One Policy. Three Layers of Protection for Your Business.
A Business Owner's Policy gives New York small businesses the core coverage they need — general liability, commercial property, and business interruption — bundled into a single, typically more affordable package than buying each policy separately.
Which Businesses Are a Good Fit for a BOP?
A BOP is designed for small to mid-size businesses — generally those with fewer than 100 employees and under $5 million in annual revenue, though eligibility varies by carrier and industry class.
The business types that tend to be the strongest fit include:
- Restaurants, cafes, and food service operations
- Retail stores and boutiques
- Professional offices — dentists, accountants, architects, consultants
- Apartment building owners and property managers
- Service businesses operating from a fixed commercial location
If your business falls into one of these categories, a BOP is likely a strong starting point. We work with restaurant owners, professional office operators, and retailers across Long Island and the NYC boroughs regularly, and we can tell you quickly whether a BOP covers your core exposures or whether your operation calls for something built differently.
A BOP is built around three coverage components that most small businesses need regardless of industry.
General liability covers third-party claims for bodily injury and property damage — the slip-and-fall at your retail counter, the client who says your work caused a loss. Commercial property covers your building (if you own it), your equipment, your inventory, and your furniture against fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils. Business interruption coverage steps in when a covered loss forces you to temporarily close — it replaces lost income and helps cover ongoing expenses like rent and payroll while you get back on your feet.
Buying these three coverages separately in New York typically costs more than bundling them under a BOP. Most small businesses in New York pay somewhere between $500 and $3,000 per year for a BOP — roughly $75 to $100 per month — depending on your industry, location, revenue, and the specific limits you carry. Your actual premium depends on those factors, and we'll give you a clear picture before anything is finalized.
What a Business Owner's Policy Actually Covers
Customizing Your BOP with Endorsements
A standard BOP covers the core risks — but most businesses have exposures that go beyond the base policy. Endorsements let you extend your BOP to reflect what your business actually does.
Common BOP endorsements for New York small businesses include:
- Employment Practices Liability (EPLI): Covers claims from employees alleging discrimination, wrongful termination, or harassment. EPLI can often be added directly to a BOP as an endorsement — a cost-effective way to carry this coverage without a standalone policy. We position EPLI as a near-essential add-on for any business with employees.
- Hired and Non-Owned Auto: Covers liability when employees drive their own vehicles or rented vehicles for business purposes — a common gap in standard BOPs.
- Data Breach / Cyber Liability: Relevant for any business that stores customer payment information or personal data.
- Food Spoilage: Covers inventory loss from equipment breakdown or power failure — particularly important for restaurants and food retailers.
- Equipment Breakdown: Covers mechanical or electrical failure of covered equipment, separate from standard property damage causes.
The right combination of endorsements depends on your industry and how you operate. We review your full exposure before recommending what to add.
The Carlstan Insurance Agency offers
commercial insurance and
personal insurance to clients across Long Island and New York City. We provide coverage for clients seeking
Suffolk County insurance,
Nassau County insurance,
Queens insurance,
Brooklyn insurance,
Manhattan insurance,
Bronx insurance, and
Staten Island insurance. As an independent agency based in Melville, NY, we have been helping businesses and families find the right coverage since 1948. Ready to get started?
Contact us
for a free quote or call us directly at (516) 437-6565.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Owner's Policies
What does a Business Owner's Policy cover in New York?
A BOP in New York bundles three core coverages: general liability, commercial property, and business interruption. General liability covers third-party injury and property damage claims. Commercial property covers your building, equipment, and inventory. Business interruption replaces lost income if a covered event forces you to temporarily close.A BOP in New York bundles three core coverages: general liability, commercial property, and business interruption. General liability covers third-party injury and property damage claims. Commercial property covers your building, equipment, and inventory. Business interruption replaces lost income if a covered event forces you to temporarily close.How much does a BOP cost for a small business in New York?
Most small businesses in New York pay between $500 and $3,000 per year for a BOP — roughly $75 to $100 per month. Your actual premium depends on your industry, location, annual revenue, and the coverage limits you select. We'll give you a clear number based on your specific operation before you make any decisions.Most small businesses in New York pay between $500 and $3,000 per year for a BOP — roughly $75 to $100 per month. Your actual premium depends on your industry, location, annual revenue, and the coverage limits you select. We'll give you a clear number based on your specific operation before you make any decisions.What is the difference between a BOP and general liability insurance?
General liability is one component of a BOP. A BOP bundles general liability together with commercial property coverage and business interruption coverage in a single policy — typically at a lower combined cost than purchasing each coverage separately. If you only carry general liability, you may have gaps in property and income protection.General liability is one component of a BOP. A BOP bundles general liability together with commercial property coverage and business interruption coverage in a single policy — typically at a lower combined cost than purchasing each coverage separately. If you only carry general liability, you may have gaps in property and income protection.Can I add EPLI to a Business Owner's Policy?
Yes. Employment Practices Liability Insurance can often be added to a BOP as an endorsement, covering claims from employees related to discrimination, wrongful termination, or harassment. For businesses with employees, we recommend reviewing EPLI as part of any BOP discussion — it's one of the more cost-effective ways to carry this protection.Yes. Employment Practices Liability Insurance can often be added to a BOP as an endorsement, covering claims from employees related to discrimination, wrongful termination, or harassment. For businesses with employees, we recommend reviewing EPLI as part of any BOP discussion — it's one of the more cost-effective ways to carry this protection.Does a BOP cover contractors or construction businesses?
Generally, no. Contractors and construction businesses typically fall outside standard BOP eligibility because their liability and property exposures are structured differently. They usually need a separate general liability policy, inland marine coverage for tools and equipment, and potentially a commercial auto policy. If you're in construction or a trade, we'll walk you through what actually fits your operation.Generally, no. Contractors and construction businesses typically fall outside standard BOP eligibility because their liability and property exposures are structured differently. They usually need a separate general liability policy, inland marine coverage for tools and equipment, and potentially a commercial auto policy. If you're in construction or a trade, we'll walk you through what actually fits your operation.
Get a BOP Quote for Your Long Island or NYC Business
If you're a small business owner in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Brooklyn, Queens, or anywhere across the New York metro area, we can put together a BOP quote based on your actual operation — not a generic template.
Carlstan Insurance has been placing coverage for New York small businesses since 1948. When you contact us, you'll work directly with Adam or Ryan Erickson — the same people who will handle your policy going forward. No hand-offs, no rotating staff, no starting over every time you call.
Reach us by phone at (516) 437-6565, through our contact form, or by requesting a quote directly. We monitor email around the clock and will get back to you promptly.