How to Get a Business Owners Policy (BOP) Quote in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide for Small Businesses

You can get a solid Business Owners Policy (BOP) quote in one sitting by gathering a few basic details about your business, then comparing at least three offers online or through an agent. With the right prep, the whole process usually takes 5–20 minutes per quote for simple businesses, and it can save you a lot of money and stress later.

A Business Owners Policy (BOP) is one simple insurance package that bundles general liability, commercial property, and usually business interruption coverage for small and mid‑size businesses. Getting a BOP quote is easier than most owners think, because many insurers now offer fast online forms and instant estimates once you input a handful of numbers about revenue, property, and staff.

For many common, low‑to‑medium risk businesses, you can complete an online quote form in about 5–20 minutes per company, and often see prices right away. This guide walks you step by step through what a BOP is, what information you need, how to get and compare quotes, how much you can expect to pay in 2026, and how to avoid mistakes so you do not overpay or end up under‑insured.

Table of Contents

What Is a Business Owners Policy

A Business Owners Policy (BOP) is a pre‑packaged policy that combines protection for major property and liability risks in one contract, usually at a lower cost than buying each policy separately. BOPs are aimed at small and mid‑size businesses and are built to protect you against property damage, lawsuits, and income loss from covered events.

What a BOP Includes

Most standard BOPs include three core parts:

General liability: Covers third‑party bodily injury, property damage, and related legal costs if someone claims your business caused harm.
Commercial property: Covers your building (if owned) and business property like equipment, inventory, and furniture against covered perils such as fire, theft, vandalism, and some types of storm damage.
Business interruption (business income): Replaces lost net income and helps pay expenses like rent, wages, and loan payments if you must shut down or relocate due to a covered property loss.

Who Typically Needs a BOP

A BOP is usually a good fit if you have physical assets, a location, or people coming and going. Typical buyers include:

Retail stores with inventory and regular foot traffic (shops, salons, small restaurants).
Contractors who store tools, visit job sites, and may be required to show proof of insurance.
Consultants and professionals with office space, computers, and client visits (marketing firms, accountants, designers).
Small professional firms that own or lease offices and want one bundled policy instead of several separate ones.

What Information You Need Before Getting a BOP Quote

Having your details ready makes your quotes faster and more accurate, and this is exactly the kind of query people type into search (“what do I need for a BOP quote”).

Basic Business Information

Most insurers and agents will ask for:

Legal business name and any “doing business as” (DBA) names.
Business address and any additional locations.
Entity type: sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, corporation, or nonprofit.
Years in business and a short description of what you do (your primary operations and industry).

Revenue & Payroll Details

Your revenue and staff size are big rating factors for BOP pricing. Be ready with:

Annual gross revenue (estimate for the upcoming year if you are new).
Number of full‑time and part‑time employees.
Rough annual payroll, especially if you also carry workers’ comp.
Whether you use subcontractors and roughly how much you pay them per year.

Property & Asset Details

Because a BOP includes property coverage, insurers need to know what you own and how valuable it is. Common questions:

Do you own or rent your main building or office?
Approximate square footage of the space you occupy.
Estimated value of business property: inventory, furniture, computers, fixtures.
Equipment/tools value, especially for contractors and trades.

Claims History

Your loss history strongly affects price and eligibility. You will usually be asked for:

Any business insurance claims for the last 3–5 years.
Type of claim (liability, property, theft, etc.), dates, and amounts paid if known.
Any cancellations or non‑renewals by prior insurers.

If you are a brand‑new business, you can usually say you have no prior business claims, but some insurers may still look at personal or business credit‑based insurance scores to help price your policy.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Get a Business Owners Policy Quote

Use this as a checklist you can literally follow on your screen while you shop.

Step 1: Assess Your Risk Exposure

Before you click “Get Quote,” pause and think about how you could lose money or get sued.

Ask yourself:

Do you have physical inventory that could be stolen, damaged, or ruined by fire or water?
Do clients, delivery people, or the public visit your location where they could slip, trip, or be hurt?
Do you store equipment or tools that would be expensive to replace?
Could you lose income if a fire, storm, or other covered event shut your doors for weeks or months?

Your answers help you decide how much property and liability coverage you should ask for, instead of just accepting default numbers.

Step 2: Decide Coverage Limits

Most small businesses start with general liability limits of about 1 million per occurrence and 2 million aggregate per year, often written as “1M/2M.” This level is common because landlords and client contracts frequently require it.

When you set limits, think about:

General liability limits: Start with 1M/2M and consider higher if you work on large contracts, handle expensive property, or have heavy foot traffic.
Property coverage limits: Aim to insure the realistic replacement cost of your building (if owned) plus your business personal property such as stock and equipment.
Deductible amount: Higher deductibles usually lower your premium, but you must be comfortable paying that amount from cash if you have a claim.

