Here’s the short answer: general liability covers third-party claims only, while a Business Owners Policy (BOP) bundles that same general liability together with property coverage — and usually costs less than buying them separately. If your business owns or leases property, equipment, or inventory, a BOP is typically the smarter starting point. If you have almost no physical assets, standalone general liability may be enough.
BOP vs. General Liability: Which Does My Small Business Need?
General liability protects you from claims of bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury caused to others. It’s the foundation almost every business needs — but on its own, it does nothing to protect your building, equipment, or inventory.
Common questions about our coverage & services
We’ve answered the most common questions to make choosing and managing your insurance easier and stress-free.
Is a BOP more expensive than general liability?
It covers more, but because it bundles property and liability together, a BOP often costs less than buying those coverages separately.
Can any business get a BOP?
BOPs are designed for small-to-mid-size businesses with manageable risk. Larger or higher-hazard operations may need a custom commercial package instead — we’ll tell you which fits.
Does a BOP include workers’ comp?
Usually not — workers’ comp is typically a separate policy, though we bundle it into the same overall program for you.
A quick conversation is the fastest way to find out.
How to choose
Choose standalone general liability if:
A quick conversation is the fastest way to find out.
Choose a BOP if:
You own or lease space, equipment, or inventory you’d need to replace after a loss — which is most small businesses with a location.
Either way:
you may still need add-ons like workers’ comp, professional liability (E&O), or cyber, depending on your industry.
A quick conversation is the fastest way to find out.
Not sure which fits your business?
A quick conversation is the fastest way to find out.