Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 19, 1999 04:55pm | #1

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   Off the top of my head, I don't know what percent I pay for worker's comp. I do believe that whatever it is, that it is estimated and you get a refund at the end of the year depending on how many claims and what payroll ends up being. I believe it is based on those two things.

   Pete Draganic

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   Guest_ | Apr 19, 1999 07:15pm | #2

   *Here in THE GREAT NORTHWEST we pay so much per hour, depending on the type of work. Framing and roofing are the highest (4/hr?) and woodproducts manufacturing is the cheapest (.70/hr). We used to have one that was great for remodelers, kind of a "general carpentry" that was mid-priced (like 1.40/hr) but the state cut that one out a couple years ago.You must have a Department of Labor + Industries there. They should be able to hook you up. - yb

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   Guest_ | Apr 19, 1999 07:33pm | #3

   *Midwest for a maintenance type person on residential buidlings it is about $3.50/$100 with a 750 per year minimum. This in is Wisconsin.Dennis

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   Guest_ | Apr 19, 1999 07:41pm | #4

   *Terry, You should have a state compensation insurance agency. Or talk to your ins. agent, they should point you to who is cheaper, a private company or the state. Here in Colorado,In my first year of work comp. I pay 14% of my payroll. I Don't have insurance on myself since I am an officer of my corp. I can elect to do this, in my state, yours could differ.They do audit you to see if you were within the guidelines of payroll that you laid out in your application.Was it worth it? I think contactors that seek me out for jobs are more willing to use me because of this reason. Plus I feel much more at ease knowing that its there if any of my men need it.I frame, side, interior trim, and do a little remodeling. All residential stuff. Sorry about the dry, long message but I'm out the door! Hope this helps. Matt

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 19, 1999 10:41pm | #5

   *Terry, If your entire workforce is composed of subcontractors, they probably have their own workman's comp policies and you don't even need it. This probably varies from state to state, but many contractors I know that operate like this just collect the certificates of coverage from the subs before they set foot on the job. Where we work, you can't collect workman's comp benefits on yourself, so in a simple operation like you have , it is a total waste of money unless you are hiring yourself out to somebody else and must provide proof of coverage for your own workers.

2. 
   ChrisT | Apr 20, 1999 02:54am | #6

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   Pete is correct about the basis. Some states have Contractor "Rates". I have heard of Assigned Risk, Voluntary, Self-Insured and Supplemental policy types. A combination of your exposure (payroll), losses (claims), history (how long covered), classes (type of work being performed) any special programs (can be good or bad in terms of cost to you) and your policy type will determine your rate factor(multiplier the carrier must use in calculating your premium). Some states do generate premium amounts (how much you pay) but do not know which ones. Wish I could help more with how to get a better rate. The history window I am familiar with looks at policies between 21 and 57 months old to help determine your rate factor.

   Chris

3. 
   Guest_ | Apr 20, 1999 06:08am | #7

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   Terry....

   join your local builders association..the $200 bucks U spend will get U good contacts in the biz,, and several insurance companies that specialize in WC for builders... make sure U get certificates of insurance from your subs or you will have to pay WC for their work when you get audited... here in indiana... rates go from 1% for clerical workers to 25% for roofers, steelworkers.. my trade, residential carpentry with my experience rating is now 9% ... all % are of gross payroll....no materials

   find a good agent and have him educate you in what you need so you are covered but not overpaying....

   E

4. 
   RF | Apr 20, 1999 06:14am | #8

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   15+% for drywall employees in WV ,too expensive to cover myself so I'm not allowed to get hurt.

5. 
   Terryf | Apr 20, 1999 06:16am | #9

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   Who can explain the in's and outs of workmans comp. I seem to be getting quotes that are all over the board. I run some framing, trim and drywall crews who I pay as subcontractors here in Georgia.
   It would also be interesting to see what % everyone is paying for their respective trade.

   Thanks Terry

6. 
   Guest_ | Apr 20, 1999 06:16am | #10

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   Terry here in MD. I pay 6% of gross payroll with no claims in the last five years.Think about if you have a small claim about paying the bill out of pocket.