Recent California Workers Comp Changes – Do Not Ignore Them
Whether you live in the Golden State or not, some of the recent Workers California Comp changes should not be ignored. Let’s cover two of those today. My attention was pointed towards a statistic presented at the 2025 NCCI Annual Insights Symposium.
12% rate increase
In 2026, Andrea Coleman, WCIRB President and CEO, presented the same concern with a recommendation for a sharp increase in California’s Workers Comp advisory rates. The advisory rates are used by the insurance carriers operating in California as a basis for rate setting.
These rates are advisory, not mandatory. Insurance carriers in CA have their own actuarial and underwriting staff who use the carrier’s loss data to forecast and set what they think will be appropriate.
WCIRB 2026 Annual Conference
Two videos that I highly recommend viewing are these two from the WCIRB. I viewed both of them live as I realized their importance to California and other states. Find them here to see about the recent California Workers Comp changes –
Yes, it is 3.5 hours. Fast forward to the sections you would like to cover. It is worth the time spent. If you cannot spend that length of time, try the next link below on the subject. The WCIRB presenters always do a great job on their videos. Use the two links below to view them.
CT means Cumulative Trauma claims. See the numbers on why the advisory rate – also called pure premium rates was increased sharply. The 12% increase should be a wake-up call to CA employers.
Bottom Line
Even if you do not have California workers comp interests, please remember that what happens in CA could come to your state(s) in the future. Next week, did the CA Insurance Commissioner approve the recommended 12% increase by the WCIRB?
