Contractors FAQ

What is WorkersFirst CompFund?
How is WorkersFirst CompFund regulated?
Has WorkersFirst consistently paid dividends?
How are claims handled?
Does WorkersFirst offer a safety program?
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 my company for Workers Compensation Insurance Coverage?
Do you write new ventures?
What type of businesses do you write?
Do you have a minimum premium?
What are your rates?
What Benefits does Subala Offer?
Who is the Sponsoring Association?
Can I work Out of State?

What is WorkersFirst CompFund?

WorkersFirst CompFund is the oldest Group Self-Insurance Fund in the State of Alabama. It was established in 1965. We provide Workers’ Compensation coverage to artisan trade subcontractors.

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 with 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.

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 $350 - $540 per annum.

How do I submit an account?

Please submit to Emily Sanders or Jennifer Davis
emily@workersfirst.net
205-981-9588 - fax
205-981-9059 - direct phone

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 types of Business' do you write?

WorkersFirst CompFund writes primarily commercial subcontractors 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 Benefits Does SubAla Offer?

SubAla offers a variety of benefits/services to its membership including:
Legislative Representation, education, annual convention, electronic safety library, human resource services, newsletters, discount programs and a workers compensation self-insurance fund. If you would like more information on these benefits, please contact Emily Sanders – 205-981-9059.

Can I work out of state?

WorkersFirst CompFund can provide an incidental out of state policy when needed for a current member of WorkersFirst CompFund who has acquired a temporary job out of state. This can be done quickly, however does require a thorough underwriting process for approval from Midwest Employers Casualty Company. For out of state questions or requests please contact Jennifer Davis, jennifer@workersfirst.net