What does a restaurant BOP include?

A restaurant business owner’s policy bundles general liability (including product liability for foodborne illness), commercial property, and business interruption coverage — with workers’ comp, liquor liability, and commercial auto purchased separately.

Is a BOP cheaper than buying policies separately?

Usually yes — bundling general liability and property into a BOP typically costs less than standalone policies, which is why it’s the default structure for small restaurants.

Restaurant BOP: Business Owner’s Policy Explained

A business owner’s policy is how most small restaurants actually buy insurance: general liability, commercial property, and business interruption bundled into one policy that nearly always beats the same coverages bought separately. Here’s what’s inside a restaurant BOP, what’s not, and when it’s the right structure. Get multiple quotes within minutes.

Restaurant Dining Room Restaurant Insurance

What a restaurant BOP includes

General liability — customer injuries, property damage, and the product liability that covers foodborne illness claims
Commercial property — kitchen equipment, furniture, buildout, signage, and inventory
Business interruption — the income you don’t earn while a covered loss keeps the doors closed (see our full business interruption guide)

What a BOP does NOT include

Workers’ compensation — always a separate policy, required by state law
Liquor liability — excluded if you sell or serve; see our liability guide and state liquor pages
Commercial auto / hired & non-owned auto — needed the moment anything gets delivered
Flood and earthquake — separate coverage where geography demands it

BOP add-ons restaurants should actually consider

The endorsements that earn their premium in food service: equipment breakdown and food spoilage (the walk-in dies on a Friday night), utility service interruption, and cyber liability for POS and online ordering. A BOP quoted with the right restaurant endorsements is a very different product than a generic one.

Frequently asked questions

Is a BOP cheaper than separate policies?

Usually yes — bundling GL and property into a BOP is nearly always cheaper than standalone policies, which is why it’s the default structure for small restaurants. The savings vary by carrier, which is one more reason to compare several.

Does a BOP cover food poisoning claims?

Yes — product liability for foodborne illness is typically included within the BOP’s general liability coverage, one of the most important protections a restaurant carries.

Ready for your number? Get multiple quotes within minutes from an independent agency that shops top carriers for your restaurant.