Running a small business means managing a hundred competing priorities. Insurance shouldn't be one of them. Many small business owners could consolidate and simplify their insurance needs with a Business Owner's Policy (BOP) — a bundled insurance solution designed specifically for small and mid-size businesses.
This bundled insurance solution may help reduce critical coverage gaps often found in standalone policies. But when the unexpected happens — a fire, a lawsuit, a forced closure — inadequate coverage can create significant financial challenges after a loss.
A Business Owner's Policy (BOP) is a bundled insurance product that combines three core coverages into one manageable policy. It was originally created by the insurance industry to simplify coverage for small and mid-size businesses — reducing complexity, cost, and coverage gaps in a single package. A BOP is not a standalone general liability policy.
| Coverage Type | What It Protects | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
General Liability |
Third-party bodily injury and property damage claims |
A customer slips and falls in your store — your BOP covers legal fees and medical costs |
Commercial Property |
Your building, equipment, inventory, and business assets |
A fire damages your office equipment — your BOP covers repair and replacement costs |
Business Interruption |
Lost income and ongoing expenses while you rebuild |
A pipe burst forces you to close for three weeks — your BOP replaces lost revenue and covers payroll |
Here is a breakdown of standard inclusions and available endorsements.
| Add-On Coverage | What It Covers | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Equipment Breakdown |
Repair/replacement of mechanical and electrical equipment |
Manufacturers, restaurants, medical offices |
Hired & Non-Owned Auto |
Liability when employees drive personal or rented vehicles for work |
Any business where employees travel for work |
Food Contamination / Spoilage |
Perishable inventory losses from power failure or contamination |
Restaurants, caterers, food retailers |
A Business Owner's Policy covers many risks — but it is not all-encompassing. The following coverages are generally not included in a standard BOP and must be purchased separately. Understanding these exclusions upfront prevents dangerous coverage gaps — and costly surprises at claim time.
General Liability (GL) insurance is one of the most common policies small businesses purchase. However, the scope of coverage under a standalone GL policy is limited to general liability risks. An advantage of the Business Owner's Policy is that it provides coverage for a broader range of risks. If you only have general liability insurance and do not separately insure these other risks, you are one fire, flood, or storm-related business closure away from potentially significant financial challenges. Here is how the two compare:
| Feature | General Liability Only | Business Owner's Policy (BOP) |
|---|---|---|
Third-party bodily injury & property damage |
✓ Included |
✓ Included |
Personal & advertising injury |
✓ Included |
✓ Included |
Your own property damage |
✗ Not covered |
✓ Included |
Business interruption / lost income |
✗ Not covered |
✓ Included |
Customizable endorsements |
Limited options |
Extensive add-on options |
Cost efficiency |
Standard single-line pricing |
Potential bundle savings vs. separate policies (illustrative; actual savings vary by insurer, coverage selection, and business profile) |
A BOP addresses some gaps that GL leaves open, helping to ensure that your business can work toward recovering from both liability claims and physical or financial losses. For most small businesses, the BOP is the more comprehensive and cost-efficient choice.
A BOP is designed for small businesses. Typical eligibility criteria include: fewer than 100 employees (Chubb BOP doesn't limit # of employees); a physical business location (office, storefront, warehouse, or studio); and a business that has been operating for at least one year (though newer businesses can still qualify). Every business has a unique risk profile. Chubb's independent insurance agents can help you assess your specific exposures, identify coverage gaps, and determine whether a BOP — or a customized combination of policies — is the right solution for your business.
| Industry | Typical Risk Profile | BOP Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
Retail Stores |
High foot traffic, inventory theft, slip-and-fall liability |
Yes — strong fit |
Professional Services (Accountants, Consultants) |
E&O risk, client visits to office, data handling |
Yes — add Professional Liability |
Restaurants & Food Service |
GL risk, property damage, business interruption, food spoilage |
Yes — add food spoilage endorsement |
Technology Firms |
Cyber risk, E&O, limited physical property exposure |
Yes — add Cyber and Tech E&O policies |
Construction & Contractors |
Higher liability, mobile equipment, Workers Comp requirements |
BOP + Workers' Comp recommended |
Healthcare Providers |
Malpractice risk, HIPAA liability, specialized equipment |
Typically requires extra malpractice or professional liability coverage |
BOP premiums vary based on several factors — but for many small businesses, a BOP is more affordable than business owners expect.
Typical annual BOP premiums may range from $500 to $3,500 per year, depending on your industry, location, revenue, and coverage limits. (These figures are illustrative estimates for educational purposes only and do not represent actual quotes. Actual premiums vary based on your specific business profile, location, coverage limits, and underwriting criteria.)
