About Us
Commonwealth Contractors has been owned and operated by Virginia contractors since 1981, providing the Virginia construction industry with a profitable and unique way to manage their workers’ compensation costs.
By combining premiums with other like-minded companies that focus on preventative safety, monies are invested until such time as they are needed to pay claims and other expenses, and the surplus is returned to the membership in the form of dividends. The better the Group performs, the more potential for eligible returned premiums.
Joining a Group Self-Insurance Association (GSIA) is a strategic investment in the long-term profitability of your business. By proactively managing your safety, you will not only pay less in premiums, you will also profit more through a safe and productive work environment for you and your employees. It’s a win-win scenario.
A Member-Owned Model That Puts People First
We Strive for Excellence in How We Operate and the Services We Offer Members
- A.M. Best Rated A−
- 6th largest writer of workers’ compensation in Virginia for all industries
- View our outstanding $89+ million dividend history
- Highly regulated by the Bureau of Insurance through routine examinations and annual reporting
- 24-hour / 7-day-a-week injury triage hotline
- Annual discount for approved Drug-Free Workplace Program
- Unparalleled loyalty and satisfaction — over 96%+ retention rate
- Stability — owned and operated by Virginia contractors since 1981
- Excess insurance with an A++ rated carrier — Safety National Casualty Company
- Top-notch loss control consultants
- Multiple protective funds
- Highly informative publications and seminars
Commonwealth Contractors Group Self-Insurance Association (CCGSIA) was organized in 1981 and licensed on May 1, 1981. Initially formed as a roofing contractor pool, the Group was originally called the Virginia Association of Roofing Contractors. From the beginning, however, non-roofing contractors were accepted, and in 1985, the name was changed to Commonwealth Contractors Group Self-Insurance Association.
CCGSIA provides workers’ compensation insurance to Virginia businesses engaged in construction and related occupations. These businesses become members of the Association and share in profits from operations. A Members’ Supervisory Board elected by the members supervises the administration of the Association.
The by-laws of the Association provide, among other things, that the portion of each member’s premium contribution which shall not be required to pay claims, administrative expenses and fees, or to fund required or appropriated reserves may be returned to the members of the Association from time to time.
In 1978, the Virginia General Assembly formed a legislative committee to study the problem of high workers’ compensation premiums for employers and to determine what other states were doing to combat this challenge.
The result of the study was legislation enacted in 1979 by the Virginia General Assembly to allow the formation of Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Funds. In Virginia, these entities are referred to as Group Self-Insurance Associations (GSIAs).
The task of regulating the GSIAs was assigned to the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, not the Industrial Commission (Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission), which handles all other workers’ compensation matters. After considerable work by the Bureau of Insurance, a set of regulations was promulgated under which GSIAs would operate in Virginia. The first Group to be licensed by the Bureau of Insurance began operations on July 1, 1980. Since then, others have been licensed in various categories of business, and tremendous interest has been created by the concept in Virginia.
Stable, Transparent, and Governed by the Contractors It Serves
Members of our Supervisory Board each represent member companies and are elected by the membership to serve a renewable three-year term.
To manage day-to-day operations, the Group is served by two companies: the Administrator, who handles billing, underwriting, accounting, and coordination; and a Third Party Administrator, who manages claims, underwriting, loss control, marketing, and excess insurance placement.
96%+ Member Retention Year Over Year.
Commonwealth Contractors has a rich history of premium return to its membership. Since inception, over $89 million has been declared in the form of dividends. Effective loss control programs, comprehensive claims handling, and sound underwriting have all contributed to the Group’s success.
Declared $89M+ in dividends returned to members since inception proves the model works
Commonwealth Contractors is unique in that it is a GSIA that carries an A.M. Best rating. Since 2001, we have made a commitment to participate in the vigorous review process that is required of companies desiring an A.M. Best rating. We are proud of our A− rating.
A.M. Best Rated A-
We are the Only GSIA in Virginia to Carry This Designation.
“When I have an issue, my rep is always available. That kind of responsiveness makes a real difference when you need answers quickly. But what I appreciate most goes beyond just problem-solving. The safety seminars Commonwealth Contractors offers throughout the year reflect a genuine commitment to prevention, not just coverage. That proactive approach helps us manage risk before issues arise, which ultimately benefits both our employees and our bottom line. It’s clear that Commonwealth Contractors is invested in our success, not just our policy.”
“CCGSIA was organized by construction contractors, exclusively for construction contractors — and continues to be led by construction contractors. The CCGSIA management team understands firsthand the challenges our industry faces and continually adjusts its programs to meet those evolving needs. If you’re looking for a well-managed, financially strong carrier that treats your company and your employees with prompt, fair coverage, while helping you manage risk and providing the benefits of ownership…look no further. CCGSIA’s responsibility is solely to you, not to a remote shareholder of a for-profit carrier.”
