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Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia.
Updated May 21, 2023
A business owner's policy (BOP) combines protection for all major property and liability risks in one insurance package. This type of policy assembles the basic coverages required by a business owner in one bundle; however, it is usually sold at a premium that is less than the total cost of the individual coverages.
A business owner's policy offers several insurance products rolled into one, generally targeted to small- and mid-size businesses. Business owner's insurance typically includes property, business interruption, and liability insurance. Yet, most policies require businesses to meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify.
The property insurance portion of a BOP is usually available as named-peril coverage, which provides coverage only for damage caused by events specifically listed in the policy (typically fire, explosion, wind damage, vandalism, smoke damage, etc.). Some BOPs offer open-peril or “all-risk” coverage; this option is available from the “special” BOP form rather than the “standard” type of BOP.
Properties covered by a BOP usually include buildings (owned or rented, additions or additions in progress, and outdoor fixtures). The BOP will also cover any business-owned items or items owned by a third party but kept temporarily in the care, custody, or control of the business or business owner. The business property must usually be stored or kept in qualifying proximity of business premises (such as within 100 feet of the premises).
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) suggests performing a risk assessment before shopping for a BOP to inform the business owner’s decision when choosing a level of coverage.
With business interruption insurance included in a BOP, the insurer covers the loss of income resulting from a fire or other catastrophe that disrupts the operation of the business. It can also include the extra expense of operating out of a temporary location.
BOPs with liability protection will have the insurance company cover the insured's legal responsibility for damages it may inflict on others. This damage would have to be a result of things done in the normal course of business operations, which may cause bodily injury or property damage due to defective products, faulty installations, and errors in provided services.
A business owner's policy might also include crime insurance, vehicle coverage, and flood insurance. Depending on a business's individual situation, the business owner and the insurance company may make arrangements for additional coverage components.
Some of these might include certain crimes, spoilage of merchandise, computer equipment, mechanical breakdown, forgery, and fidelity bond, but the coverage limits for these inclusions are typically low.
A BOP typically does not cover professional liability, worker’s compensation, health, or disability insurance. These items would require separate policies.
Not all businesses qualify for business owner's policies. Eligibility requirements differ among providers. Insurance providers may have requirements regarding business location, the size of the location, revenue, and class of business.
For example, most insurance providers only cover businesses that handle all business on-premises. They may also have limitations if a primary business property measures over or under a specified area. Typically, business classes eligible for BOPs include retail stores, apartment buildings, small restaurants, and office-based businesses.
A business owner policy covers a wide range of risks, such as those that arise from claims and lawsuits, and it protects the physical components of your business, such as inventory, equipment, and the building. This covers situations such as fire, theft, vandalism, and bodily injury.
A business owner's policy excludes auto insurance, workers' compensation, health insurance, and professional liability.
A business owner's policy (BOP) is a bundle of insurance policies intended for small- to mid-sized businesses whereas a commercial package policy (CPP) is intended to be a pick-and-choose style policy that is intended for large businesses and tailored to their needs.
A business owner's policy (BOP) can be a great way to efficiently obtain the various types of insurance policies needed for a business, but at a premium when compared to purchasing individual policies. For your own business, determine whether the cost is a hindrance or if an efficient insurance method is preferable.
