Although a private trade association, the WCIRB performs vital public functions. It is the California Insurance Commissioner’s designated statistical agent. As such, the WCIRB collects premium and claims-data from its member insurers and analyzes them to:

• Project statewide workers compensation claim costs and trends
• Evaluate the impact of workers compensation legislation
• Conduct a variety of studies requested by the Commissioner, the state Legislature, or the WCIRB’s member insurers
• Develop and manage rating plans and rating rules, such as the California Uniform Statistical Reporting Plan (“USRP”) and the California Experience Rating Plan (“CERP”). Part of managing these Plans includes issuing rulings on policyholder complaints and appeals pertaining to issues governed by the Plans
• Calculate base rates for each of approximately 500 classifications and recommend them to the Commissioner
• Calculate and issue experience modifications
• Inspect policyholder premises and assign classifications for insurer use in reporting rating data

Despite its broad functions, the WCIRB’s authority is limited. It neither determines premium nor sets policy for its insurer members. Policyholders also have a variety of rights to obtain information from and appeal decisions of the WCIRB.