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Protect Your Painting Business with Workers' Compensation in Colorado

By SecureProQuote Editorial TeamUpdated June 30, 2026

Part of our guide to painters insurance in Colorado.

You face a potential $100,000 exposure if an employee is injured on the job in Colorado. Workers' Compensation Insurance caps this downside, paying for medical bills and lost wages when employees are injured on the job. In Colorado, workers' compensation is generally required as soon as you hire your first employee. This coverage is crucial for painters, as it protects your business from costly claims. With some of the most damaging hailstorms in the country, particularly along the Front Range, and heavy winter snowfall causing roof collapses and slip-and-fall exposure, the risk of employee injury is high. Workers' Compensation Insurance helps you manage this risk, ensuring your business can continue to operate smoothly even in the face of an employee injury.

Workers' Compensation cost for painters in Colorado

$55$215/mo (est.)

Illustrative monthly workers comp estimate for a small painter operation in Colorado. Actual pricing depends on revenue, payroll, coverage limits, claims history, and carrier. Get a personalized quote to see your real price.

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What Workers' Compensation Covers for Painters in Colorado

Workers' Compensation Insurance for painters in Colorado covers medical bills and lost wages when employees are injured on the job. This includes injuries from falls, equipment accidents, and exposure to hazardous materials. For example, if an employee falls from a ladder while painting a building in Aurora, Workers' Compensation would cover their medical bills and lost wages. Additionally, if an employee is injured while driving to a job site in Fort Collins, Workers' Compensation would also cover their medical bills and lost wages. However, Workers' Compensation does not cover damage to your business property or equipment, which would be covered under a different policy, such as General Liability or Tools & Equipment insurance.

Do Painters in Colorado Need Workers' Compensation?

In Colorado, workers' compensation is generally required as soon as you hire your first employee. This means that if you have even one employee, you need to have Workers' Compensation Insurance. Failure to have this coverage can result in significant fines and penalties, as well as leaving your business vulnerable to costly claims. For example, if an employee is injured on the job and you do not have Workers' Compensation Insurance, you could be liable for their medical bills and lost wages, which could be financially devastating for your business. Additionally, many commercial painting contracts and property management agreements require painters to provide a certificate of insurance showing active Workers' Compensation coverage, so having this coverage is often a requirement to work on certain projects. By having Workers' Compensation Insurance, you can protect your business and ensure you can continue to operate smoothly, even in the face of an employee injury.

A Real Workers' Compensation Claim a Painter Could Face

On a humid morning in Denver, an employee of a painting company was injured when they fell from a ladder while painting a building. The employee suffered a broken leg and was unable to work for several weeks. The Workers' Compensation Insurance policy covered the employee's medical bills, which totaled $10,000, and also provided partial wage replacement while the employee was unable to work. The policy paid out $5,000 in lost wages, ensuring the employee could continue to support themselves while they recovered. The painting company was protected from a potentially costly claim, and the employee received the medical care and financial support they needed to recover from their injury.

What Workers' Compensation Costs for Painters in Colorado

The cost of Workers' Compensation Insurance for painters in Colorado varies depending on several factors, including the size of your business, the number of employees you have, and your claims history. Estimated premiums range from $55-$215/month, although this can vary depending on your specific situation. For example, a small painting company with two employees and a clean claims history may pay $100/month for Workers' Compensation Insurance, while a larger company with ten employees and a history of claims may pay $500/month. Additionally, the cost of Workers' Compensation Insurance can be affected by the risks associated with your business, such as the risk of falls or equipment accidents. By taking steps to reduce these risks, such as providing safety training and equipment to your employees, you may be able to lower your Workers' Compensation premiums and reduce your overall costs.

How to Get Workers' Compensation in Colorado

To get Workers' Compensation Insurance in Colorado, you can work with an insurance professional who specializes in commercial insurance. They can help you determine the best coverage options for your business and ensure you are meeting all the necessary requirements. You will need to provide information about your business, including the number of employees you have, your revenue, and your claims history. You can also compare rates and coverage options from different insurance providers to ensure you are getting the best possible rate. For example, you may want to compare the rates and coverage options from different providers in Denver or Colorado Springs to ensure you are getting the best possible deal. By working with an insurance professional and comparing rates and coverage options, you can ensure you have the right Workers' Compensation Insurance coverage for your business and are protected in the event of an on-the-job injury. The cost of not having Workers' Compensation Insurance far outweighs the cost of the premiums, so see your rate today.

Frequently asked questions

Will my Workers' Compensation premium jump after one claim?

Yes, it may increase. The amount of the increase will depend on the severity of the claim and your overall claims history. For example, if you have a history of frequent or severe claims, your premium may increase more significantly than if you have a single, minor claim. Additionally, the type of claim and the cost of the claim will also be taken into account when determining the amount of the premium increase.

Can I get a COI same-day for a client?

Yes, you can get a certificate of insurance same-day. Many insurance providers offer same-day COI issuance, and some even offer online COI issuance. However, the availability of same-day COI issuance may depend on the insurance provider and the specific requirements of the client. For example, some clients may require additional documentation or information before issuing a COI.

Does a sole proprietor need Workers' Compensation?

No, sole proprietors are not required to have Workers' Compensation Insurance in Colorado. However, they may still want to consider purchasing this coverage to protect themselves in the event of an on-the-job injury. As a sole proprietor, you are considered both the business owner and the employee, so you may be able to purchase Workers' Compensation Insurance to cover yourself.

What is not covered by Workers' Compensation?

Workers' Compensation does not cover damage to your business property or equipment, which would be covered under a different policy, such as General Liability or Tools & Equipment insurance. Additionally, Workers' Compensation does not cover injuries that occur outside of work or that are not related to work. For example, if an employee is injured while commuting to work, Workers' Compensation would not cover their medical bills or lost wages.

Can I cancel my Workers' Compensation policy at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your Workers' Compensation policy at any time. However, you may be subject to penalties or fines if you cancel your policy and do not have replacement coverage in place. Additionally, you should carefully consider the risks of canceling your policy, as you may be leaving your business vulnerable to costly claims.

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Other coverages painters in Colorado should know

This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Colorado change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Colorado Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.