№ 04 · May 2026
beaconcover
Independent comparison desk
State regulatory desk

Small-business cover in Colorado.

In Colorado, workers’ comp is required at Required for all employers with one or more employees[S]Colorado workers' compensation threshold. Colorado requires workers' compensation coverage for all employers with one or more employees, with narrow exemptions for certain independent contractors and sole proprietors with no employees. Electrical and plumbing trades require state licensure; general contracting is licensed locally. Regulated by the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation (Dept. of Labor & Employment).

Updated 2026-05-16 · Beaconcover editorial

The short answer: Business insurance in Colorado starts with workers' compensation, required at Required for all employers with one or more employees, plus the general liability that most clients and licenses ask for before you can take a job.

§ 01
Workers' comp

What does Colorado require?

CO threshold

Required for all employers with one or more employees[C]Colorado workers' compensation threshold

Colorado requires workers' compensation coverage for all employers with one or more employees, with narrow exemptions for certain independent contractors and sole proprietors with no employees. Electrical and plumbing trades require state licensure; general contracting is licensed locally. Regulated by the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation (Dept. of Labor & Employment).

§ 02
Licensing & bonding

What licensing and bonding does Colorado require?

  • Electrical and plumbing licensed at state level; GC licensing is municipal
  • First-employee workers' comp threshold
§ 03
Colorado by trade

One page per trade × state.