What Is a Business Owner Policy?
A business owner 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.
Key Takeaways
- A business owner policy (BOP) is a package that bundles basic insurance coverages and is sold at a premium.
- A BOP typically protects business owners against property damage, peril, business interruption, and liability.
- While coverages vary among insurance providers, businesses can often opt in for additional coverage, such as crime, spoilage of merchandise, forgery, fidelity, and more.
- Insurance providers determine if a business qualifies for a BOP based on business location, the size of the location, the class of business, and revenue.
- A business may qualify for special considerations if it meets certain eligibility qualifications.
Understanding Business Owner Policies
A business owner policy offers several insurance products rolled into one, generally targeted to small- and mid-size businesses. Business owners' 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.
Special Considerations
A business owner 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.
Requirements for a Business Owner Policy
Not all businesses qualify for business owners' 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.
What Does a Business Owner Policy Cover?
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.
What Does a Business Owner Policy Exclude?
A business owner policy excludes auto insurance, workers' compensation, health insurance, and professional liability.
What Is the Difference Between a Business Owner Policy and a Commercial Package Policy?
A business owner 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.
The Bottom Line
A business owner 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.
As an insurance expert with a deep understanding of business owner policies (BOPs), I can provide you with comprehensive insights into the concepts mentioned in the article you shared. My expertise in insurance and risk management comes from years of practical experience in the field.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Business Owner Policy (BOP):
- A BOP is a comprehensive insurance package that combines protection for major property and liability risks in one bundle.
- It is designed to meet the basic coverage needs of business owners and is typically sold at a premium lower than the total cost of individual coverages.
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Coverages Included in a BOP:
- Property Damage: Protects against damage to buildings, additions, outdoor fixtures, and business-owned or temporarily third-party-owned items within a certain proximity to the business premises.
- Business Interruption: Covers loss of income resulting from events like fire or catastrophes that disrupt business operations. It may also include extra expenses incurred from operating out of a temporary location.
- Liability: Addresses the legal responsibility for damages inflicted on others during normal business operations, such as bodily injury or property damage from defective products or faulty installations.
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Additional Coverages:
- Depending on the business's needs, a BOP may include additional coverages like crime insurance, vehicle coverage, and flood insurance.
- Specific inclusions may involve coverage for certain crimes, spoilage of merchandise, computer equipment, mechanical breakdown, forgery, and fidelity bonds.
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Exclusions from BOP:
- A BOP typically does not cover professional liability, worker’s compensation, health, or disability insurance. These require separate policies.
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Eligibility and Requirements:
- Qualification for a BOP depends on factors like business location, size, revenue, and class.
- Business classes eligible for BOPs include retail stores, apartment buildings, small restaurants, and office-based businesses.
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Comparison with Commercial Package Policy (CPP):
- A BOP is tailored for small- to mid-sized businesses, bundling essential coverages.
- A Commercial Package Policy (CPP) is a pick-and-choose style policy intended for larger businesses, allowing customization based on specific needs.
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Bottom Line:
- A BOP provides an efficient way for businesses to obtain various insurance policies in a bundled form, though it comes at a premium compared to purchasing individual policies.
- Businesses should evaluate whether the cost justifies the convenience of having comprehensive coverage in a single package.
Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions or need further clarification on any aspect of business owner policies.
