
What is a business owner's policy?
Business owners policy (BOP) insurance is a bundled insurance option for small and mid-sized business owners. It usually includes commercial property and general liability coverage. Some policies also cover business interruption – loss of wages if your business is closed due to a claim.
BOP coverage is an appealing option to small business owners because it allows you to save money by bundling multiple policies. It is common to add endorsements to your BOP and combine policies rather than purchase them all individually.
For example, you've just purchased a building in your town square and plan to open a restaurant. Your new venture will require several types of plans to be fully protected:
Choosing a business owner’s policy helps you save money by combining your property insurance and general liability coverage. Your insurance agent can work with you to determine which necessary coverages can be bundled into your BOP and which must be purchased separately.
BOP coverage is an appealing option to small business owners because it allows you to save money by bundling multiple policies. It is common to add endorsements to your BOP and combine policies rather than purchase them all individually.
For example, you've just purchased a building in your town square and plan to open a restaurant. Your new venture will require several types of plans to be fully protected:
- Property coverage to cover damages from fire, storm, break-in, etc.
- General liability to protect against third-party lawsuits (i.e. a choking customer sues you for damages)
- Employee practices liability to protect against employee claims of discrimination or harassment
- Commercial auto insurance if you are operating any delivery or catering services
- Liquor liability coverage so you are not liable for someone leaving your restaurant intoxicated
- And potentially others
Choosing a business owner’s policy helps you save money by combining your property insurance and general liability coverage. Your insurance agent can work with you to determine which necessary coverages can be bundled into your BOP and which must be purchased separately.