ABC Retro Program

Associated Builders and Contractors Information

ABC sponsors a retro program that provides four consistent benefits:

• Value - ABC’s program generates company refunds that double the state average with no up-front cost.
• Service - ABC helps remove the time-consuming frustration of dealing with L&I on claims and other workers’ compensation matters.
• Training - ABC provides over 50 free safety training seminars to retro members so you can utilize ABC to train your staff at no cost.
• Safety - ABC employs a full-time Safety Director to provide advice and consultation.

While many associations offer retro programs, none have been more successful than ABC’s because no other program in the state offers a program with the following components:

• No up front cost
• An average refund of nearly 40% over 10 years
• Every participant has received a refund every year
• A continuous customer service survey process to make sure members are getting the services they want and need
• A fully-funded contingency reserve that is not reliant on refund dollars
• Detailed monthly claims reports outlining  your active and closed claims by plan year

As part of ABC and its retro program you can also take advantage of the following safety benefits:

• Every month you will receive the ABC Safety Newsline and a four weeks of Tool Box Talk outlines
• Use ABC's Safety Training & Evaluation Process (STEP) self-evaluation tool to help you rate and improve your safety efforts
• Take your safety program to the next level and become members of the L&I recognized ABC Safety Alliance
• Use ABC’s extensive safety video lending library
• The ABC Safety Committee provides your safety director with a monthly opportunity to meet with and learn from his or her peers.

What Are The Risks?

Retro is not without risk and no refund can be guarenteed by any group. If the group's actuarial adjusted claims exceed the group's retro premiums then the group members may be assessed additional premium, up to a predetermined amount. The ABC assessment is limited to 10% of the members' plan year premium. The likelihood of assessment is low due to the historical loss history of the group; the steps that are taken to eliminate employers who have a history of high losses; the loss control services provided to participants; and the efforts that are taken to control costs once a claim occurs.

For more information on ABC Retro, contact Heather Johnson at hjohnson@ernwest.com or (800) 433-7601 ext. 17.