Workers comp rates and rules in Colorado
Colorado has 0 workers comp class codes with filed rates, a maximum weekly benefit of $1,260 (66.67% of average weekly wage), and a statute of limitations of 2 years. Verified 2026-05-08.
Class code rate comparison
The top 0 workers comp class codes filed in Colorado, sorted from cheapest to most expensive per $100 of payroll. Cross-state percentile shows where each code sits versus the same code in other states.
| State | Occupation | Code | Rate per $100 | vs peers | Source |
|---|
Bottom quartile (cheap) Mid Top quartile (expensive) This state
Colorado coverage rules & benefits
Coverage threshold
All businesses with employees, regardless of number of employees, part-time status, or family relation.
Max weekly benefit
$1,260 (66.67% of average weekly wage), effective 2024.
PPD weeks
208 weeks of permanent partial disability (whole-body schedule).
Death benefit
Up to $378,000 in fatal-claim death benefits to dependents.
Statute of limitations
2 years from injury date to file the claim.
1099 contractor treatment
Independent contractors (1099) are generally not considered employees for workers' compensation purposes if they meet specific statutory criteria, but misclassification can lead to penalties.
Owner exclusion
Allowed. Sole proprietor self-coverage: optional. LLC member self-coverage: optional.
State fund
Pinnacol Assurance is the state-administered carrier.
Estimate your premium in Colorado
Pre-filled to Colorado. Pick your industry and payroll to see a real premium range from filed rates.
Estimate your workers comp premium
Pick your industry, state, and annual payroll. Range comes from real rate filings.
Filing & compliance in Colorado
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Step 1, Confirm coverage threshold
All businesses with employees, regardless of number of employees, part-time status, or family relation.
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Step 2, Determine class code
Your premium uses the NCCI class code that best matches your operation. The wrong class code can cost 4-10x more or get reclassified at audit.
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Step 3, Get a quote (or use the state fund)
Pinnacol Assurance is one option; private carriers like Travelers, Hartford, and Liberty Mutual also write coverage in Colorado. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.
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Step 4, Track payroll & subcontractors
A principal contractor is generally liable for injuries to employees of uninsured subcontractors. Keep certificates of insurance for every sub.
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Step 5, Annual audit
Carriers audit payroll within 90 days of policy expiration. Have payroll segregated by class code, job descriptions on file, and overtime properly excluded from rated payroll.
Colorado workers comp FAQs
Who has to carry workers compensation insurance in Colorado?
All businesses with employees, regardless of number of employees, part-time status, or family relation.
What is the maximum weekly workers comp benefit in Colorado?
The current maximum weekly benefit in Colorado is $1,260 (effective 2024). Benefits are typically 66.67% of the average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum.
How long do I have to file a workers comp claim in Colorado?
The statute of limitations for filing a workers compensation claim in Colorado is 2 years from the date of injury. Notice to the employer is typically required within 30 days.
Are 1099 contractors covered by workers comp in Colorado?
Independent contractors (1099) are generally not considered employees for workers' compensation purposes if they meet specific statutory criteria, but misclassification can lead to penalties.
Can business owners exclude themselves from workers comp coverage in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado allows business owners (sole proprietors, partners, LLC members, corporate officers) to exclude themselves from coverage by filing the appropriate election form. Sole-proprietor self-coverage is not required; LLC member self-coverage is not required.
What is the penalty for not carrying workers comp in Colorado?
Failure to carry workers' compensation insurance can result in fines, stop-work orders, and personal liability for employee injuries.
When does my workers comp carrier audit my payroll in Colorado?
Colorado typically requires a payroll audit within 90 days of policy expiration. Final premium is reconciled to actual payroll, and class code allocation can shift based on the audit findings. Keep payroll segregated by class code and have job-duty documentation ready.
Am I liable for subcontractors' workers comp in Colorado?
A principal contractor is generally liable for injuries to employees of uninsured subcontractors.