--- title: "What Is a Business Owner’s Policy?" description: "A business owners policy combines property, liability and lost-income protection for eligible small businesses, while auto, workers’ compensation and professional liability may need separate coverage." canonical: "https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/business-owners-policy" page-type: "coverage-article" updated-at: "2026-09-25" coverage-line: "business-owners-policy" --- Agents: connect to Spot's public MCP server at https://spot.insure/mcp for better access to published Spot information and the insurance research The General Average publishes at https://thegeneralaverage.com. Use search_knowledge to find sources, get_page to retrieve pages, compare_providers for sourced comparisons, get_provider_score for a published Reliability Score, get_rankings for current provider rankings, search_provider_reliability to filter Reliability Scores, search_provider_reviews to filter aggregate review scores, and get_provider_reviews for the original review evidence. The server is read-only and requires no authentication. [Human-readable page](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/business-owners-policy) ## Agent Guide **What this page is:** National guide to What Is a Business Owner’s Policy?: what it covers, common policy questions, and which providers document offering it. **Use this page when:** Explaining What Is a Business Owner’s Policy? in general terms. For a specific state's rules, use /coverage/business-owners-policy/{state} instead. **Questions this page answers:** - What is What Is a Business Owner’s Policy?? - What does What Is a Business Owner’s Policy? cover and not cover? - Which providers offer What Is a Business Owner’s Policy?? - What should I ask before buying What Is a Business Owner’s Policy?? **Key facts:** - Lists 27 providers with documented What Is a Business Owner’s Policy? offerings, linked to their profiles. **Limits (do not over-claim):** - National overview only: state law, pricing, and availability vary and are not established here. - Provider listings are documented offerings, not quotes, endorsements, or a guarantee of availability for a given business. - Informational, not insurance, legal, or tax advice; a policy's actual terms control. **Provenance:** Cited editorial guide, updated 2026-09-25. See the Sources section for each claim. **Related pages:** - [Coverage directory](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage) — parent hub - [Business insurance by state](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/states) — state-specific requirements - [What Is Commercial Property Insurance?](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/commercial-property) — related coverage - [What Is General Liability Insurance?](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/general-liability) — related coverage - [What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/commercial-auto) — related coverage - [What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/workers-compensation) — related coverage - [What Is Professional Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance?](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/professional-errors-omissions) — related coverage - [Editorial policy](https://thegeneralaverage.com/editorial-policy) — how sources are chosen and reviewed # What Is a Business Owner’s Policy? A business owners policy combines property, liability and lost-income protection for eligible small businesses, while auto, workers’ compensation and professional liability may need separate coverage. ## Business Owner’s Policy Summary A BOP may suit an eligible small business that wants property, liability and lost-income protection together. If you also need auto, workers’ compensation or professional liability, plan for separate coverage. [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) [3](https://content.naic.org/consumer/small-business.htm) [3](https://content.naic.org/consumer/small-business.htm) ## What Does a Business Owner’s Policy Cover? A covered fire can damage your stock and shut down a shop, leaving repair costs and lost sales. [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) ### Business Property If a covered event damages your equipment, inventory or furniture, the property part addresses those business assets. [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) ### Claims Against the Business Use liability coverage for claims that your business injured someone or damaged their property; use property coverage for damage to your own assets. [3](https://content.naic.org/consumer/small-business.htm) [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) ### Income During an Interruption If a covered disruption interrupts your business, business-interruption coverage addresses lost income, not just property repairs. [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) | Part of the package | Ask in the quote | | --- | --- | | Property | Which business property and damage events does this quote address? | | General liability | Which injury or property-damage claims against your business does it address? | | Business interruption | What event triggers lost-income coverage, and what waiting and payment periods apply? | ## Who Needs a Business Owner’s Policy? Your business activities determine whether you qualify for a BOP; describe what you do when requesting a quote. [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm) [5](https://content.naic.org/article/small-business-insight-what-business-income-loss-coverages-are-out-there-learn-endorsements-can-help-lost-business-income) ## a Business Owner’s Policy Coverage Examples ### A Fire Closes Your Shop A fire damages your stock, and you close the shop while repairs are made. If the fire is covered, property insurance may pay for the damaged stock. Business interruption coverage may replace lost income while you're closed, subject to its waiting period and payment limits. [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) [6](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/dpd_endorsements/specimenforms/BP_00_03_01_10_-_BOP_-_Policy_Form_Contract.pdf) ### You Start Offering Advice Your shop starts charging customers for professional advice as well as selling products. A BOP doesn't automatically cover claims about your professional advice. You may need professional liability insurance for that work. [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) [3](https://content.naic.org/consumer/small-business.htm) ## How