Step 3: Choose How to Get a Quote

You have four main paths, and you can use more than one:

Online marketplace: Sites that gather your info once and show quotes from multiple carriers are fast and convenient for simple risks.
Direct insurer website: Many big insurers let you complete the entire quote and purchase process online in minutes, and you deal directly with that company.
Independent insurance agent: A local or virtual agent who represents several companies, helps you choose options, and does the shopping for you.
Broker: Often used for more complex or higher‑risk businesses; brokers place coverage with multiple carriers and may charge fees.

Step 4: Compare Multiple Quotes

Do not stop at the first price you see. For the same business, BOP premiums can vary widely from one insurer to another. When you compare, look at:

Coverage limits: Are liability and property limits equal or close across quotes?
Exclusions: What is not covered (for example, certain types of property, cyber events, or specific operations)?
Deductibles: Higher deductibles mean lower premiums but more out‑of‑pocket if something happens.
Endorsements: Extra add‑ons like cyber, equipment breakdown, hired/non‑owned auto, or crime coverage that might be included or available at extra cost.

A slightly higher premium may actually be cheaper long‑term if the coverage is broader and fits your real risks.

Step 5: Review Fine Print Before Buying

Once you have a favorite quote, slow down and read the key documents.

Focus on:

The coverage summary page (declarations): limits, deductibles, locations, and named insured details.
Major exclusions and limitations, especially around floods, earthquakes, cyber incidents, and infectious disease or pandemic‑related business interruption.
Endorsements that add or remove coverage for your specific industry.

If anything is unclear, ask the insurer or agent in writing before you pay, so you have a clear record of the answer.

Where to Get a Business Owners Policy Quote

This is a high‑intent section: these are your main shopping channels.

Online Insurance Providers

Online‑first insurance providers and marketplaces are ideal if your business is straightforward (for example, a small shop, consultant, or simple contractor). Many advertise that you can get a BOP quote and policy in just a few minutes, entirely online. They work best when your operations are easy to classify and your coverage needs are standard.

Advantages:

Fast applications and often instant or same‑day quotes.
Easy to compare prices side‑by‑side.
You can adjust limits and see updated premiums in real time.

Traditional Insurance Companies

Big national or regional insurers that sell through agents and online forms may take a little more time, but they handle a wide range of industries.

For more complex risks—multiple locations, higher revenues, unusual operations—these companies may run a deeper underwriting review before they finalize your BOP quote. They may request extra forms, photos, or even inspections for larger property values or special hazards.

Independent Agents & Brokers

Independent agents and brokers act as your advisor and can place your BOP with several insurers.

They are especially useful when:

You are not sure how much coverage you need.
You have past claims or unique risks that make online forms confusing.
You want help comparing subtle differences in wording and endorsements.

You give your information once, and they shop it to multiple carriers and bring back options.

How Much Does a BOP Quote Cost?

Average Monthly Cost in 2026

Average BOP premiums for small businesses in recent data hover around 57 dollars per month or about 684 dollars per year, but real‑world prices can be higher or lower. Some carriers report average BOP costs closer to 140 dollars per month for their own customers, especially when property values and limits are higher.

Putting those numbers together, a realistic range for many small businesses in 2026 is roughly 70–150 dollars per month, depending on your industry, size, and coverage needs. Very low‑risk, very small operations might fall below this range, while larger or higher‑risk businesses can pay several hundred dollars per month.

What Affects Your BOP Quote Price

Insurers price BOPs using several main factors:

Industry risk level: Restaurants, contractors, and retail stores usually pay more than low‑risk office‑based services.
Revenue and operations: Higher revenue generally means more exposure to claims, so premiums rise as your sales grow.
Number of employees: More staff means more chances for accidents or losses tied to business activity.
Location: Areas with higher crime, severe weather, or higher rebuilding costs push premiums up.
Claims history: Prior liability or property claims often increase your rate, sometimes for several years.
Coverage limits and deductibles: Higher limits cost more; higher deductibles usually reduce premiums.

Some insurers also factor in credit‑based insurance scores for the owner or business as one more way to predict claim risk.

How to Lower Your Business Owners Policy Quote

Here are practical ways you can often bring your BOP quote down without gutting your protection.

Increase your deductible: Moving from a low deductible to a higher one usually gives an immediate premium discount, as you agree to take on more of any small loss yourself.
Bundle policies: Buying BOP plus other policies (like workers’ comp or commercial auto) with the same insurer can unlock multi‑policy discounts.
Improve workplace safety: Written safety programs, training, and fewer accidents reduce claims over time, which can lead to better pricing.
Install security systems: Alarms, cameras, sprinklers, and proper locks reduce theft and fire risk and may qualify you for credits.
Maintain a clean claims history: Avoid filing small claims you could reasonably handle out of pocket, so your record stays clean for bigger events.
Choose appropriate coverage limits: Do not over‑insure property or set limits far above what you could ever lose; match coverage to realistic replacement costs and risk.

Common Mistakes When Getting a BOP Quote

Avoid these traps when you fill out forms or talk to an agent.

