BOPs are designed for a wide variety of Main Street businesses such as retailers, restaurants, professional offices, service companies, and more. They provide essential protection while keeping the insurance process simple and predictable.

Risman Insurance Agencies helps businesses across Massachusetts understand what a BOP includes, what it doesn’t, and whether it fits their operations.

Insurance coverage cannot be added, deleted or changed until confirmed in writing from our office.

What a Business Owner’s Policy Typically Includes

While each insurer’s BOP differs, most combine:

• General Liability – May help with third-party bodily injury, property damage, and certain personal/advertising injury claims.
• Commercial Property – May help protect your building, office space, business personal property, inventory, equipment, and furnishings.
• Business Income – May help with loss of income due to certain covered property losses that interrupt operations.

Many carriers also allow optional endorsements such as:

• Equipment breakdown
• Spoilage coverage
• Cyber liability (basic levels)
• Employee dishonesty
• Outdoor signs and property
• Expanded water damage options (varies)

Who Qualifies for a BOP?

Depending on the insurer, BOPs are commonly available to:

• Retail stores, boutiques, and specialty shops
• Professional offices (medical, dental, legal, accounting, real estate, etc.)
• Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, food services
• Salons, spas, fitness studios
• Small manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers
• Home-based businesses
• Service contractors with light hazard exposures

Construction trades, heavy manufacturing, and high-hazard industries often require more customized commercial policies instead of a BOP.

What a BOP Does Not Typically Cover

While a BOP offers broad coverage, it won’t include everything. Exclusions and limitations vary, but common items not included are:

• Workers’ compensation
• Commercial auto insurance
• Professional liability (E&O)
• Directors & Officers (D&O)
• Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)
• Flood and certain water damage
• Pollution liability

We can help round out your insurance program with policies that complement your BOP.

Common BOP Claim Examples

• A customer slips and falls inside your store.
• A burst pipe damages your office furniture and computers.
• A kitchen fire forces your restaurant to close temporarily.
• Your business inventory is stolen during a break-in.

Each claim is unique, but these examples show how liability, property, and income coverage may work together under a BOP.

Massachusetts Considerations

Massachusetts businesses operate in a range of environments—from dense city storefronts to suburban plazas to converted older buildings. While we don’t provide legal or engineering guidance, factors such as building age, fire protection, and occupancy type may affect eligibility and pricing for a BOP.

We help you understand carrier requirements so you know what to expect when securing coverage.

How a BOP Fits Into Your Overall Insurance Plan

A Business Owner’s Policy often forms the foundation of coverage and pairs with other policies such as:

• Workers’ compensation
• Commercial auto
• Cyber liability
• Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)
• Professional liability (E&O)
• Umbrella or excess liability

We help ensure all your policies align so your business isn’t left with gaps.

Why Massachusetts Businesses Choose Risman Insurance Agencies

As an independent agency based in Medford, MA, we work with multiple carriers offering BOP programs. Our team can:

• Compare BOP options tailored to your industry
• Review property valuations and coverage needs
• Coordinate required certificates for landlords and vendors
• Help you understand optional endorsements and upgrades
• Adjust coverage as your business grows or changes

Our goal is to make insurance straightforward so you can stay focused on your customers and operations.