Class Code 8748
Auto Or Truck Dealers – Salespersons
Class Code 8748 applies to salespersons who sell autos or trucks for dealerships in California. It covers showroom and lot sales activities including vehicle demonstrations and customer deliveries. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for this classification is $0.738 per $100 of payroll.
What Class Code 8748 Covers
This classification is specific to employees whose primary duty is selling motor vehicles—new or used—at a dealership. That includes showroom sales staff, lot salespeople who conduct vehicle walk-arounds and demos, and sales consultants who coordinate and deliver vehicles to customers. It covers on-site sales activities, arranging and accompanying customers on test drives, short-distance customer deliveries, and sales-related driving performed as part of the salesperson’s duties. It does not cover mechanics, service technicians, parts counter employees, tow drivers, or commercial drivers whose main function is transporting goods; those operations are classified separately.
Who It Applies To
- New- and used-car salespersons working in a dealership showroom
- Truck sales representatives at dealer lots who demonstrate and sell vehicles
- Lot sales staff who prepare, show, and accompany customers on test drives
- Mobile sales consultants who deliver vehicles to buyers or demonstrate off-site
- Finance-and-insurance staff who actively show vehicles and conduct deliveries (when primary duty is sales)
Common Job Duties
- Greeting customers and performing vehicle walk-around demonstrations
- Accompanying customers on test drives and explaining vehicle features
- Preparing sales paperwork, completing DMV and financing documents
- Coordinating and delivering vehicles to customers (short on-road drives)
- Maintaining lot appearance, moving cars short distances on the premises
- Using CRM software and phone/email to schedule appointments and follow ups
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $0.738 Rate
The pure premium rate of $0.738 per $100 of payroll represents the expected cost of claims for this classification before insurer expenses and adjustments. To calculate pure premium, multiply total payroll for classified employees by 0.00738 (that is, $0.738/100). Final premium an employer pays will vary by insurer factors such as experience modification, policy fees, scheduled credits/debits, use of deductible programs, and any audit adjustments for payroll reporting or misclassification.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Dealership sales operations must be integrated into a compliant Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) under Cal/OSHA. Key focus areas include vehicle operation safety (safe test-drive and delivery procedures), heat illness prevention for outdoor lot workers, and hazard communication for cleaners and battery handling. Employers should also address distracted driving, customer interaction safety, and traffic patterns on dealership property to reduce collision and pedestrian hazards.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 8748
A PEO like Key HR can help dealerships reduce workers' comp costs through correct payroll classification, proactive claims management, and targeted loss-control programs—driver safety training, on-lot slip/fall prevention, and return-to-work plans. Key HR combines California-specific compliance support with centralized payroll reporting and audit accuracy to keep classification disputes and surprise premium increases to a minimum.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are service technicians and parts counter staff covered under class code 8748?
No. Class Code 8748 is limited to salespersons. Service technicians, mechanics, parts counter employees, tow operators and other non-sales roles have separate WCIRB classifications and different premium rates.
Do test drives and customer deliveries count as work comp exposure?
Yes. Test drives, demonstration trips, and vehicle deliveries performed as part of a salesperson’s duties are compensable work activities and the primary source of vehicle-related claim exposure for this class.
What practical steps reduce workers’ comp costs for dealership sales staff?
Implement a formal driving policy and driver qualification checks, require seat belts and hands-free devices, schedule heat-illness prevention for lot staff, maintain clear pedestrian routes on the lot, document return-to-work options, and ensure payroll is accurately reported to avoid misclassification—measures a PEO can help deploy and track.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 8748
- Classification
- Auto Or Truck Dealers – Salespersons
- Pure Premium Rate
- $0.738 / $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 8748?
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