Is workers insurance compulsory?
Yes, workers insurance is compulsory for NSW employers.
Employers who pay $7,500 or less in annual wages are exempt from this requirement, unless they employ an apprentice or trainee or are a member of a group for premium purposes. Exempt employers are still covered for workers compensation if a worker makes a claim.
Will my claim be affected by the change to workers insurance policy ownership?
No, there will be:
- No change to how you make a claim
- No change to existing claims management
What effect will the change have on wage declaration forms?
For existing customers with policies managed by scheme agents:
- Your actual wages declarations will be issued by your scheme agent for past years policy periods
- You need to return/submit actual wages declarations to your scheme agent for past years policy periods
Once your policy is with icare, they will update you on when to submit the forms to them. The first actual wages form you will receive from icare will be on your first year renewal with icare.
What about my outstanding payments?
The Scheme Agents manage past and current policy payments. This means all outstanding debts are paid to scheme agents.
icare will inform you when icare invoices need to be paid.
Do I need to update direct debit payments?
For your workers insurance policy:
No, you do not need to do anything if you have direct debit agreements in place with a scheme agent as these details will be automatically transitioned to icare.
For claims payment agreements:
No, you do not need to do anything as these remain the responsibility of scheme agents.
Will BPAY arrangements change?
For existing policies still with scheme agents:
No - current arrangement stays the same.
For new policies, including policies renewed with icare:
Yes, new payment arrangements will need to be set up with icare. Details will be provided with renewal packs.
Will there be changes to premium funding?
No, there will be no change to premium funding. Premium Funders will be advised of the new icare banking details.
When I renew my policy with icare, does my policy number stay the same?
No, a new policy number will be issued by icare. This will be used for all future communications.
icare will have a record of your old policy number and both policy numbers can be referenced by your employer or broker to access information about your policy.
Where do I send policy related documents?
For existing policies still with scheme agents:
Continue to send documents to scheme agent, as per current arrangements, until policy renewal.
For new policies, including policies renewed with icare:
Send documents electronically to underwriting.operations@icare.nsw.gov.au
Can I still use online services?
For existing customers with policies managed by scheme agents:
Continue to use any available online services with your scheme agent, until policy renewal.
For new policies, including policies renewed with icare:
Once the icare self-service online portal is live you will be issued with a unique access code and password.
icare will be rolling functionality out in different phases, and the end result will be a fully functioning self service portal where you will be able to manage your policy online.