Business Owners Policy (BOP) in St. Charles County

What a BOP is

A business owners policy, usually called a BOP, is a package. Instead of buying property coverage and liability coverage as two policies, a small business buys them together in one, usually for less paperwork and one renewal date.

Firstway is a new independent agency opening soon in Wentzville. We aren't quoting or selling policies yet. This page explains how a BOP works so you can judge whether it's the kind of policy your business should be asking about.

What a BOP leaves out

• Workers' compensation. Employee injuries are covered by a separate workers' compensation policy.
• Vehicles. Cars, trucks and vans used for work need commercial auto.
• Professional mistakes. Errors in advice or professional services call for professional liability coverage.
• Flood. As with home insurance, flood is generally excluded and bought separately.

Who a BOP tends to fit

BOPs are designed for smaller businesses with fairly predictable risks: offices, retail shops, salons, small restaurants and service businesses with a storefront, the kind found along Main Street in O'Fallon or Wentzville Parkway.

Insurers decide which businesses qualify, usually by type of work, size and revenue. A business that doesn't fit, such as one doing higher-risk work, often buys general liability and property coverage separately instead. Our commercial insurance overview shows how the pieces fit together.