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       ISSUE # 18  

FEBRUARY 1 9 9 7       

Insurance & Risk Management Ideas Made Simple in Two Minutes

WORKERS COMPENSATION    - 1997 A GOOD NEWS YEAR

New Loss Costs
effective I/1/97, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has issued new loss costs in Nebraska.  These new loss costs represent an   "average" reduction of  10.8% from 1996. Keep in mind, this is an   "average" reduction.

Some classes have increased:

Printing (#4299) is up 9%
Sign MFG & erection (#9552) is up 13%.

Some big reductions:

Auto Parts Store (#8046) down 28%
Cabinet Works (#281 2) down 19%
Outside Sales (#8742) down 17%

If you want an idea on what your next renewal will look like! Call us and we can give you a quick estimate.

Lower Loss Cost Factors
As you know, under the new system in Nebraska, each insurance company files their own loss cost factors to be applied to the above loss costs (this is their markup for expenses and profits).  Many companies are lowering this markup as well.  The most competitive companies have filed factors of 3.5% to 9%. In 1996, these were in the 6.5% to 15% range. Therefore, Nebraska employers will see a double discount from 1996 pricing (loss costs & factors).

Dividend Plans Abound

Employers with a good loss history, safety program, and experience modifiers less than 1.00 should have little problem in getting a dividend plan endorsed to their work comp policy in 1997.  A dividend plan allows the insured to share in the profits of the insurance company.  Depending on the size of your premium, these plans can return up to 15-20% or more if you keep your claims low.

Managed Care

Some insurance companies are doing an excellent job and others are seeing the benefit of managing claims and reducing their ultimate costs.  This will benefit your future premiums by impacting your experience modifier and your potential dividends.  When choosing your insurance carrier, consideration should be given to their expertise in managed care.  Call us for more specific information.

Experience Modification Worksheets

The NCCI is now sending these worksheets directly to you, the employer.  You should receive this information about 3o days prior to your renewal.  This is useful info and should be reviewed for accuracy.  In addition, the NCCI sends along a release letter for employers to authorize the NCCI to share this information with anyone who requests. it.  We strongly recommend that employers  do not sign this release.   These worksheets contain confidential information regarding your payrolls and claim history.  If needed, you can approve release of this information as needed.

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