Landscape Gardening workers comp rate in Utah
The filed workers comp rate for class code 0771 N (Landscape Gardening) in Utah is $0.130 per $100 of payroll. On $500,000 of payroll, that is roughly $650 in base premium.
Workers comp rules in Utah affecting code 0771 N
Utah uses NCCI for workers comp rate setting. Coverage is mandatory once an employer crosses the threshold of Mandatory for employers with one or more employees..
Subcontractor coverage in Utah
General contractors are generally responsible for ensuring subcontractors carry workers' compensation insurance; otherwise, the general contractor may be liable for injuries to the subcontractor's employees.
Owner-exclusion rules for code 0771 N
Utahallows business owners to file an election excluding themselves from workers comp coverage. Excluding $80,000 of owner payroll at $0.130 saves $104 per year.
1099 contractor handling
Individuals classified as independent contractors (1099) are generally not covered by workers' compensation, but their classification can be challenged based on specific employment control tests.
Penalty for failing to carry coverage
Employers failing to carry required workers' compensation insurance may face fines, civil penalties, and potential criminal charges, and are directly liable for injured employee benefits.
Audit window after policy expiration
After your policy expires, Utah's rating authority allows within 90 days of policy expiration for a premium audit. Code 0771 N payroll discovered late can result in additional premium owed. Maintain segregated payroll records for at least the audit window plus one year.
Ways to lower your premium for code 0771 N in Utah
Most employers paying for code 0771 N could reduce annual premium by 10-30% by applying one or more of the levers below. Each is grounded in Utah-specific rules where applicable.
- Experience modifier (EMR): A 0.85 EMR (well-managed) cuts $0.130 to $0.111 per $100, saving roughly $98 on a $500K payroll. A 1.25 EMR (loss-burdened) inflates it to $0.163. Build a lower EMR by reducing claim frequency (every claim hurts the modifier even if dollar cost is small).
- Schedule credits: Utah permits up to 25% schedule credit at underwriter discretion. At $0.130, a 7% credit lowers your effective rate to $0.121 per $100.
- Deductible plans: Per-claim or aggregate deductibles ($1K-$10K typical) cut premium 5-15%. Best fit when historical claim count is low.
- Reclassify payroll: Code 0771 N may be applied too broadly. If a portion of payroll is genuinely clerical and properly segregated, that portion can be reported as code 8810 (clerical) at $0.10-$0.30 per $100.
- PEO or staff leasing: A Professional Employer Organization can pool your code-0771 N payroll with similar businesses in Utah, often securing better blended rates than your standalone EMR can achieve.
- Dividend or retro plans: Some carriers offer participating policies that return a dividend if your loss ratio stays below a target. Best for employers with predictably good loss experience.
- Wrap-up policy for projects: For larger code-0771 N operations (especially construction), an OCIP or CCIP wrap can consolidate coverage at lower aggregate cost.
Common claim drivers in agriculture affecting code 0771 N
Rate filings for code 0771 N reflect what actually drives claim cost for this occupation across NCCI's national experience and Utah's state-specific loss data. The largest drivers behind the $0.130 rate are typically:
- Musculoskeletal strain. Lifting, twisting, and repetitive motion are the most-common claim type across industries.
- Slips, trips, and falls. Floor and surface incidents account for 15-25% of typical workplace injuries.
- Struck-by objects. Falling and moving objects produce significant medical-only and indemnity claims.
Targeting these in your safety program produces the largest EMR improvement. Most claim-frequency reductions come from controls on the top two drivers above; severity reductions require return-to-work programs and aggressive medical management.
FAQ
What is the workers comp rate for code 0771 N in Utah?
The filed workers comp loss cost or rate for NCCI class code 0771 N in Utah is $0.130 per $100 of payroll.
How much would I pay on $500,000 payroll?
At $0.130 per $100, $500,000 yields a base premium of $650 before EMR and schedule credits. With an EMR of 0.85, effective rate is $0.111; with 1.25, it is $0.163.
Where else can I see code 0771 N?
UT has the cheapest filed rate ($0.130) and NV the highest ($0.570). Utah sits at the 6th percentile across 16 peer states.
Can I get a schedule credit on code 0771 N in Utah?
Utah permits up to 25% schedule credit. At $0.130, a 10% credit lowers effective rate to $0.117 per $100.
Can I exclude myself from code 0771 N coverage in Utah?
Yes. Utah allows business owners to file an election excluding themselves from workers comp coverage on their own payroll.