &
Industries (L&I). Retro provides the potential for employers to receive a refund on standard premium paid to L&I.
AWB’s program, called AWB CompWise, is currently available to manufacturing firms, temporary employment agencies and
service, retail, wholesale companies. AWB CompWise allows employers with superior claims experience to "pool" together.
"Pooling" a group together dramatically improves participants' refund potential while minimizing the possibility of an
assessment. In addition, the program offers proactive claims management, safety training and education along with
management information reporting.
Why join the AWB CompWise Retro program?
You may be eligible to receive a return on the workers' comp. premiums you pay to L&I. Retro programs can also help you
improve workplace safety, reduce claim costs and lower your experience factor.
Last year, the AWB CompWise Retro Program returned nearly $2 million to its members.
Who can join the AWB CompWise Retro Program?
At this time, CompWise offers groups for manufacturers, service companies, retailers, wholesalers and the temporary
employment industry. Qualifying members must also meet underwriting criteria and be a member of AWB.
What factors help control costs and ensure group success?
Group size: The larger the group, the more predictable the performance. By pooling risk, employers are generally able to
realize substantially larger returns while reducing the downside risk over individual Retro programs.
Participants: Qualifying members will be screened to ensure that they meet the performance criteria for the group. By
regulating the quality of performance for each participant, the probability for a larger return increases.
Effective claims management: Your company will benefit from proactive claims management services provided by leading
third party administrators, CompManagement, Inc.
CompWise Retro Program services include:
- Effective loss control
- Proactive claims management to lower costs
- Useful management information
- Timely access to workers' compensation experts when you need help
