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Policyholder Ombudsman

Workers' compensation insurance is complex. The rules and the processes involved are prescribed by law and often contain language that is difficult to understand. The Ombudsman is familiar with and can clearly describe the relevant rules and procedures to you.

The Ombudsman can help you obtain, evaluate and understand workers' compensation insurance information pertaining to loss experience, claims, classification assignments, experience modifications and other factors that impact your policy premium. The Ombudsman will also work with you to explain rules and decisions as well as the rights and options of all parties involved.

Ombudsman as Intermediary

If you have a dispute, the Ombudsman can act as an intermediary between you and your insurance company and/or the WCIRB by clarifying the issues and putting you in contact with the appropriate individuals to resolve your dispute.

The objective is to facilitate a resolution of the issues by ensuring that all parties are fully informed and understand each others' positions. The Ombudsman is not permitted to be an advocate for any of the parties involved nor does the Ombudsman have direct authority to implement changes.

Speaking Opportunities

The Policyholder Ombudsman is available to speak to employers and employer associations to help them better understand the workers’ compensation insurance system, in order to prevent issues from arising and to provide information to facilitate dispute resolution.

Policyholder Ombudsman Position

California state law defines the Policyholder Ombudsman's position as an employee of the WCIRB working in an independent associate capacity. The position receives guidance from an oversight committee comprised of an insurer, an employer representative and a representative of the California Department of Insurance, who chairs the committee.

California law established the Office of the Policyholder Ombudsman in Section 11752.6(g) of the Insurance Code.

The Policyholder Ombudsman may facilitate matters for you with the WCIRB or your insurer, but cannot make decisions on behalf of the WCIRB or your insurer. Your contact with the Policyholder Ombudsman does not constitute initiation of any dispute resolution process with the WCIRB or with your insurer. The procedures for resolving disputes with the WCIRB may be found in the California Workers' Compensation Experience Rating Plan—1995California Workers' Compensation Uniform Statistical Reporting Plan—1995Miscellaneous Regulations for the Recording and Reporting of Data—1995 and Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations at Sections 2509.40 et seq.

Contact Information

Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau 
1901 Harrison St., 17th Floor
Oakland CA 94612
Attn: Policyholder Ombudsman

Phone: 415.778.7159
Fax: 415.371.5288
Email: [email protected]

Time Card Recordkeeping Requirements

Learn how to apply rules in the California Workers’ Compensation Uniform Statistical Reporting Plan—1995 (USRP) for recordkeeping, division of payroll and dual wage classifications.

Videos

Time Card and Recordkeeping Requirements

The Standard Classification System: Time Card/Recordkeeping Requirements

Learn about the importance of recordkeeping for the division of payroll and dual wage classifications.
Video Runtime: 13 minutes

Standard Exception Classifications

The Standard Classification System: Standard Exception Classifications

Learn about the classification requirements for Clerical Office Employees, Outside Salespersons and Clerical Telecommuter Employees, as well as the application of the standard exception classifications.
Video Runtime: 14 minutes

Payroll Records not available

California's Experience Rating System: Payroll Records – Not Available

Learn why it's important for the insurance company to conduct an audit, the impact of unaudited payroll on the experience modification and about working with the insurance company to complete the audit.
Video Runtime: 10 minutes

Workers Compensation Dispute Process

Understanding the Workers' Compensation Dispute Process

Gain a better understanding of the WCIRB dispute process, the insurer dispute process and the appeal process. We’ll also discuss some resources to help you navigate the dispute process.
Video Runtime: 12 minutes