Small Business Insurance Requirements in Colorado

As a small business owner, risk management and loss control must be top priorities as you seek to grow your company and secure its future. Even if you operate in a relatively low-risk sector and are exhaustive in implementing safety measures, you may be required to carry certain types of business insurance. Adhering to these mandates is a necessity, as failing to do so could mean devastating fines and other penalties.

What Insurance Does My Company Need?

Business insurance may come in many forms, and your company may need to secure multiple types of policies to satisfy legal requirements and secure its financial interests. Specifically, small businesses in the Centennial State may often need the following:

• Workers’ compensation insurance—This type of insurance is required for most employers, including small businesses. Even if you only employ a single, part-time worker, you’ll need to maintain a policy. Colorado law also requires you to ensure contractors with whom you work have appropriate coverage by providing it yourself or verifying that they have their own policies. Contractors can choose to reject the coverage you offer, but this must be documented.
• Commercial auto insurance—This type of policy is mandated if your company owns or operates motor vehicles for commercial purposes. This could include cars, trucks, vans, buses and other automobiles.
• Professional liability insurance—These policies are not always required for Colorado businesses, but your company could be beholden to certain laws. For example, if you operate in the health care industry, you may be legally required to carry medical malpractice insurance, a specialized form of professional liability coverage.

How Can You Save on Premiums?

Adhering to insurance-related requirements is not optional, and complying with such mandates can add more line items to your budget. Fortunately, certain strategies may help you optimize your rates. Consider the following strategies:

1. Explore options. Shopping around for policies from multiple carriers can help you find the best available price.
2. Reduce risk levels. Help carriers consider your business to be less risky by implementing safety measures and having employees complete training courses.
3. Verify employee classifications are correct. These may directly impact workers’ compensation coverage rates
4. Hire safe drivers. Commercial auto insurers typically consider insured employees’ driving records.
5. Adjust coverage. Increasing your deductible or shedding unnecessary policies or endorsements can help reduce your rates.

We’re Here to Help

Contact McDonald Insurance Group in Littleton, CO, today to learn more about small business coverage requirements and available policies.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.