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Commercial · US

Business owner’s policy (BOP)

A BOP packages the core covers most small US businesses need, usually commercial property, general liability and business income, into one policy that’s often cheaper than buying each separately.

Photo: Tem Rysh on Unsplash

At a glance

Ref. COM-BOP

Bundles: Commercial property · General liability · Business income (interruption).
Who qualifies: Small, lower-risk businesses such as shops, offices, cafés and service firms; eligibility depends on size and industry.
Not included: Workers’ comp, commercial auto, professional liability, health insurance.
Common add-ons: Equipment breakdown, data breach, hired and non-owned auto, employee dishonesty.
UK equivalent: Trade “packages” for shops, offices and salons.

What a BOP includes

Property: your building (if owned), equipment, inventory and furniture.
General liability: bodily injury and property damage to others, products and completed operations, personal and advertising injury.
Business income: lost income and extra expenses after covered property damage.

What you still need separately

A BOP doesn’t include workers’ compensation, commercial auto, professional liability (E&O) or meaningful cyber cover. Flood and earthquake are typically excluded, as with homeowners policies.

Is a BOP right for you?

BOPs suit businesses with modest premises and revenues and lower-risk operations. Higher-risk trades, large premises or specialist activities may need separate commercial package policies. Insurers set their own eligibility rules, so compare a few.

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does a BOP include workers’ comp?

No. Workers’ comp is a separate policy and is required in almost every state once you have employees.

Can home-based businesses get a BOP?

Some can, though home-based businesses with small exposures may be better served by a home business endorsement or in-home business policy. See home business insurance.

Is a BOP available in the UK?

Not by that name. UK insurers sell similar packages for shops, offices and trades.