Class Code 3808
Auto Or Motorcycle Mfg Or Assembling
Class Code 3808 covers employers engaged in the manufacture or assembly of automobiles and motorcycles in California. The WCIRB-approved pure premium rate for Sept 1, 2026 is $4.189 per $100 of payroll — a baseline measure insurers use to price risk for these production operations.
What Class Code 3808 Covers
This classification applies to facilities that fabricate, assemble, or complete passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and their major assemblies. Typical operations include stamped metal forming, welding and brazing of chassis and bodies, engine and transmission installation, final assembly of subassemblies (dash, steering, suspension), wiring harness installation, robotic cell work, and end-of-line testing. It covers both full vehicle manufacturers and contract assemblers who join component systems into completed units. Routine plant departments such as office clerical staff, janitorial, or distinctly coded maintenance shops may be classified under different WCIRB codes and should be reported separately.
Who It Applies To
- OEM auto and motorcycle manufacturing plants (complete vehicle production)
- Contract assemblers that perform final assembly of vehicles or motorcycles
- Tier‑1 assembly plants that marry major systems (engine, transmission, body)
- Production line assemblers, welding cell operators, and robotics technicians
Common Job Duties
- Operating stamping presses, die fitting, and sheet‑metal forming
- Arc, MIG/TIG welding and brazing of frames, bodies, and components
- Mechanical and robotic assembly of engines, transmissions, and drivetrains
- Installation of wiring harnesses, fuel systems, and interior components
- Torqueing, fastening, riveting, and final assembly line tasks
- End‑of‑line testing, quality inspection, and functional performance checks
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $4.189 Rate
The pure premium rate of $4.189 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB's estimated cost of claims for this classification before insurer loading and credits. To calculate the base pure premium, multiply total payroll by 0.04189. The actual premium an employer pays will vary based on the insurer's expense load, the employer's experience modification (loss history), payroll audits, classification accuracy, deductible choices, and state assessments.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requirements commonly applicable to auto and motorcycle manufacturing include effective machine guarding, a written Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout) program, respiratory protection and hazard communication for fumes and solvents, and an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). Employers must provide training, perform regular safety inspections, maintain PPE programs, and keep accurate injury records and permit documentation for paint booths or confined spaces when applicable.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 3808
A PEO like Key HR helps manufacturers control workers' comp costs by ensuring correct classification and payroll reporting, administering timely claims management and return‑to‑work programs, and delivering targeted safety training and OSHA program support. Key HR can also negotiate better pricing through volume relationships, assist with experience modification management, and streamline premium audits and compliance documentation.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 3808 include aftermarket parts suppliers or paint shops?
No. 3808 specifically targets vehicle and motorcycle manufacturing and assembly. Standalone parts suppliers, paint and refinishing contractors, or specialty coating operations often fall under separate WCIRB codes and should be quoted separately.
Are service, repair, or dealership operations covered by 3808?
No. Repair shops, service centers, and dealerships are typically classified under different codes oriented to repair, service, sales or parts operations. Applying 3808 to repair work can lead to misclassification and premium errors.
What practical steps reduce workers' comp costs for this classification?
Focus on engineering controls and machine guarding, robust lockout/tagout, documented return‑to‑work programs, early claims reporting and nurse triage, job‑specific training, and accurate payroll and classification reporting. Partnering with a PEO for claims advocacy and safety program development often delivers measurable premium savings over time.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 3808
- Classification
- Auto Or Motorcycle Mfg Or Assembling
- Pure Premium Rate
- $4.189 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 3808?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.