Should You Buy A Business Owners Policy?

A Business Owners Policy, or BOP, is a type of insurance that puts all the basic coverage a company needs in a single package. This results in a total cost that is lower than the overall cost of purchasing several individual types of coverage. This type of policy is very beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses.

What a Business Owners Policy Covers

A Business Owners Policy mainly protects business owners from property loss and liability costs from lawsuits.

Property Coverage: Property damage coverage often includes repairs for damage due to things like thunderstorms. It might also cover more extensive repairs, such as a damaged infrastructure. The insurance company will typically cover all expenses that are necessary in order to restore the property to operational standards. Clearing out debris and floodwater, plus doing the resultant repairs, are all generally included in property coverage. This type of coverage also covers the expense of replacing damaged equipment, like furniture, computers, and supplies, and restoring or repairing building fixtures, such as glass windows.

Liability Coverage: Liabilities, such as injuries suffered by clients, are also covered by BOPs. This type of coverage includes property, bodily, or advertising injury caused by a mistake on your part. In case you get sued due to any such injury, liability coverage can help you settle the damages and expenses that result from a lawsuit. Some BOPs also include advocate’s fees and any other expenses related to your defense against the suit.

Other Coverage: Business interruption coverage in BOPs covers the fixed expenses of your business if it suffers a loss that causes it to temporarily close or operate at a reduced level as repairs are being made. This coverage is usually good for up to one year, depending on the terms of the policy. The fixed costs of your business include wages and salaries, rent, taxes, and any other expenses specified in your policy. Business income coverage is also included in BOPs and can help keep your business running in case of big losses. In policies particularly tailored for certain businesses, you will find coverage for other things, such as forgery and loss due to counterfeit money.

Benefits of Business Owners Policies

BOPs are indispensable for smaller firms or start-up firms that might face a higher risk of loss or liability. For these businesses, coverage that offers protection until the business expands and the risks are reduced is essential. With larger businesses, there is risk specificity and insurance experts who are hired or contracted to offer advice on insurance issues. Your startup, small, or medium-sized business will have a better chance of being successful with BOP coverage since you won't have to worry about suffering catastrophic financial setbacks.