Running a business from home has its perks: no commute, comfy clothes, and plenty of control over your space. But there’s one thing that many home-based business owners overlook—insurance. Since you’re working from home, a standard home insurance policy will cover everything, right? Well…not quite. This is where a Business Owners Policy (BOP) comes into play.
What’s a Business Owners Policy (BOP), and Do You Really Need It?
Think of a BOP as a bundled insurance package designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It usually includes three main areas of protection: property insurance, general liability insurance, and business interruption insurance. For a home-based business, this might sound a bit intense. But this coverage could be just what you need to keep your business running smoothly.
Here’s the thing: your home insurance doesn’t typically cover business-related risks. So, if your inventory gets damaged in a home flood, your laptop is stolen, or a client is injured while visiting your home office, you’re probably out of luck. With a BOP, you’re covered for these risks, meaning your business can survive even if things go sideways.
Coverage Highlights for Home-Based Businesses
- Business Property Coverage: If your business equipment or inventory is damaged, lost, or stolen, while stored at your house, your BOP has you covered. And remember, these items are often not protected under a regular home insurance policy!
- General Liability: This one is crucial. If a client or delivery person gets injured while visiting your home office, a BOP can help cover any medical expenses or legal fees. No one wants to think about this, but a single accident could cost thousands without liability coverage.
- Business Interruption Insurance: Ever thought about what would happen if you had to pause operations? If a covered event (like a fire or flood) disrupts your business, this part of your BOP can help make up for lost income while you get back on your feet.
Is a BOP Right for You?
If you have significant business equipment, deal with clients or vendors at your home, or simply want peace of mind, then yes, a BOP could be worth it. It’s not just for big offices or brick-and-mortar stores. The protection can be tailored to suit the unique needs of a home-based business, giving you a safety net that goes beyond a regular homeowner’s policy.
How to Get Started
Getting a BOP doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, at Avalue Insurance, we make it easy to understand and personalize your coverage so that it fits your business, your space, and your budget.
Ready to protect your home-based business? Contact Avalue Insurance today, and let’s chat about whether or not a BOP is right for you! You can give us a call at 303-773-3332, shoot us an email at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a consultation right here online!