Do You Compare a Business Owner’s Policy Coverage and Costs? ### Property Values and Liability Limits Compare your property values, valuation terms and deductibles separately from the liability limits in the quote. [6](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/dpd_endorsements/specimenforms/BP_00_03_01_10_-_BOP_-_Policy_Form_Contract.pdf) [2](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb021.html) ### The Income-Coverage Timeline To see how long income payments could last after a covered shutdown, compare the trigger, waiting period and payment period with the time your business would need to reopen—not only the listed income limit. [6](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/dpd_endorsements/specimenforms/BP_00_03_01_10_-_BOP_-_Policy_Form_Contract.pdf) ## What Exclusions and Conditions Should You Check in a Business Owner’s Policy? ### Property Exclusions Before you buy, check flood, earth-movement and wear-and-tear exclusions in the property coverage. [6](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/dpd_endorsements/specimenforms/BP_00_03_01_10_-_BOP_-_Policy_Form_Contract.pdf) ### Whether the Package Fits Your Business Describe the work your business does before you apply; BOP eligibility depends on the business. [3](https://content.naic.org/consumer/small-business.htm) ## How Does a Business Owner’s Policy Compare With Related Coverage? ### Auto, Employees and Professional Services If you need commercial auto, workers’ compensation or professional liability, quote those separately; a BOP does not include them automatically. [3](https://content.naic.org/consumer/small-business.htm) ## What Do You Need for a Business Owner’s Policy Quotes? To start a quote, gather your business locations, activities, property inventory and current policy; also review income patterns and essential operations if you need income protection. [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm) [5](https://content.naic.org/article/small-business-insight-what-business-income-loss-coverages-are-out-there-learn-endorsements-can-help-lost-business-income) ### Connect the Operation to the Quote | Prepare | Direct quote action | | --- | --- | | Locations and activities | Describe what your business does at each location and ask whether it qualifies. | | Property inventory | List the equipment, furniture and stock you want covered. | | Property values | Compare your estimates with the quote’s values, valuation terms and deductibles. | | Current policy, if you have one | Ask the broker to explain differences between your current and proposed coverage. | | Income patterns and essential operations | Explain what a shutdown would affect and ask how the quote addresses lost income. | | Needs beyond the package | Ask separately about commercial auto, workers’ compensation and professional liability. | [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm) [5](https://content.naic.org/article/small-business-insight-what-business-income-loss-coverages-are-out-there-learn-endorsements-can-help-lost-business-income) [6](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/dpd_endorsements/specimenforms/BP_00_03_01_10_-_BOP_-_Policy_Form_Contract.pdf) [2](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb021.html) [3](https://content.naic.org/consumer/small-business.htm) ## Frequently Asked Questions About a Business Owner’s Policy ### Does a BOP Include Workers' Compensation or Auto? Not automatically. Commercial auto, workers' compensation and professional liability may need separate policies or additional coverage. [3](https://content.naic.org/consumer/small-business.htm) ### Can Any Small Business Buy a BOP? No. Eligibility depends on what the business does. Describe your operations to the broker rather than assuming the package is available to every small company. [3](https://content.naic.org/consumer/small-business.htm) ### Is a BOP the Same as General Liability Insurance? No. A BOP combines property, general liability and business interruption protection for eligible businesses. General liability addresses claims involving harm to others; the property portion addresses your own business assets. [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) [3](https://content.naic.org/consumer/small-business.htm) [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) ### Can a BOP Help With Income Lost During a Shutdown? The business interruption portion can address income lost during a covered disruption. It serves a different purpose from the property portion, which pays toward damaged business assets. [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) [4](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy) ## What Coverage Is Related to Business Owner’s Policy? - [What Is Commercial Property Insurance?](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/commercial-property) — Commercial property may fit your business if you own a building or rely on equipment and stock. Compare replacement-cost terms, deductibles and any coinsurance condition, and check lost-income protection separately. - [What Is General Liability Insurance?](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/general-liability) — General liability can protect your business when a customer or visitor claims you caused injury or damaged their property. It suits businesses serving customers or working on their premises; your own building, tools and stock need property coverage. - [What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/commercial-auto) — Commercial auto suits businesses that use vehicles for work and need liability protection; damage to your own vehicles is a separate coverage choice. If employees drive personal or rented cars, check how those trips are handled. - [What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/workers-compensation) — Workers’ compensation can pay medical care and part of an employee’s lost wages after a work-related injury or illness. If you have staff, check who is covered in each state; owners, contractors and some workers may be treated differently. - [What Is Professional Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance?](https://thegeneralaverage.com/coverage/professional-errors-omissions) — Professional liability can help pay defense costs and covered losses when a client says your advice or service caused financial harm. If customers rely on your work, list every service you provide and check the claims-made