Colorado Workers Compensation-Workmans Compensation

Colorado Workers Compensation Insurance Rules

Colorado Workers Compensation

1. Does my Colorado business need to carry workers' compensation insurance?

All public and private employers in Colorado, with few exceptions, must provide workers' compensation insurance for both full-time and part-time employees. This includes all persons elected or appointed to perform services in the public sector as well as any person appointed or hired by private employers for pay.

2. Who can exempt themselves from Colorado workers compensation Insurance?

Below is a list of some of the occupations and/or individuals who may be excluded from mandatory coverage under the Workers' Compensation Act.

* Certain casual maintenance or repair work performed for a business for under $2,000 per calendar year

* Certain domestic, maintenance or repair work for a private homeowner that is not done full time

* Licensed real estate agents and brokers working on commission

* Independent contractors who perform specific for-hire transportation jobs

* Drivers under a lease agreement with a common or contract carrier

* Any person who volunteers time or services for a ski area operator

* Persons who provide host home services as part of residential services and supports

* Federal employees (covered under federal laws) Railroad employees (covered under federal laws) and Independent contractors.

3. Does Colorado workers compensation law have specific requirements for subcontractors/contractors and sole proprietors?

Colorado workers' compensation law does not specify any explicit requirements for sub-contractors/contractors. However, there are some distinctions for Independent Contractors that should be noted.

*A person who works as an independent contractor and who meets the legal definition of independent contractor is not an employee and is not entitled to workers' compensation benefits unless the person buys a separate policy.

Employee Leasing and Staffing Companies

Using a PEO or staffing company to obtain your workers compensation may be a good alternative to purchasing your own workers compensation policy. Leasing companies handle your payroll, w-2 forms, unemployment and workers compensation claims. In many cases the down payment required to obtain a new workers compensation policy is high and many new businesses cannot afford the down payment. Another advantage, based on my experience, is that you will never get audited because you pay as you go for your coverage. We represent numerous leasing and staffing companies who in many cases offer deep discounts on your workers compensation coverage that you will not find from standard workers compensation insurance carriers.

USL&H & The Jones Act

We have excellent workers compensation programs for these specialty risks requiring this endorsement. If you are unsure and want to read either the USL&H or Jones Act I have provided helpful links below for you convenience. I have found them to be the most detailed and good resources on the laws.

If you need a quote that requires this coverage

Click Here for a USL&H Quote

Click here for the complete USL&H Act, courtesy of Cornell University.
Click here for: USL&H & Jones Act Information
Defense Base Act Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation

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