Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
A business owner’s policy combines the three coverages most small businesses need, general liability, business property and business income, in one package that usually costs less than buying them separately. Stonebrook places BOPs for offices, landlords, retailers and service businesses nationwide.
Reviewed by Nate Feuerman, High Net Worth Insurance Producer at Stonebrook
Last updated
Quick answers
What does a BOP include?
General liability, business property and business income in one policy, with optional add-ons like equipment breakdown and cyber.
Who qualifies for a BOP?
Small and mid-sized businesses with lower-risk operations, such as offices, small retail and some landlords. Each carrier sets its own size and class limits.
What doesn’t a BOP cover?
Commercial auto, workers’ compensation, professional liability and, in most cases, meaningful cyber coverage.
Is a BOP cheaper than separate policies?
Usually, because the coverages are packaged for eligible businesses.
What a business owner’s policy covers.
Business property
Your building if you own it, plus equipment, inventory and furniture. See commercial property.
Equipment breakdown
Mechanical and electrical failure of HVAC, electrical and other equipment.
Hired and non-owned auto
Liability for employees using personal or rented cars for business.
Data breach
A small first-party cyber endorsement on some forms.
What you still need outside a BOP.
| Exposure | Where it belongs |
|---|---|
| Company vehicles | Commercial auto |
| Employee injuries | Workers’ compensation |
| Professional mistakes | Errors and omissions or professional liability |
| Significant cyber exposure | Cyber insurance |
| Higher liability limits | Commercial umbrella |
| Claims against directors and officers | D&O |
When a BOP fits, and when it doesn’t.
BOPs are designed for smaller, lower-hazard businesses: offices, small retail, some contractors and many landlords of smaller buildings. Each carrier sets limits on building size, revenue and type of business.
Healthcare facilities, larger multi-family buildings and businesses with significant liability exposure usually need a custom commercial package instead, with separate property and liability policies.
If you have outgrown your BOP, a package policy can give you higher limits and broader terms. We will tell you which fits.
A broker who knows your business.
Stonebrook is an independent agency. We work with standard, specialty and excess and surplus lines carriers, so we can shop BOPs across carriers instead of fitting you into one company’s program.
Since 1982 we have placed commercial programs for businesses and property owners across the country. We read the fine print, flag the exclusions that matter for your operation, and advocate for you at underwriting, at renewal and at claim time.
Coverage that works together.
Most families need more than one policy. Here is how the pieces fit.
BOP questions, answered.
What is a business owner’s policy?
A BOP is a package policy that combines general liability, business property and business income coverage for eligible small and mid-sized businesses, usually at a lower price than buying each separately.
What does a BOP not cover?
A BOP does not cover commercial vehicles, employee injuries, professional mistakes or, in most cases, significant cyber exposure. Those need commercial auto, workers’ compensation, professional liability or E&O, and cyber insurance.
Who is eligible for a BOP?
Small and mid-sized businesses with lower-risk operations, such as offices, retail stores, service businesses and some landlords. Each carrier sets its own limits on size, revenue and industry.
Can a landlord get a BOP?
Often, yes, for smaller commercial or mixed-use buildings. Larger apartment buildings usually need a habitational program instead.
Can I add an umbrella to a BOP?
Yes. A commercial umbrella can sit above the BOP’s general liability and your commercial auto and employer’s liability.
Let’s see if a BOP fits your business.
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Tell us what you need and we’ll take it from there.