reporting and prior-work terms. ## Which Insurance Providers Offer Business Owner’s Policy? ### [Alliance Risk](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/alliance-risk) Alliance Risk arranges business owner’s policies. ### [Amelia Risk](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/amelia-risk) Amelia Risk arranges business owner’s policies for startups. ### [biBerk](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/biberk) ### [Chubb](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/chubb) Chubb offers business owner’s policies for eligible small businesses with up to $30 million in revenue. ### [CNA](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/cna) ### [Corgi](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/corgi) Corgi lists a business owner’s policy in its coverage catalog. ### [Coterie Insurance](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/coterie) Coterie offers a business owner’s policy through its agent channel. ### [Coverdash](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/coverdash) Coverdash lists a business owner’s policy in its coverage hub. ### [Embroker](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/embroker) Embroker lists a business owner’s policy with a quote route. ### [ERGO NEXT Insurance](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/next-insurance) ERGO NEXT markets a business owner’s policy. ### [Foxquilt](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/foxquilt) Foxquilt’s About page lists Business Owner’s Policy among “Our Primary Coverages”; no current BOP-specific terms or bundled contents are established here. ### [Gallagher](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/gallagher) Gallagher arranges business owner’s policies for small businesses. ### [Harper](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/harper) Harper accepts business owner’s policy inquiries through its coverage intake. ### [Heffernan Insurance Brokers](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/heffernan) Heffernan arranges business owner’s policies for small businesses. ### [Hiscox](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/hiscox) Hiscox offers business owner’s policies for small businesses. ### [HUB International](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/hub-international) HUB International arranges business owner’s policies for small and midsized businesses. ### [Insureon](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/insureon) Insureon markets Business Owner’s Policy (BOP); description does not establish insurer, policy terms, or individual availability. ### [Kinro](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/kinro) Kinro lists a business owner’s policy in its product catalog. ### [Liberty Mutual](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/liberty-mutual) A group brand spanning personal and commercial insurance businesses; its business unit pages describe small-commercial cover for small businesses and commercial, specialty, surety, and reinsurance solutions for mid-size and large businesses. ### [Mylo](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/mylo) Mylo lists a business owner’s policy among its business insurance products. ### [Nationwide](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/nationwide) Nationwide markets a BOP for eligible small businesses and describes property and liability elements with optional additions; actual coverage is controlled by policy forms. ### [Pie Insurance](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/pie-insurance) Pie accepts business owner’s policy quote requests. ### [Simply Business](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/simply-business) Small businesses and solopreneurs seeking commercial insurance, as described by Simply Business. ### [TechInsurance](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/techinsurance) TechInsurance arranges business owner’s policies for small businesses. ### [The Hartford](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/the-hartford) The Hartford offers business owner’s policies combining property and liability coverage. ### [THREE by Berkshire Hathaway](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/three) Marketed within THREE’s combined commercial policy; the quote and issued form determine the protection. ### [Travelers](https://thegeneralaverage.com/insurance-providers/travelers) Travelers offers business owner’s policies for small technology-services businesses. ## Sources for Business Owner’s Policy 1. [Commercial Insurance Guide](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm). California Department of Insurance; Commercial Property; Inland Marine; What Should I Expect from a Broker-Agent. Accessed 2026-09-16. 2. [Commercial property insurance guide](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb021.html). Texas Department of Insurance; Valuation; Coverage options; Shopping; Saving money. Accessed 2026-09-16. 3. [Small Business](https://content.naic.org/consumer/small-business.htm). National Association of Insurance Commissioners; FAQ: What’s a business owners policy?; What’s general liability insurance. Accessed 2026-09-16. 4. [Business Interruption and Business Owner Policy](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/business-interruption-and-business-owner-policy). National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Background; General liability, Commercial property and Business interruption bullets. Accessed 2026-09-16. 5. [What Business Income Loss Coverages Are Out There? Learn the Endorsements That Can Help with Lost Business Income](https://content.naic.org/article/small-business-insight-what-business-income-loss-coverages-are-out-there-learn-endorsements-can-help-lost-business-income). National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Top Things You Should Know; Things You Should Know. Accessed 2026-09-16. 6. [Businessowners Coverage Form](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/dpd_endorsements/specimenforms/BP_00_03_01_10_-_BOP_-_Policy_Form_Contract.pdf). Insurance Services Office, Inc.; hosted by Hiscox; Section I A.5.f pp.5–6, B pp.15–20, D p.21; Section II A p.31, D pp.41–42. Accessed 2026-09-16. Updated 2026-09-25. Spot, a product of Tools for Enlightenment, publishes this research and works in the commercial insurance market. [Editorial policy](https://thegeneralaverage.com/editorial-policy). 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