IMPORTANT: The figures in the table below are hypothetical examples for educational purposes only. They do not represent quotes or guaranteed pricing. Contact a licensed Chubb agent for an accurate premium estimate.
| Business Type | Estimated Annual BOP Premium Range | Estimated Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
Small Retail Store |
$800–$1,500/year |
~$67–$125/month |
Restaurant / Food Service |
$1,200–$2,500/year |
~$100–$208/month |
Professional Services Firm |
$700–$1,200/year |
~$58–$100/month |
Technology Company (under 20 employees) |
$900–$1,800/year |
~$75–$150/month |
Small Contractor |
$1,500–$3,500/year |
~$125–$292/month |
Bundling your coverages into a BOP may offer savings compared to purchasing each coverage as a separate, standalone policy (illustrative estimate; actual savings vary by insurer, coverage selection, and business profile). Many small businesses find that a bundled BOP is both more affordable and easier to manage than multiple separate policies.
One of the most important things to understand about a Business Owner's Policy is that it is not a one-size-fits-all product. Every business has a unique risk profile — and a well-designed BOP reflects that. Endorsements are optional riders that extend your BOP coverage beyond the standard bundle. They allow you to tailor your policy to the specific risks your business faces, without purchasing an entirely separate policy for each exposure. Start with the core bundle and add endorsements as your operations expand, your team grows, or your risk profile evolves. Cyber liability is an increasingly significant business risk — and one of the most common and valuable BOP endorsements available, particularly for businesses that handle customer data or process online payments.
Getting a Business Owner's Policy with Chubb is straightforward. Here is the five-step process from assessment to coverage:
| Step | Action | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
Step 1 |
Assess your risks |
Consider your industry, physical location, number of employees, and primary revenue sources |
Step 2 |
Gather your business details |
Legal business structure, annual revenue, property details (owned vs. leased), existing coverage |
Step 3 |
Choose your coverage limits |
A $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate GL limit is a common starting point for small businesses |
Step 4 |
Select relevant endorsements |
Match add-ons to your industry — cyber for data-heavy businesses, E&O for advisors, etc. |
Step 5 |
Get your quote |
Complete Chubb's online quote tool in minutes, or speak directly with a licensed insurance professional |
For questions and specialized guidance, always consult with a licensed insurance agent. They can provide the most tailored and expert advice for your situation.
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Your business deserves more than a generic policy. Chubb's Business Owner's Policy delivers comprehensive, customizable protection — bundled into one straightforward premium.
Start your BOP quote in minutes, Get a Quote Online now
Speak with a licensed Chubb insurance professional who can evaluate your specific business risks, recommend appropriate coverage limits, and provide an accurate quote tailored to your operation.
Not sure what coverage limits you need? Our licensed agents can walk you through your options.
A standard BOP does not cover workers' compensation, commercial auto, professional liability (unless added), flood, cyber liability (unless added as an endorsement), umbrella coverage, management liability, or employee health benefits. These must be purchased as separate policies or added as endorsements where available.
No. A BOP includes general liability but also adds commercial property insurance and business interruption coverage. Flood insurance is also typically excluded from standard commercial property coverage. For most small businesses, the BOP is the more comprehensive and cost-efficient choice.
BOP premiums vary widely based on your industry, location, revenue, coverage limits, and claims history. Many small businesses pay between approximately $500 and $3,500 per year. Contact a licensed agent for an accurate quote based on your specific business. Note: All cost figures in this article are illustrative estimates for educational purposes only. Contact a licensed insurance agent for an accurate quote.
Yes. Cyber liability is an increasingly significant business risk and one of the most common and most valuable BOP endorsements available, particularly for businesses that handle customer data or process online payments.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, legal, financial, or tax advice. Coverage is subject to underwriting review and approval. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and availability vary by state and policy. Not all coverages are available in all states. Please consult a licensed insurance professional to evaluate your specific coverage needs. Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited.
All premium figures and cost estimates presented in this article are illustrative examples for educational purposes only. They do not represent quotes, offers of coverage, or guaranteed pricing. Actual premiums are determined through individual underwriting review and will vary based on your specific business profile, location, coverage selections, and other factors.
Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited providing insurance and related services. For a list of these subsidiaries, please visit our website at www.chubb.com. Insurance provided by ACE American Insurance Company and its U.S. based Chubb underwriting company affiliates. All products may not be available in all states. This communication contains product summaries only. Coverage is subject to the language of the policies as actually issued. Surplus lines insurance sold only through licensed surplus lines producers. The material presented herein is advisory in nature and is offered as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advisors in maintaining a loss prevention program. It is not intended as a substitute for legal, insurance, or other professional advice, but rather is presented for general information only. You should consult knowledgeable legal counsel or other knowledgeable experts as to any legal or technical questions you may have. Chubb, 202 Hall's Mill Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-1600.