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WCIRB Releases 2020 Geo Study with Interactive Map

Today, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) released the 2020 WCIRB Geo Study, which underscores regional differences in claim characteristics across California. The web-based interactive map allows you to quickly view key measures across regions.

The study, related exhibits and mapping of nine-digit zip codes to the regions referenced in the study are available in the Research section of the WCIRB website and at the following link:

The study’s key findings include the following:

  • After controlling for regional differences in wages and industrial mix, indemnity claim frequency continues to be significantly higher in the Los Angeles (LA) Basin and significantly lower in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Both medical-legal costs and paid allocated loss adjustment expenses are significantly higher in the Bakersfield and LA Basin regions than in the remainder of the state.
  • The share of open indemnity claims has decreased substantially in all regions since 2013. The largest decreases have been in the LA Basin regions that had the highest initial rates of open indemnity claims. These changes have narrowed regional differences over time.
  • Preliminary estimates indicate significant regional differences in the share of filed claims arising from COVID-19.

WCIRB Research Forum Webinar

The WCIRB will host a free webinar to discuss its 2020 Geo Study. Click on the registration link below to sign up.

2020 WCIRB Geo Study
Thursday, November 19, 2020, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT
Presenters: Dave Bellusci, WCIRB Executive Vice President and Chief Actuary; and Laura Carstensen, WCIRB Vice President, Actuarial Research
REGISTER NOW>

For those unable to attend the live webinar, a recording will be posted in the Research section of the WCIRB website following the event.

November 5, 2020