Asbestos Abatement workers comp rate in Virginia
The filed workers comp rate for class code 5473 (Asbestos Abatement) in Virginia is $2.90 per $100 of payroll. On $500,000 of payroll, that is roughly $14,490 in base premium.
Workers comp rules in Virginia affecting code 5473
Virginia uses NCCI for workers comp rate setting. Coverage is mandatory once an employer crosses the threshold of Employers with 3 or more employees, regular or part-time, are required to carry workers' compensation insurance.. The state uses an independent rating bureau rather than NCCI, so rate filings may diverge in methodology from the national NCCI standard.
Subcontractor coverage in Virginia
General contractors are responsible for ensuring that their subcontractors carry workers' compensation insurance or for providing coverage for their subcontractors' employees.
Owner-exclusion rules for code 5473
Virginiaallows business owners to file an election excluding themselves from workers comp coverage. Excluding $80,000 of owner payroll at $2.90 saves $2,318 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 the actual nature of the working relationship.
Penalty for failing to carry coverage
Employers failing to carry required workers' compensation insurance may face civil penalties, fines, and potential criminal charges, and are personally liable for injured workers' medical expenses and lost wages.
Audit window after policy expiration
After your policy expires, Virginia's rating authority allows within 90 days of policy expiration for a premium audit. Code 5473 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 5473 in Virginia
Most employers paying for code 5473 could reduce annual premium by 10-30% by applying one or more of the levers below. Each is grounded in Virginia-specific rules where applicable.
- Experience modifier (EMR): A 0.85 EMR (well-managed) cuts $2.90 to $2.46 per $100, saving roughly $2,173 on a $500K payroll. A 1.25 EMR (loss-burdened) inflates it to $3.62. Build a lower EMR by reducing claim frequency (every claim hurts the modifier even if dollar cost is small).
- Schedule credits: Virginia permits up to 25% schedule credit at underwriter discretion. At $2.90, a 7% credit lowers your effective rate to $2.70 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 5473 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-5473 payroll with similar businesses in Virginia, 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-5473 operations (especially construction), an OCIP or CCIP wrap can consolidate coverage at lower aggregate cost.
Common claim drivers in construction affecting code 5473
Rate filings for code 5473 reflect what actually drives claim cost for this occupation across NCCI's national experience and Virginia's state-specific loss data. The largest drivers behind the $2.90 rate are typically:
- Falls from elevation. OSHA cites falls as the leading construction injury cause; typically 25-35% of code-rate cost.
- Struck-by / caught-between. Vehicle, equipment, and falling-object injuries account for 15-20% of construction claims.
- Cumulative trauma. Back and shoulder injuries from repetitive lifting and overhead work drive long-tail claim costs.
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 5473 in Virginia?
The filed workers comp loss cost or rate for NCCI class code 5473 in Virginia is $2.90 per $100 of payroll.
How much would I pay on $500,000 payroll?
At $2.90 per $100, $500,000 yields a base premium of $14,490 before EMR and schedule credits. With an EMR of 0.85, effective rate is $2.46; with 1.25, it is $3.62.
Where else can I see code 5473?
UT has the cheapest filed rate ($1.09) and NJ the highest ($22.25). Virginia sits at the 24th percentile across 21 peer states.
Is Virginia an NCCI state?
No. Virginia uses an independent rating bureau (NCCI) rather than NCCI, so rate filings may diverge in methodology from the national NCCI standard.
Can I get a schedule credit on code 5473 in Virginia?
Virginia permits up to 25% schedule credit. At $2.90, a 10% credit lowers effective rate to $2.61 per $100.
Can I exclude myself from code 5473 coverage in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia allows business owners to file an election excluding themselves from workers comp coverage on their own payroll.