Class Code 8370
Automobile Or Truck Radio Or Alarm Installation Or Repair
Class Code 8370 covers workers who install, service, or repair radios, stereo systems, alarms and related electrical accessories in automobiles and trucks. For California employers this classification matters because the approved pure premium rate is $1.652 per $100 of payroll, which feeds directly into workers' compensation pricing. Accurate classification and targeted loss-control reduce claims and premium volatility for mobile and shop-based installers.
What Class Code 8370 Covers
This classification applies to employees who perform installation, removal, maintenance or repair of vehicle radios, satellite units, speakers, amplifiers, vehicle alarm/security systems, remote start modules and associated wiring harnesses. It covers both shop-based technicians and mobile installers who work at customer locations, as long as the primary work is vehicle electrical/audio/security systems rather than building alarm systems. Work beneath dashboards, inside trunks, routing wiring through door jambs and trunks, splicing and soldering connections, interfacing with vehicle electrical systems (including CAN bus), and battery handling are core operations. It does not cover installation of home or commercial security systems that are fixed to buildings, which are classified differently. Payroll for drivers who only deliver finished products but do no installation should be reported separately.
Who It Applies To
- Automotive stereo and alarm shop technicians
- Mobile vehicle audio/alarm installers who work at customer sites
- Fleet vehicle electronics technicians (service vans/trucks)
- Automotive electricians specializing in aftermarket accessories
- Accessory installation departments at car customization shops
Common Job Duties
- Diagnose vehicle audio and alarm electrical circuits and troubleshoot faults
- Route and secure wiring harnesses through doors, trunks, and engine bays
- Splice, crimp or solder wire connections and install connectors/terminals
- Mount head units, speakers, amplifiers, sirens and control modules
- Program or calibrate alarm, remote start and CAN-bus interface modules
- Handle vehicle batteries, disconnect/reconnect power, and test systems
- Use hand tools, powered screwdrivers, soldering irons and diagnostic scanners
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $1.652 Rate
The pure premium rate of $1.652 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB-approved expected loss cost for this classification — it represents the insurer’s estimated future claim cost per payroll dollar. Carriers apply this pure premium to an employer’s payroll, then add expense provisions, experience modification, schedule credits/debits, deductibles and any state assessments to produce the final premium. Employer actions — safety programs, accurate reporting of job duties, loss history and choice of deductible or retrospective rating — materially affect the premium you actually pay.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Employers must implement a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and ensure training for electrical hazards, battery handling, and PPE specific to vehicle work. Relevant Cal/OSHA requirements include the Electrical Safety Orders for safe work on energized circuits, Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout) when servicing vehicle electronics, ladder and fall-protection rules when working on trucks or vehicle roofs, and Hazard Communication for batteries and soldering fumes. Routine maintenance of tools, ergonomics training, traffic protection for roadside work and OSHA recordkeeping are frequently inspected in California.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 8370
A PEO like Key HR helps employers in this classification by ensuring correct payroll classification, bundling workers' comp programs to improve purchasing power, and administering return-to-work and claims management to limit indemnity and medical costs. Key HR can deliver targeted safety training (electrical safety, battery handling, ergonomics), perform site and mobile safety audits, handle California recordkeeping and filings, and work to improve your experience modification — all of which reduce long-term workers' comp expense.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 8370 cover mobile installers who work at customer homes or fleet locations?
Yes. Class Code 8370 covers both shop-based and mobile installers when their primary work is installing or repairing vehicle radios, alarms and related electronics. Track payroll and hours accurately; if an employee spends substantial time on non-vehicle work (building alarms, electrical contractors), those hours should be reported under the appropriate separate classification.
What practical steps reduce workers' comp costs for radio and alarm installers?
Implement electrical-safety and battery-handling training, require PPE and eye protection during soldering, use ergonomic aids for dashboard work, enforce lockout/tagout procedures, control traffic exposure for mobile work, and maintain a light-duty return-to-work program. Accurate job classification and timely claims reporting also lower experience modifications over time.
Can I use independent subcontractors to avoid payroll exposure for this work in California?
California uses strict criteria for independent contractor status. Misclassification can result in full payroll exposure and penalties. If you engage subcontractors to perform installations, obtain proper contracts, certificates of workers' comp insurance, and confirm independent status under California law — or let a PEO manage workers' comp and payroll to reduce risk.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 8370
- Classification
- Automobile Or Truck Radio Or Alarm Installation Or Repair
- Pure Premium Rate
- $1.652 / $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 8370?
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