
As a small business owner, you wear many hats - entrepreneur, manager, and risk manager, to name a few. A Business Owner's Policy, also known as a BOP, is a type of insurance policy designed specifically for small businesses like yours.
A BOP typically combines several types of insurance into one policy, including property insurance, liability insurance, and business interruption insurance. This can help simplify your insurance needs and save you money on premiums.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a BOP can provide coverage for up to $500,000 in property damage and $1 million in liability claims. This can be a huge relief for small business owners who may not have the financial resources to cover such costs on their own.
By purchasing a BOP, you can protect your business from a range of risks, including theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
What Is Business Owner's Policy
A Business Owners Policy, or BOP, is a type of insurance package specifically designed for small to medium-sized businesses.
It's essentially a bundle of different insurance policies rolled into one, making it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to manage their insurance needs.
Who Should Buy
If your business has assets such as equipment or inventory, you'll want to consider a business owner's policy.
Any business with a brick-and-mortar location can benefit from a BOP.
Businesses with less than $5 million in annual revenue and fewer than 100 employees are typically eligible for BOPs.
Retail, restaurants, contractors, grocery stores, and wholesalers are among the industries that are eligible for BOPs.
These businesses often have a low to moderate risk profile, making a BOP a good fit.
Here are some specific industries that are eligible for BOPs:
- Retail.
- Restaurants.
- Contractors.
- Grocery stores and convenience stores.
- Landlords of apartment buildings.
- Condo associations.
- Wholesalers.
- Warehouses.
On the other hand, businesses in certain high-risk industries may not be eligible for BOPs.
Manufacturers, car dealerships, bars and pubs, banks and financial institutions, and amusement parks are among the industries that may not qualify for a BOP due to their higher risk profile.
Coverage and Exclusions
A business owner's policy (BOP) provides broad coverage in a single, easy-to-manage policy, which is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses that need to protect against multiple risks.
The most popular BOP among Insureon customers is the $1 million / $2 million policy, which includes a $1 million per-occurrence limit and a $2 million aggregate limit. This means the insurer will pay up to $1 million to cover any single claim, and up to $2 million to cover claims during the lifetime of the policy.
You can choose a higher deductible to save money on your premium, but it should be an amount you can easily afford. Typically, Insureon customers choose a deductible of about $500.
A BOP does not cover everything, however. Some exclusions include workers' compensation, professional liability, and commercial auto insurance. You may need to purchase separate policies for these types of insurance.
The following types of insurance are not typically included in a standard business owner's policy:
- Workers' compensation
- Professional liability
- Commercial auto insurance
- Flood and earthquake insurance
- Employment practices liability
Here are some of the key coverages typically included in a BOP:
- Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance
- Commercial property insurance
- Business interruption insurance
Cost and Pricing
The cost of a business owner's policy can vary depending on several factors. The median cost is around $53 per month or $636 per year, according to insurance marketplace Insureon.
You can expect to pay more for a higher-risk industry, such as a busy restaurant, which pays higher premiums due to the increased chance of a third-party liability claim. The type of business also affects the cost, with retailers and construction businesses paying more than low-risk industries like IT consulting.
Small businesses pay an average of $57 per month for a business owner's policy, or about $684 annually. This is less expensive than if these policies were purchased separately.
The cost of a business owner's policy depends on several factors, including your policy limits and deductible, location of your business, industry and risk factors, business property value, and number of employees.
Here are some common coverage limits and deductibles for a business owner's policy:
A policy with higher liability coverage limits costs more in premiums, but reduces your out-of-pocket costs during a claim. The majority of Insureon customers choose a policy with a $1 million per-occurrence limit and a $2 million aggregate limit.
The cost of a business owner's policy can also be affected by the value of your business property, its location, and how you choose to protect it. Business personal property (BPP) value is a key factor in determining the cost of property insurance included in a BOP.
You can choose to insure your business personal property for its replacement value or actual cash value, which can affect the cost of your policy. The location and age of your building also play a role in determining the cost of your policy, with older buildings and those located in high-risk areas paying more.
Where to Buy and Providers
You can purchase a Business Owner's Policy (BOP) from a variety of companies. If you already have insurance from a specific insurer, ask them if they offer a BOP, as you may be able to get cheaper insurance by opting for the insurance bundle.
NerdWallet recommends getting multiple business insurance quotes to find the right fit for your business. You can start your search with the companies listed by NerdWallet.
At Inszone Insurance Services, you can get access to top insurance providers that offer comprehensive and affordable Business Owner's Policies. This ensures your business has the protection it needs.
Dozens of companies sell business owner's policies, so don't be afraid to shop around and compare quotes.
Customizing Your
A standard BOP includes general liability, commercial property, and business interruption coverage, but you may need additional endorsements or riders to address specific risks.
Businesses in California may want to consider adding earthquake insurance, while those in coastal areas might need flood insurance.
Customizing your BOP ensures that you’re fully protected against all relevant risks.
You can add optional coverages, also known as endorsements or riders, to increase your protection and create a more robust policy.
Some common add-ons may include cyber liability insurance, commercial crime insurance, professional liability insurance, tools and equipment insurance, and commercial auto insurance.
Here are some examples of optional coverages you can add to a business owner’s policy:
- Cyber liability insurance: Supports your business if you are subjected to cybercrime such as a phishing attack, suffer a data breach, or if your confidential data is stolen.
- Commercial crime insurance: Covers losses due to internal theft, including forgery, fraud, and other acts of employee dishonesty.
