PA Workers Comp Calculator
Comparison · PA Workers' Comp 2026
High LCM vs. Low LCM — How Carrier Choice Affects Your PA Premium
In Pennsylvania, all workers' comp insurers start from the same PCRB loss costs. The difference in what they charge comes down to one number: the Loss Cost Multiplier (LCM). Carriers file LCMs ranging from around 1.20 to 1.80 — a 50% spread that translates directly into premium savings if you shop aggressively.
LCM 1.30 vs. LCM 1.80 — Feature Comparison
| Feature | LCM 1.30 | LCM 1.80 |
|---|---|---|
| LCM level | 1.30 | 1.80 |
| Premium vs. loss cost | 30% markup | 80% markup |
| $50K payroll, Code 5183 (plumbing) | ~$1,170 | ~$1,620 |
| $250K payroll, Code 5183 | ~$5,850 | ~$8,100 |
| $500K payroll, Code 551 (roofing) | ~$30,550 | ~$42,300 |
| Underwriting selectivity | Higher — wants good risks | Lower — takes all comers |
| Typical examples | Specialty market carriers | SWIF, non-competitive quotes |
Bottom Line
Shopping for the lowest LCM is one of the highest-ROI activities in workers' comp management. A 0.50 LCM difference on a $250,000 manual premium is $125,000 in annual savings. The most effective approach is working with a broker who has access to multiple carriers and actively shops your account each renewal rather than simply rolling it over.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out what LCM my carrier filed in Pennsylvania?
LCMs are public record — they are filed with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Your broker should be able to tell you the LCM your carrier has filed for your class codes. You can also request a copy of your policy's rate pages, which show the loss cost and the applied LCM.
Do LCMs vary by class code within the same carrier?
Yes. Most carriers file different LCMs for different class codes or groups of codes. A carrier may file a very competitive LCM for restaurant workers (where they want to grow) and a high LCM for roofers (where they don't want the risk). This means the best carrier for one industry may not be the best for another.
Can I negotiate the LCM with my workers' comp carrier in PA?
Not directly — LCMs are filed rates and carriers must apply them uniformly. However, carriers can offer schedule credits or debits that function similarly to LCM adjustments. Having a broker who actively negotiates schedule credits at renewal is equivalent to pushing for a lower effective LCM.
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