This is one of the most common questions we get from business owners shopping for coverage for the first time — and the confusion is understandable, since a BOP includes general liability as one of its components.
General Liability, Standalone
A standalone GL policy covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims. It does not cover your own building, equipment, or business income loss.
When GL limits in New York matter most: Manhattan commercial leases routinely require $2M per occurrence. Brooklyn landlords follow closely. GL limits must be matched to your specific lease — not a national default.
Business Owners Policy (BOP)
A BOP bundles GL with commercial property coverage and business interruption coverage — generally at a better combined price than buying each separately, assuming your risk profile fits the BOP underwriting criteria.
Which One Do You Actually Need?
- Standalone GL: If you lease space with minimal owned equipment or inventory and your landlord only requires proof of liability coverage
- BOP: If you own your building, hold inventory, or rely on physical equipment to operate — restaurants, cleaning services, and retail businesses are typical BOP buyers
- Separate GL + property at higher limits: If your risk profile is too high-hazard for standard BOP underwriting — common for contractors and higher-volume operations
See full BOP details → | See full GL details → | Get a coverage review →