Underreporting revenue: It can be tempting to understate sales to save money, but inaccurate info can cause denied claims or policy cancellation later.
Choosing the lowest limits just to cut cost: Very low liability or property limits might save a bit now but leave you exposed to big out‑of‑pocket costs after a serious loss.
Ignoring exclusions: Many owners never read what is not covered and only discover gaps (like flood, earthquake, or certain cyber events) after a loss.
Forgetting employee dishonesty or crime coverage: Theft by employees, forgery, or fraud often require special crime endorsements, not just basic property.
Not updating the policy each year: If revenue, inventory, or locations change, your old limits may be far too low or you may be paying for property you no longer own.

How Long Does It Take to Get a BOP Quote?

Many online providers and marketplaces let you get basic business insurance quotes in as little as 5–15 minutes once you have your information ready. Agent‑assisted quotes can take 24–48 hours or longer because your information may be submitted to several carriers and reviewed by underwriters.

For complex risks—larger properties, special hazards, unusual operations, or prior losses—the underwriting review can take several days, especially if inspections or extra questions are needed before a final BOP quote is released.

What Happens After You Request a Quote?

After you submit your details, most insurers follow a similar path:

Underwriting review: The insurer checks your business type, revenue, location, and loss history to decide if you qualify and at what price.
Possible follow‑up questions: You may get emails or calls asking for clarification, extra forms, or proof (like leases, photos, or prior policies).
Binding coverage: Once you accept the quote and pay the premium (or first installment), the insurer “binds” coverage, meaning the policy becomes active from a set start date.
Certificate of insurance (COI) issued: You receive a COI you can give to landlords, clients, or lenders as proof of BOP coverage and limits.

BOP Quote vs General Liability Quote

Here is a quick side‑by‑side look so you can see the difference clearly.

Key Differences Between BOP and General Liability

Feature	BOP Quote	General Liability Only
Includes property coverage	Yes, covers business property and often buildings.	No, property must be insured separately.
Business interruption	Yes, usually includes business income coverage.	No, income loss typically not covered.
Cost	Higher than liability‑only because it bundles more coverage, but cheaper than buying each policy separately.	Lower because it only covers liability.
Best for	Businesses with physical assets, inventory, equipment, or a location to protect.	Low‑asset, low‑risk service businesses that mainly need proof of liability coverage.

If you have any meaningful property or would struggle to survive a long shutdown, a BOP quote usually makes more sense than liability‑only.

Who Should NOT Get a Business Owners Policy?

A BOP is not right for everyone. You might skip a BOP and choose other options if:

You are a home‑based freelancer with no or very little equipment and no client visits (a simple home‑business endorsement or professional liability may be better).
Your business needs very specialized coverage (for example, heavy manufacturing, large fleets, or complex professional liability) that requires a custom commercial package.
You run a large enterprise with many locations, high revenue, or complex risks that exceed normal BOP limits and forms.

In these cases, a tailored commercial package policy or specialized coverage often fits better than a standard BOP.

Final Checklist Before Requesting a BOP Quote

You can use this quick checklist right before you hit “Get Quote”:

✔ Know your annual revenue (current or projected).
✔ Know the value of your building (if owned) and business property (inventory, equipment, furniture).
✔ Decide on target coverage limits for liability (for example, 1M/2M) and property.
✔ Gather your claims history for the last 3–5 years, or confirm you have none.
✔ Plan to compare at least 3 quotes (online providers, traditional insurers, or agents) before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a BOP quote online instantly?

For many simple small businesses, yes—online insurers and marketplaces often provide BOP quotes within minutes once you complete a short form. Some can even bind coverage and issue a certificate of insurance the same day if your risk is straightforward and meets their guidelines.

More complex operations may still start online, but the final price might require manual review and follow‑up questions before it is firm.

How accurate are online BOP quotes?

Instant online quotes are usually based on the information you enter plus standard assumptions about your type of business. They are often very close to the final premium if your details are accurate and your business is low‑to‑medium risk.

However, if your revenue, payroll, or property values change, or if underwriters find extra risk factors or past losses, the final price can move up or down when the policy is finalized.

Is a BOP required by law?

There is generally no law that says you must buy a Business Owners Policy specifically, but certain types of coverage (like workers’ compensation) can be legally required in many states. Landlords, lenders, and clients may require you to carry general liability and property insurance, which a BOP conveniently bundles, so in practice you may need one to sign leases or contracts.

Can I change my coverage after getting a quote?

Yes. You can usually adjust limits, deductibles, and some endorsements before you buy, and you can also request changes mid‑term or at renewal if your business grows or your risks change. Bigger changes—such as adding locations or major new operations—might require a fresh quote or additional underwriting review.

How many quotes should I compare?

Many small business insurance guides suggest comparing at least three quotes from different insurers or through different channels. This helps you see both price and coverage differences and avoid overpaying just because you looked at a single company.

An independent agent can often do this comparison for you by checking several carriers with one set of information.

Does a BOP quote affect my credit score?

Getting insurance quotes does not hurt your credit score; insurers that check credit usually do so with a “soft pull,” which appears on your report but does not affect your score. Some business insurers may use credit‑based insurance scores as one pricing factor, but the quote process itself is not treated like applying for a loan or credit card.

Because of that, you can safely shop around and request multiple BOP quotes without worrying about damaging your credit rating.