FAQ
When was WorkersFirst CompFund established?
How is WorkersFirst CompFund regulated?
Has WorkersFirst consistently paid dividends?
How are claims handled?
Does WorkersFirst offer a safety program?
How is WorkersFirst excess insurance structured?
What is SubAla?
Association History
Association Goals
Am I required to be a member of SubAla to buy Workers' Compensation coverage through WorkersFirst CompFund?
What are the membership dues for SubAla?
How do I submit an account?
What is needed on an account to quote?
Do you write new ventures?
What type of accounts do you write?
Do you have a minimum premium?
What are your rates?
What is your commission?
When was WorkersFirst CompFund established?
WorkersFirst CompFund was established in 1965 and is the oldest program of its type in the state
How is WorkersFirst CompFund regulated?
The Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Workers' Compensation is the regulating authority of self-insurance groups in Alabama. WorkerFirst files an annual audited financial report with the department and meets its other regulatory requirements including actuarial reports.
Has WorkersFirst consistently paid dividends?
WorkersFirst's dividend program is arguably the strongest in the state. The Fund has averaged a 41% return of premium to its membership over the last 40 years. WorkersFirst operates as an unincorporated trust and retains only the equity deemed necessary to maintain the financial solvency of the fund. All other unused premiums are declared as dividends to be paid back to the membership, as they are approved to be released. All dividends are approved by the Department of Industrial Relations, auditors, & actuaries of the fund. WorkersFirst has never asked for an assessment of our members. Great care is taken to insure that the financial status of the trust is completely safe before distributing dividends at all times.
How are claims handled?
WorkersFirst partners CCMSI, one of the largest independent TPA's in the country, to provide our claims and other administrative services. We have a team of highly qualified adjustors with over 40 year's experience. We are members of ALAMED - a workers' compensation preferred provider organization, which provides an average medical savings of 11% above & beyond the state fee schedule.
Does WorkersFirst offer a safety program?
Our safety program is fully paid for by our fund, to insure a good safety plan and a safe work place. Our specialty is dealing with sub-contractors in the artisan trades therefore our safety program is tailored for these types of exposures. We also offer an extensive web-based safety library that is provided to the membership at no additional expense.
How is WorkersFirst excess insurance structured?
The Fund is backed by an "A" rated reinsurance company, Midwest Employers Casualty Company, Inc. (Rated A-14), and has been since 1988. Midwest is the reinsurance provider for a large percentage of self insurance funds in the state as well as around the country.
WorkersFirst maintains per-occurrence retention of $400,000 and then buys on additional $2,000,000 through the Alabama Reinsurance Trust Fund. Midwest Employers Casualty Company provides statutory coverage beyond that layer.
What is SubAla?
The Subcontractors Association of Alabama, (SubAla) is the sponsoring association for WorkersFirst CompFund. SubAla is the new name for the Alabama Roofing Sheet Metal Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, (ARSM-HACCA) which was originally named the Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Association of Alabama.
SubAla's services include, but are not limited to:
Government Affairs and Legislative Representation
Education
Human Resource Services
Electronic Safety Library
Annual Convention and Other Events: Industry Awards Banquet, Meet the GCs Expo, Spring Golf Tournament
Discount Program(s)
Quarterly Newsletters
Membership Directory
Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Fund
Association History
The Association recently changed its name from ARSM-HACCA to SubAla, which is the pseudonym for Subcontractors Association of Alabama.
ARSM-HACCA, then RASMHACALA (Roofing and Sheet Metal, Heating, Air Conditioning Association of Alabama) originated in 1958 to have a statewide organization dedicated to the improvement of the roofing, sheet metal, heating and air conditioning industries.
ARSM-HACCA's goals were set forth in its first convention in 1959. It soon grew to represent other subcontracting industries as well as suppliers and manufactures' for these industries. The Association has provided many valuable services to the subcontracting industry since that time, including the formation of the first Alabama workers' compensation self-insured fund in 1965.
SubAla's goals are much the same now as they were in 1959 with RASMHACLA and later with ARSM-HACCA. While the challenges of the industry have changed the purpose and scope of SAA remains constant.
Association Goals
The objectives, purpose and scope of this Association shall be:
The advancement of the sheet metal, heating, ventilating and air conditioning, roofing and other artisan building subcontractor industries through securing the cooperation of the various persons and firms engaged in such businesses, and collecting, correlating and disseminating all information of value to them through the medium of the Association.
To establish and promote higher standards of workmanship, and to establish harmonious and helpful relations among the members and among various organizations with whom said members must correlate their efforts, including such efforts in the field of industrial relations.
To promote through cooperative effort and published facts the standards concerning these businesses with the general public so that the general public will be acquainted with said standards and objectives.
To provide adequate and necessary state representation on behalf of these industries, in dealing with state government agencies, other industry groups and representatives of the public.
To institute, collect and promote studies of present and future issues associated with these industries.
Am I required to be a member of SubAla to buy Workers' Compensation coverage through WorkersFirst CompFund?
Yes, WorkersFirst is an association-backed program. All participating entities are required to maintain an active membership in SubAla.
What are the membership dues for SubAla?
Dues are based on gross sales and range from $368- $567 per annum.
How do I submit an account?
Please submit to Emily Sanders or Jenny Davis
emily@workersfirst.net
205-981-9588 - fax
205-981-9059 - direct phone
jennifer@workersfirst.net
205-981-9588 - fax
205-981-9594 - direct phone
What is needed on an account to quote?
Please submit account with completed Acord application, at least 5 years loss runs, if available, a thorough description of operations, and a current experience mod worksheet.
Do you write new ventures?
We have written new ventures; however they are underwritten very carefully and must come with a reference from a current fund member.
What type of accounts do you write?
WorkersFirst CompFund writes primarily commercial sub-contractors and suppliers of the artisan trades: HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Masonry, Roofing, Mechanical Contractors, Sheet Metal, Drywall, Concrete, and Carpentry, just to name a few.
Do you have a minimum premium?
WorkersFirst has a minimum premium of $10,000 as a rule-of-thumb. However, there are exceptions to this amount, both higher and lower, depending on the type of risk submitted. For instance, an exception may be made for a low-risk supplier to be rated at under $10,000 while a higher risk roofer might be subject to a higher minimum premium.
What are your rates?
We utilize NCCI rates with a loss cost multiplier applied for most class codes. Some class code rates are actuarially calculated. Please call Emily Sanders - 205-981-9059 or Jennifer Davis 205-981-9594 for specific rates.
What is your commission?
Our commission is 10% on new business for the first year and 7-8% thereafter.
