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Workers' Compensation for Colorado Businesses
What are the laws that govern workers’ compensation insurance in Colorado?
According to the Colorado.gov website:
Workers’ compensation coverage provides employers and employees with medical care, death benefits, and lost wages for work-related injuries. In general, Colorado law requires that all employers carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, certain exceptions to this requirement may include: a sole proprietor or any general working partner; a corporate officer; or a member of a limited liability company.
The Colorado Division of Insurance DOES NOT have jurisdiction over individual Workers’ Compensation Claims. The Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation (CDWC), part of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, is the state agency responsible for administering and enforcing workers’ compensation law in Colorado. The Division of Insurance is responsible for monitoring the financial condition of the insurance industry, overseeing the Classification Appeals Board which handles classification and experience modification disputes, approving the annual NCCI loss cost filing, reviewing rate and form filings submitted by individual insurers, and handling complaints regarding rate or premium-related issues.
The Colorado.gov website provides the following additional information:
All public and private employers in Colorado, with limited exceptions, must provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees if one or more full- or part-time persons are employed. A person hired to perform services for pay is presumed by law to be an employee. This includes all persons elected or appointed to public sector service and all persons appointed or hired by private employers for remuneration. There are a few exemptions to this definition.
Workers’ compensation insurance coverage is paid by the employer. Employers purchase insurance coverage through a commercial insurance carrier or, if qualified, through self-insurance programs. No portion of the premium may be deducted from an employee’s wages.
In Colorado, there are three ways in which an employer may obtain workers’ compensation coverage:
Commercial Insurance;
Self-Funding (Individual); or
Self-Funding (Groups and/or Pools)
To learn more about self-insurance, please visit the Self-Insurance page.Employer Requirements:
1. Obtain and maintain workers’ compensation insurance
2. Display a Notice to Employer of Injury poster at all times
3. Keep a record of all lost time injuries and occupational diseases
4. Report lost time injuries by filing the Employer’s First Report of Injury with the insurer within 10 days (insurer sends form to Division)
5. File a Supplemental Report of Accident form with the insurer upon an employee’s return to work or termination from employment
Colorado Statistics*
*2017 business stats provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
2,244,897
number of Colorado residents employed by small businesses
1,700,000
small businesses where workplace accidents can take place
14,258 feet
height of the highest road in the U.S., Mt. Evans
9,600
miles of streams
26,000
average number of cars that pass through the Eisenhower Tunnel each day
Colorado Businesses We Cover with Workers' Comp Insurance

Food & Beverage
Bars, Bistros, Cafeterias/Buffets, Candy Stores, Caterers, Coffee Shops, Doughnut Shops, Fast Casual, Fast Food, Fine Dining, Health Supplement Stores, Juice Shops, Tea Houses, Taverns and Nightclubs
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Tech Services
Data Processing, Ecommerce, Hosting, Graphic Design, Network Installation/Repair, Office Machine Installation/Repair, Programming, Strategy & Management Consulting Services, and Software/Web Development (includes SOLOpreneuers!)
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Legal Services
Athlete/Actor/Entertainer Agents, Court Reporters, Lawyers & Attorneys at Law, Notaries and Transcription
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General Retail
Bakeries, Beer/Wine/Liquor Stores, Butcher/Meat Markets, Convenience Stores/Gas Stations, Discount Stores, Fish, Seafood, Fruit & Vegetable Markets, Grocery Stores, Laundromats, Pet Stores, Pharmacies/Drug Stores, Specialty Food Stores
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Educational Services
Computer Training, Cosmetology/Barber Schools, Exam Preparation/Tutoring, Fine Art Schools, Language Schools, Libraries/Archives, Management Training, Professional Training, & Translation/Interpretation Services
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Manufacturing
Microbreweries (less than 15,000 barrels produced per year) & Wine Making (no growing or production of grapes/fruit)
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Personal Services
Barber Shops/Salons, Cemeteries/Mausoleums, Crematoriums, Funeral Homes, Interior Design, Pet Kennels/Groomers, Photography/Photofinishing, Gyms, Nail Salons, Self-Storage, Tanning Salons, Tattoo/Piercing, and Wedding/Event Planners
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Clothing Retail
Bridal Stores, Clothing Stores, Dry Cleaners, Formal Wear/Costume Rentals, Luggage & Leather Goods Stores, Shoe Retail/Repair, and Tailor Shops
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Personal Product Retail
Art Galleries/Stores, Auto Parts, Beauty/Cosmetics, Bike Stores, Bookstores, Camera/Photo Supplies, Cell Phone Retail/Repair, Computer Stores, Jewelry Stores, Musical Instruments, Sporting Goods , Tobacco/Vaping & Video Games
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Medical Professions
Blood Banks, Dental Labs, Dentists/Orthodontists, GP/Medical Specialists, Kidney Dialysis Centers, Medical Diagnostics & Testing, and Veterinarians
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Architecture & Engineering Services
Architects & Drafting, Engineering, Surveyors, & Window Treatment Stores (we do not cover construction contractors or trucking companies)
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Financial Services
Accounting, Auditors, Banks/Credit Unions, Bookkeeping, Collection Agencies, Financial Advisors/Trust Companies, Mortgage & Loan Brokers, Payroll Services, Tax Preparation, Title & Title Insurance
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Scientific Services
Scientific Research & Development/Consulting, Technical Consulting, & Environmental Consulting
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Office, Home, & Garden
Hearing Aid Stores, Hobby/Craft/Art Stores, Gift/Novelty Stores, Florists, Floor Covering Stores, Mailing/Packaging Stores, Models/Toy/Games, Office Supplies, Optical Stores, Paint/Wallpaper Stores, Perfume Stores, Plumbing & Taxidermists
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Therapeutic Services
Acupuncture, Chiropractors, Mental Health Practitioners, and Physical & Occupational Therapy
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