- Professional liability insurance: Also called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, professional liability coverage shields you from allegations of professional negligence, misconduct, mistakes, or failure to deliver a service as promised.
- Tools and equipment insurance: Reimburses you to repair or replace transportable tools or equipment if lost, stolen, or damaged by fire or water.
- Commercial auto insurance: Covers damages to any vehicle used for business purposes, including cars, vans, trucks, and trailers.
Importance and Benefits
A business owner's policy is a must-have for small businesses that interact with customers and own business property.
Acquiring business insurance can be simple and stress-free with a BOP, and it's essential to have one to protect your business from significant financial losses.
A general liability policy in a BOP covers costs associated with lawsuits, such as hiring an attorney and court-ordered judgments or settlements.
Commercial property insurance in a BOP covers your building, computers, equipment, tools, and furniture in the event of theft, storm damage, or a fire.
The premium for a BOP is based on your level of risk and the value of your business property, often resulting in a small monthly premium for small businesses and contractors.
A BOP helps safeguard your business from common risks, such as property damage due to fire or theft, and liability claims arising from customer injuries.
Choosing and Purchasing
Choosing a Business Owner's Policy (BOP) can be a straightforward process, especially when you know what to look for. PolicySweet can make acquiring business insurance simple and stress-free.
To start, you'll want to consider the advantages of choosing a BOP from PolicySweet. Some of these benefits include having a single policy that covers multiple risks, reducing the complexity of managing multiple insurance policies.
Most businesses qualify for a BOP, but some may not meet the necessary requirements. These requirements include the industry or class of business, business location, size of business, revenue, and history of claims.
Here are some key factors to consider when determining your eligibility for a BOP:
- Industry or class of business
- Business location
- Size of business
- Revenue
- History of claims
To see if you qualify, request a free quote today or contact PolicySweet at 1-800-625-8257.
Why Choose Inszone
Choosing Inszone is a smart decision because they offer a wide range of insurance products that cater to different needs and budgets.
Their policies are designed to provide comprehensive coverage, including liability, property damage, and business interruption protection.
Inszone's experienced agents take the time to understand your business and offer personalized recommendations.
They have a proven track record of helping small businesses like yours navigate complex insurance issues.
Their policies are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor your coverage to fit your unique needs.
This flexibility is a major advantage, especially for businesses that have specific requirements or risks.
Why Choose Sweet

Choosing and purchasing business insurance can be a daunting task, but there are some great options out there.
PolicySweet can make acquiring business insurance simple and stress-free.
With PolicySweet, you can get BOP coverage that's tailored to your specific business needs.
PolicySweet can make acquiring business insurance simple and stress-free.
How to Choose
To choose the right Business Owner's Policy (BOP), it's essential to consult with insurance experts who specialize in BOPs. They can help you tailor a policy that fits your business's unique needs and ensure you have the right coverage at the right price.
Working with these experts can provide valuable insights and help you avoid costly mistakes. They can also help you understand the different types of coverage available and what's included in a standard BOP.
Most businesses qualify for a BOP, but some may not meet the necessary requirements. Eligibility requirements include industry or class of business, business location, size of business, revenue, and history of claims.
To determine if you qualify, request a free quote today. Contacting a BOP specialist can also help you understand the requirements and get a better sense of what's involved in purchasing a policy.
Optional Coverages and Add-ons
A Business Owner's Policy (BOP) is a comprehensive insurance package that can be tailored to your business's specific needs. This policy offers a range of optional coverages that can be added to increase your protection and create a more robust policy.
One of the optional coverages you can add to a BOP is cyber liability insurance, which supports your business in the event of a cybercrime, such as a phishing attack or data breach.
You can also add commercial crime insurance to your BOP, which covers losses due to internal theft, including forgery, fraud, and other acts of employee dishonesty.
Some businesses may need to add professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, to their BOP. This coverage shields you from allegations of professional negligence, misconduct, mistakes, or failure to deliver a service as promised.
You can also add tools and equipment insurance to your BOP, which reimburses you to repair or replace transportable tools or equipment if lost, stolen, or damaged by fire or water.
Commercial auto insurance is another optional coverage that can be added to your BOP. This coverage covers damages to any vehicle used for business purposes, including cars, vans, trucks, and trailers.
Here are some common optional coverages that can be added to a BOP:
- Cyber liability insurance: Supports your business in the event of a cybercrime.
- Commercial crime insurance: Covers losses due to internal theft.
- Professional liability insurance (E&O insurance): Shields you from allegations of professional negligence.
- Tools and equipment insurance: Reimburses you to repair or replace transportable tools or equipment.
- Commercial auto insurance: Covers damages to any vehicle used for business purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two business owners policy forms?
There are two BOP forms: Standard and Special, which provide varying levels of comprehensive coverage for business property insurance. The Special form offers more extensive protection, making it a good option for businesses with higher-value assets.
Do I need business insurance if I have an LLC?
Yes, having an LLC does not automatically protect your business from financial losses in case of a lawsuit. Liability insurance for your LLC is essential to safeguard your business finances and assets.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/business-owners-policy
- https://www.insureon.com/small-business-insurance/business-owners-policy/cost
- https://inszoneinsurance.com/understanding-business-owners-policy-insurance-in-california
- https://www.policysweet.com/business-owners-policy
- https://www.zensurance.com/blog/what-is-a-business-owners-policy-bop
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