Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): Is It Right for 1099 Contractors?

As a 1099 contractor or freelancer, your business is lean, agile, and often fully remote. But even a solo venture comes with real-world risks—property damage, liability claims, or business interruptions.

You might assume that a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) is only for storefronts or traditional small businesses. But think again. For many independent professionals, a BOP can be the smartest, most cost-effective way to bundle essential insurance coverage.

At Bunker, we’re often asked: “Is a BOP worth it if I don’t have a physical office?” The answer? It depends on how your business operates.

🧩 What Is a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)?

A BOP is an insurance package that combines General Liability Insurance and Commercial Property Insurance into one bundled policy—often at a lower premium than buying each separately.

A BOP typically includes:

• General Liability – Protects against third-party injury, property damage, and personal injury claims. 
• Business Property Coverage – Covers damage or loss to your business-owned property (e.g., laptops, gear, furniture). 
• Business Interruption Insurance – Covers lost income if your work is disrupted due to a covered event (e.g., fire, theft). 

Some BOPs allow for add-ons like:

• Cyber Liability 
• Professional Liability (E&O) 
• Equipment Breakdown Coverage 

Think of it as a starter kit for business protection—ideal for solo business owners who wear every hat.

🔍 Who Might Benefit from a BOP as a 1099 Contractor?

You might be surprised how many freelancers are a good fit for a BOP, especially if:

✅ You Own or Lease Business Equipment

Photographers, videographers, graphic designers, and remote consultants often rely on expensive laptops, cameras, or studio setups. A BOP helps protect these assets from theft, fire, and more.

✅ You Meet Clients On-Site

If you meet clients at your home, office, or co-working space, you’re exposed to liability risk. If someone trips and falls, General Liability covers legal and medical costs.

✅ You Work in a Designated Business Space

Even if it’s a home office, your business space may contain thousands of dollars in equipment. BOPs cover both owned and leased property used for business purposes.

✅ You Want Simple, Affordable Coverage

BOPs are typically more cost-effective than purchasing multiple standalone policies—and they simplify your coverage into one streamlined package.

🤔 When Might a BOP Not Be the Right Fit?

BOPs aren’t for everyone. You may not need one if:

• You only work remotely with low-risk digital deliverables 
• Your equipment is minimal or already covered under homeowners/renters insurance (though this isn’t always reliable) 
• You already have Professional Liability and just need to fill a gap 

For these cases, a standalone General Liability or Professional Liability policy might be more appropriate.

🔧 How Bunker Helps You Customize a BOP

At Bunker, we work with top-rated carriers to offer BOPs that can be tailored to your freelance profession.

We help you:

• Compare quotes across providers 
• Add or remove coverages based on your contract requirements 
• Get Certificates of Insurance (COIs) instantly 
• Choose between monthly or annual billing 

Whether you’re a freelance marketer with a home office or a self-employed consultant juggling high-value gear, we’ll help you build a BOP that fits.

💡 Bonus Tip: Pair a BOP with Professional Liability Insurance

While a BOP covers physical and third-party risks, it usually doesn’t include Professional Liability (aka Errors & Omissions), which protects against claims of mistakes in your work.

Many freelancers benefit from pairing a BOP with an E&O policy—especially if your clients require it in your contract.

🔚 Conclusion: Is a BOP Right for Your Freelance Business?

If you run your freelance business with any physical property, meet clients in person, or simply want consolidated protection, a Business Owner’s Policy might be the perfect choice.

It’s flexible. It’s affordable. And with Bunker, it’s easy to customize.

🚀 Ready to explore a BOP for your 1099 business?

Visit buildbunker.com and get covered in minutes—with policies built for how modern freelancers actually work. You can also contact us at support@buildbunker.com!