Business Owner's Policy (BOP)
for California Contractors —
Two Coverages, One Affordable Policy
A BOP bundles General Liability and Commercial Property insurance into one policy — usually at a lower cost than buying them separately. For small to mid-sized contracting businesses, it's one of the smartest coverage decisions you can make.
What a BOP Includes
A Business Owner's Policy combines three core protections into a single, streamlined policy:
General Liability
Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. If a client trips over your equipment or you accidentally damage their property, GL covers the legal costs and settlement.
Commercial Property
Covers your office, tools, equipment, and inventory against fire, theft, vandalism, and weather damage. If your storage unit burns down or your tools are stolen from your shop, Commercial Property pays to replace them.
Business Interruption
Covers lost income and ongoing expenses if your business is forced to shut down temporarily due to a covered event — like a fire or storm. Helps you keep paying rent, payroll, and bills while you recover.
What a BOP Does NOT Include
A BOP is not a complete insurance solution on its own. These coverages require separate policies:
- Workers Compensation — required separately by California law for any contractor with employees
- Commercial Auto — separate policy for your work trucks and vehicles
- Professional Liability / E&O — separate if you provide design or consulting services
- Contractor's Equipment / Inland Marine — may need a separate rider for heavy or mobile equipment
Who Is a BOP Best For?
A BOP is the right fit for most small to mid-sized contracting businesses in California:
BOP vs. Standalone General Liability
A standalone GL policy only covers liability claims — it does not protect your tools, equipment, or office. A BOP adds Commercial Property and Business Interruption coverage for just a few hundred dollars more per year. For most small contractors, the BOP is the better value.
Standalone GL Only
- Third-party injury claims ✓
- Property damage claims ✓
- Completed operations ✓
- Your tools & equipment ✗
- Business interruption ✗
- Office/storage coverage ✗
BOP (Recommended)
- Third-party injury claims ✓
- Property damage claims ✓
- Completed operations ✓
- Your tools & equipment ✓
- Business interruption ✓
- Office/storage coverage ✓
How Much Does a BOP Cost?
Most small contracting businesses in California pay $800–$2,500 per year for a BOP depending on revenue, location, and property values. That's typically less than buying General Liability and Commercial Property as separate policies. We shop multiple carriers to find you the best rate for your specific business.
See If a BOP Is Right for Your Business
We'll review your coverage needs and find the best policy for your budget.
⚡ Get My BOP QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is a Business Owner's Policy (BOP)?
Does a BOP include Workers Compensation?
Does a BOP cover my work vehicles?
How much does a BOP cost for a contractor in California?
Who is a BOP best suited for?
What does Business Interruption coverage in a BOP do?
Get a Free BOP Quote
We'll call you within 10 minutes
Licensed California broker. We shop 100+ carriers to find you the best BOP rate for your contracting business.