Commercial - Business Owners' Package (BOP)
What is a Business Owners' Insurance (BOP) policy ?
A Business Owners' Package (BOP) policy combines several types of coverage into one package tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It is designed to be a more affordable and convenient way to obtain the protection you need without having to purchase separate policies for each risk.
The BOP package usually includes three key insurance policies:
1. Property Insurance:
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Covers physical assets like your business location, equipment, inventory, and furniture from risks like fire, vandalism, theft, or natural disasters (such as storms or earthquakes, depending on your policy).
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If your business property is damaged or destroyed, property insurance helps cover the cost to repair or replace it.
2. General Liability Insurance:
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Protects against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury that occur on your premises or due to your business operations.
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This covers things like customers who slip and fall, or if your business causes property damage to someone else's property.
3. Business Interruption Insurance (also called Business Income Insurance):
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Covers lost income if your business is forced to shut down due to a covered event (like a fire or a natural disaster) that disrupts operations.
- It can help pay for ongoing expenses, like rent or employee salaries, even if you’re not able to operate.
A BOP can be customized with optional add-ons, depending on the needs of your business. These can include:
- Cyber Liability Insurance (for businesses that handle sensitive data)
- Commercial Auto Insurance (if your business uses vehicles)
- Professional Liability Insurance (for businesses that offer advice or professional services)
- Employee Benefits Insurance (like health or disability insurance for employees)
While a BOP offers great all-around coverage, it doesn’t cover everything. Common exclusions include:
- Employee Injuries: Workers' compensation is usually sold separately and isn’t included in a BOP.
- Professional Errors: If you provide professional advice or services (like a lawyer or accountant), you might need professional liability insurance (also called errors & omissions coverage).
- Flood and Earthquake Damage: Some BOPs exclude natural disasters like floods or earthquakes, so you may need a separate policy for those.
- Vehicle Coverage: If your business uses vehicles, you’ll need commercial auto insurance, which isn’t typically included in a BOP.
BOP is ideal for businesses that meet the following requirements:
- Have relatively low risk (in terms of property damage or liability).
- Do not have complex or specialized insurance needs.
- Have fewer employees (as BOP is typically aimed at small businesses).
Examples of businesses eligible for BOP:
- Retail stores
- Small offices (e.g., real estate agents, insurance brokers)
- Restaurants (depending on size)
- Contractors (with specific benefits)