Understanding Experience Modifiers

January 2, 2025 | Insurance

When it comes to managing workers’ compensation insurance , understanding your Experience Modifier (Ex-Mod) can make a significant difference. This critical metric doesn’t just reflect your business’s safety record—it can also directly impact your insurance premiums. Whether you’re operating in Tempe , Phoenix , Scottsdale , Tucson , Gilbert , or Chandler , learning about Ex-Mods can help you optimize your costs and maintain a safe workplace.

An Experience Modifier is a numerical value used by insurance carriers to adjust your workers’ compensation premiums. It’s calculated by comparing your company’s actual loss history to what’s expected for businesses in your industry. The average Ex-Mod score is 1.0:

Scores below 1.0 indicate better-than-average performance, potentially leading to lower premiums. Scores above 1.0 suggest higher-than-average losses, resulting in increased premiums.

For example, if your Ex-Mod is 0.85, you may pay 15% less for workers’ compensation insurance compared to a company with an Ex-Mod of 1.0.

Your Ex-Mod is determined by a formula that accounts for three primary factors:

Payroll Size: Larger payrolls typically result in a more stable and predictable Ex-Mod. Claim History : Frequency and severity of past claims weigh heavily. Frequent small claims can impact your score more than a single large claim. Industry Standards: Your performance is measured against similar businesses in your industry and region.

The calculation typically uses data from the past three policy years, excluding the most recent year to allow for claim development.

Your Experience Modifier influences your insurance costs significantly. Businesses with lower Ex-Mods enjoy:

Lower Premiums: Improved safety and fewer claims can reduce costs. Competitive Advantage: A good Ex-Mod reflects a safe workplace, which can be appealing to potential clients and employees. Improved Cash Flow: Lower insurance expenses free up resources for other investments.

Conversely, a high Ex-Mod signals increased risk, potentially leading to higher premiums and scrutiny from prospective clients.

Improving your Ex-Mod involves proactive strategies:

Focus on Workplace Safety: Implement rigorous safety protocols to minimize accidents. Invest in Training: Regular employee training reduces the likelihood of errors leading to injuries. Promptly Report and Manage Claims: Address incidents quickly and work closely with your insurance carrier to manage claims efficiently. Return-to-Work Programs: Encourage employees to return to work in light-duty roles as they recover, which can lower claim costs. Partner with a Knowledgeable Insurance Agent : Working with an experienced local agent ensures you’re optimizing coverage and managing costs effectively.

Navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation insurance and managing your Experience Modifier requires expertise. At Riseson Insurance , we specialize in helping businesses in Tempe , Phoenix , Scottsdale , Tucson , Gilbert , and Chandler achieve optimal insurance solutions. Our team can provide personalized strategies to improve your Ex-Mod and reduce your premiums.

Reach out to Riseson Insurance today at 602-460-5470 to get a quote or discuss your workers’ compensation needs. Let us help you protect your workforce while enhancing your bottom line.

What is an Experience Modifier?

How is the Experience Modifier Calculated?

Why Does the Ex-Mod Matter?

How to Improve Your Experience Modifier

Partner with Riseson Insurance

  • Scores below 1.0 indicate better-than-average performance, potentially leading to lower premiums.
  • Scores above 1.0 suggest higher-than-average losses, resulting in increased premiums.
  1. Payroll Size: Larger payrolls typically result in a more stable and predictable Ex-Mod.
  2. Claim History : Frequency and severity of past claims weigh heavily. Frequent small claims can impact your score more than a single large claim.
  3. Industry Standards: Your performance is measured against similar businesses in your industry and region.
  • Lower Premiums: Improved safety and fewer claims can reduce costs.
  • Competitive Advantage: A good Ex-Mod reflects a safe workplace, which can be appealing to potential clients and employees.
  • Improved Cash Flow: Lower insurance expenses free up resources for other investments.
  1. Focus on Workplace Safety: Implement rigorous safety protocols to minimize accidents.
  2. Invest in Training: Regular employee training reduces the likelihood of errors leading to injuries.
  3. Promptly Report and Manage Claims: Address incidents quickly and work closely with your insurance carrier to manage claims efficiently.
  4. Return-to-Work Programs: Encourage employees to return to work in light-duty roles as they recover, which can lower claim costs.
  5. Partner with a Knowledgeable Insurance Agent : Working with an experienced local agent ensures you’re optimizing coverage and managing costs effectively.