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STRAIGHT ANSWER

What is a business owner's policy?

QUICK ANSWER

A business owner's policy is a package for small businesses that combines general liability, property coverage for your contents and improvements, and business income, usually at a lower price than buying them separately. Shops, offices, restaurants and small service businesses typically qualify, subject to carrier limits on revenue, square footage and class. It does not include workers' compensation, commercial auto or professional liability.

Reviewed by Michael LaBarbera, Licensed property & casualty agent, Provident Financial Group · Reviewed Oct 11, 2026 Updated
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The three parts

Liability for injuries and damage to others; property for the things you own at your premises; income to replace revenue while you are closed after a covered loss. Carriers add optional coverages — equipment breakdown, spoilage, small cyber and employment practices limits — and this is where packages differ.

Who qualifies

Carriers set eligibility by class of business, annual revenue, square footage and sometimes building size. Most retail, office, restaurant, salon, fitness and light-service businesses fit. Higher-hazard operations and larger businesses buy the pieces separately.

How to compare two BOPs

Not by the total. Compare the liability limits, the contents limit and valuation basis, the deductible, the income period, and the optional coverages included. CoverMatch's comparison puts each of those on its own row.

Questions people actually ask

What is not in a BOP?

Workers' compensation, commercial auto, professional liability and, unless endorsed, cyber, employment practices and liquor liability.

Can a contractor buy a BOP?

Some carriers offer artisan contractor packages; many contractors buy general liability separately with inland marine for tools.

Is business income automatically included?

Usually, on an actual-loss-sustained basis for a set period after a covered property loss. Check the period and any waiting period.

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