Workers Comp FAQ
It's a jungle out there and we know it. We are also aware that with so many insurance brokers out there telling you so many different stories that sometimes it's hard to sort out fact from fiction. Here's a list of the most frequently asked questions compiled by our insurance specialists here at ASC Insurance Services. If you can think of a question we haven't listed here, shoot us an email at info@ascca.com so we can answer it for you and add it this list to maybe help another customer out.
ASC Insurance Services
Using Services of InterWest Insurance Services, Inc.
3636 American River Drive, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95864
ASC Insurance Services License #0D35073
InterWest License #0B01094
Phone: Toll Free (866) 923-7767
Fax: (916) 979-7992
How much coverage do I really need?
What does Workers' Comp insurance cover?
Why do I need it?
What do I need in order to get a quote from ASC Insurance Services?
Do I have to be a member of ASCCA to buy insurance from you?
What are loss runs?
How do I get loss runs?
What happens when I give you my quote form?
How long can I expect to wait to hear back?
What does it mean to be blocked from a market? How does it happen?
What companies do you place coverage with?
Can they refuse to quote my insurance?
What can I do if nobody will issue coverage? What about SCIF?
What is a broker as opposed to "going direct?"
Can I use my local broker to work with ASC Insurance Services?
What is a final audit?
When do I need to start preparing for the next years renewal on my
coverage?
Can I switch carriers mid-year?
How can I lose my coverage?
Can I get cancelled for filing a claim?
Can I get coverage again once I have been cancelled for non-payment or
some other reason?
How much coverage do I really need?
All employees must be covered as well as all officers that don't own stock.
What does Workers' Comp insurance cover?
Any work related injury.
Why do I need it?
Because by law you can't operate a business in the State of California without it.
What do I need in order to get a quote from ASC Insurance Services?
ASCIS quote request sheet (here is our online copy) and four years currently valued loss runs.
Do I have to be a member of ASC to buy insurance from you?
No. ASCCA is a full partner in this agency and if you are related to the automotive industry in any way we of course urge you to join ASCCA. However, this agency is a full service brokerage and can sell to any markets we wish.
What are loss runs?
Record of any loss or claim that has been filed OR a letter from your carrier that states that you have not had any workers comp related losses.
How do I get loss runs?
From your current agent or direct from the company you were with at the time.
What happens when I give you my quote form?
After receiving all the necessary information we will market your account to the appropriate carriers.
How long can I expect to wait to hear back?
Depending on the month usually within a week (excluding July and October) we will know what your rate and premium will be.
What does it mean to be blocked from a market? How does it happen?
Another agent has already submitted your business information to that carrier for a quote which prevents us from getting a quote for you.
What companies do you place coverage with?
Main carriers are Preferred Employers, Everest National, Reliance, Clarendon, Safeco, Employers Insurance and State Fund.
Can they refuse to quote my insurance?
Yes, every carrier has the right to decline coverage.
What can I do if nobody will issue coverage? What about SCIF?
SCIF requires that we have three declinations from other carriers refusing to quote your business before they will offer to review for a quote.
What is a Broker as opposed to "going direct?"
Contacting your local agent verses calling the ASCIS office direct.
Can I use my local broker to work with ASC Insurance Services?
No, only brokers that are appointed with ASCIS may be used.
What is a final audit?
Total actual payroll for the year-vs-estimated payroll. You will either have some money returned to you by your carrier if you overestimated or you will owe the carrier a "balloon payment" at the end if you underestimated.
When do I need to start preparing to apply for next years coverage?
Three (3) months prior to renewal - order your loss runs and get your renewal payroll information together.
Can I switch carriers mid year?
Yes, you have the right to cancel your policy at any time, however your current carrier has the right to charge you a short rate penalty which can be up to 10% of your unused premium. Also, right now there are no markets that are willing to look at an account "mid-term."
How can I lose my coverage?
Non-payment, late payment, non-reporting of payroll information, withholding pertinent underwriting information.
Can I get cancelled for filing a claim?
Yes and No. Your policy can be non-renewed at your next annual renewal date (which amounts to a de-facto cancellation), but not cancelled mid-year.
Can I get coverage again once I have been cancelled for non-payment or some other reason?
Right now your only option will be State Fund. After one full year of coverage with them we can review the account for remarketing elsewhere.
