Changes to California Workers' Comp May Benefit You

The State California Insurance Fund (SCIF) for workers' compensation announced today that it is increasing rates effective January 1, 2011 by an average of 5.2 percent. At the same time, SCIF announced several other changes that will benefit those who currently use SCIF for their workers' compensation coverage.

While this rate increase is certainly not good news, SCIF has also revised their broker of record policy. Anyone who is insured with SCIF can now transfer their policy to a broker like Western Growers Insurance Services (WGIS) and receive the best of both worlds — the benefits of coverage with SCIF, as well as the service, experience and knowledge of a broker like WGIS. WGIS can provide services not currently provided by SCIF, including special attention to claims management and safety training. 

For SCIF policyholders who don't have the benefit of a broker, it can be difficult to control workers’ compensation claims costs. As a full service broker, Western Growers Insurance Services can help businesses minimize claim expenses so they can lower their experience modification (x-mod) and ultimately reduce their premiums. Western Growers Insurance Services’ safety experts are available to conduct safety training for entire organizations- from management personnel to field workers.  We can help businesses fight fraudulent claims, reduce claims costs and return injured employees back to work.

Previously, many brokers avoided working on SCIF accounts because they would not be compensated for their efforts. With the new rules, businesses can select a broker of record and receive more assistance with their workers’ comp coverage. 

To appoint Western Growers Insurance Services as the exclusive broker of your workers’ compensation policy, complete this broker of record form on your company letterhead and mail it to SCIF.   

If you are interested in more information about how Western Growers Insurance Services can help you manage your workers’ compensation program, or if you would like to discuss any of your property and casualty needs, please contact us.