The California Workers’ Compensation Uniform Statistical Reporting Plan—1995 (USRP) contains an Automotive Industry Group that includes 25 classifications. In an earlier e-newsletter, we reviewed the significant distinctions between four of these automotive classifications that have some overlapping operations: 8389, Automobile or Truck Repair Facilities, 8393, Automobile or Truck Body Repairing and Painting, 8397, Automobile or Truck Transmission Repairing and Rebuilding, and 8388, Rubber Tire Dealers. In this edition, we will examine Classification 8390, Automobile, Truck or Van Conversion or Customizing, as this classification includes a blend of automotive operations that, when performed individually, are assignable to separate Automotive Industry Group classifications.

The complete description for Classification 8390 appears in the USRP as follows:

Unlike many Automotive Industry Group classifications, Classification 8390 is not a repair classification for broken or damaged vehicles, but applies to conversion or customizing operations to significantly modify a vehicle. Most vehicles that undergo conversion are in new or undamaged condition.

Classification 8390 specifies that it applies to employers engaged in a combination of mechanical, chassis, body, paint, upholstery and accessory installation work to convert or customize automobiles, trucks or vans. When performed individually, mechanical and chassis work are classified as 8389, Automobile or Truck Repair Facilities, body and paint work are classified as 8393, Automobile or Truck Body Repairing and Painting, upholstery operations are classified as 9522(3), Automobile Upholstering, and accessory installation may be classified as 9516(2), Automobile or Truck Radio, Alarm and Electronic Equipment Installation, Service or Repair, or another Automotive Industry Group classification. Classification 8390 specifies that employers engaged in a single customizing activity shall be assigned to the classification that describes such activity.

The three examples of vehicles that commonly undergo conversion or customizing operations consistent with Classification 8390 are limousines, police cars and ambulances. These are not the only vehicles that may be converted or customized. However, in each of these examples, a standard vehicle will require a combination of mechanical, paint/body, interior upholstery and accessory installation work to achieve conversion to a special purpose vehicle.

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