Workers Comp Class Code for Food Trucks: A Complete Guide
Workers' compensation insurance is necessary for food trucks to protect your employees on the job. Knowing the correct workers’ comp class code for your food truck helps prevent misclassifications and makes sure you’re not paying more than necessary for coverage.
What are Class Codes and why do they matter?
Insurance class codes are four-digit numbers that are used to reference insurance information about job roles, similar to a barcode. These codes are assigned by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). The. NCCI analyzes historical injury data within each industry to assign a risk level to each class code.
Class codes are important for calculating the cost of workers' compensation insurance for food trucks because they help quantify the risk of injury from working on a food truck. Insurance companies use this information to determine workers' comp rates for food trucks. This allows for a fair insurance rate for the food truck operators and makes sure employees are covered in case of work-related injuries.
How are class codes determined?
Class codes rates for food trucks are determined by assessing injury data specific to the foodservice industry in each state. Since food trucks deal with hot surfaces, sharp equipment, and confined workspaces, the risk of injury is typically higher than other industries.
If injury rates rise, the risk rating will go up, leading to higher premiums. Conversely, a decrease in injuries may reduce the risk rate, potentially lowering the premium.
Safety measures such as better training and improved equipment can help lower the risk rating over time.
Common Class Codes for Food Trucks
Class Code 9083
This is the primary code for food trucks. It covers mobile food preparation and service, including food trucks that serve everything from snacks to full meals. It includes businesses where workers prepare food on-site in mobile units.
State-Specific Class Codes for Food Trucks
Food truck businesses may face state-specific class codes. Here are the examples:
Class Code 9079 - Texas and NJ
In Texas and NJ, food trucks performing food preparation and service typically fall under Class Code 9079. This code is used for mobile food units offering food services at various locations.
Non-Industry Class Codes for Food Trucks
In food truck businesses, employees who perform administrative duties, such as office staff, bookkeepers, or schedulers, can be classified under Class Code 8810.
However, food preparation staff, servers, or anyone directly involved in food service cannot use Class Code 8810. These roles need to be classified under industry-specific codes based on their risk level.
Using Class Code 8810 for clerical staff helps reduce premiums while making sure your non-industry employees are appropriately covered.
How do Class Codes affect Insurance Rates for Food Trucks?
Class codes play an essential role in determining workers' comp rates. These rates are based on how risky a job is, and industries with higher risks face higher premiums to cover potential accidents and injuries.
For food trucks, the rate is typically higher due to the combination of working with hot equipment and driving. The average cost for workers’ comp insurance for food trucks is 1.03 per $100 of payroll. However, the specific premium can vary depending on the state you operate in and the services you provide. Rates from selected states are shown in the chart below.
Food Trucks (Class Code 9083) Rates per State – 2025
These starting rates serve as the foundation for your workers' compensation premiums. Your specific premium will depend on your food truck business’s risk level.
Insurance carriers use an experience modifier (ExMod) to adjust your premiums based on past claims.
For example, an ExMod of 0.95 will result in a lower premium compared to other food truck businesses. If your ExMod is above 1, your rates will be higher due to a history of claims.
By focusing on preventing workplace injuries, you can help keep your ExMod low and reduce costs.
Curious how these rates impact your business’s costs? Take a look at our Guide to Workers' Compensation Insurance for Food Trucks Cost for more details.
How to get your Food Truck Workers’ Comp Class Codes right
Having the right workers' comp codes for your food truck operation is crucial to keeping costs manageable and protecting your employees.
Why is this important? If you accidentally use the wrong class code—like applying the driver’s code to all employees, even food prep workers—this could lead to higher premiums.
Here’s how to ensure your food truck workers’ comp class codes are spot-on:
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Work with your insurance agent
Your insurance agent knows the ins and outs of workers' comp codes and can guide you in classifying your food truck workers correctly. This will help prevent overpaying for coverage and ensure you're properly protected.
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Review job roles regularly
Your food truck staff may take on different tasks. Ensure their roles are updated regularly so their risk level is properly reflected in their classification.
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Stay up to date
Changes in the industry or new safety standards can affect risk rates. Keep informed about any changes to class codes to ensure your food truck workers are always classified correctly.
Find the Right Workers' Comp coverage for your Food Truck
Not sure which class codes apply to your food truck employees? We can help. Start an instant quote now or call 886-338-8823 to talk to an expert. We specialize in workers' comp for food truck businesses and will help you find the right coverage.
Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal or insurance advice. Laws and regulations regarding workers' compensation insurance are complex and vary by state and by specific circumstances. Therefore, readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified legal or insurance professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem they might have.
Mordechai Kamenetsky, co-founder and lead agent of Kickstand, is recognized as an expert in workers' compensation. He is passionate about helping small businesses manage risks and lower their workers' comp costs. In his articles, he educates readers and clients on the intricacies of workers' comp insurance.
The question people ask us most often is, “Does my business need workers comp?” This often leads to the second-to-most frequently asked question: ”Do owners need workers comp?”
