Small Business

Business Owner's Policy (BOP): Coverage & eligibility

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.

What is a Business Owner's Policy (BOP)?

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

What additional costs does a Business Owner's Policy cover?

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

What a Business Owner's Policy does NOT cover

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.

  • Workers' Compensation Insurance — required by law in most states for businesses with employees
  • Commercial Auto Insurance — personal auto policies do not cover business use of vehicles
  • Professional Liability (E&O) — unless added as an endorsement
  • Employee Health and Disability Benefits
  • Flood Insurance — typically excluded from standard property coverage
  • Umbrella — typically excluded from standard property coverage
  • Cyber — typically excluded from standard property coverage (see endorsements section for add-on options)
  • Management Liability — typically excluded from standard property coverage

BOP vs. General Liability insurance

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)

The bottom line on BOP vs. GL

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.

Who needs a Business Owner's Policy?

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

How much does a Business Owner's Policy cost?

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

Key factors that affect your BOP premium

  • Business size and annual revenue — larger businesses with higher revenues typically pay more
  • Industry risk classification — higher-risk industries (e.g., food service, construction) pay higher premiums than lower-risk industries (e.g., professional services)
  • Location — property values, local weather risks, and crime rates influence commercial property premiums
  • Claims history — a history of prior claims can increase your premium
  • Coverage limits and deductibles — higher limits and lower deductibles increase your premium; adjusting these can help manage cost
  • Endorsements selected — each add-on coverage adds a modest amount to your overall premium

The bundling advantage

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.

How to customize your BOP with endorsements

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.

How to get a Business Owner's Policy

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. 

Why choose Chubb for your Business Owner's Policy?

  • A++ (Superior) financial strength rating by AM Best — the highest possible rating for an insurance carrier
  • Over 30 years of experience serving small and mid-size businesses across the United States
  • Claims reporting and dedicated claims support available — availability may vary by state and policy; please verify approved service language with your Chubb representative
  • Flexible, customizable BOP options tailored to your industry and risk profile
  • Online quoting available in minutes — no lengthy applications or waiting periods

For more information about Chubb financial data, click here Investor Relations site.

Get your Business Owner's Policy quote today

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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

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Interested in BOP Insurance for your business?