General Liability vs. Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): Which is Right for Your California Business?

Aug 07 2025 16:00

If you own a business in California — whether you’re running a retail shop in Los Angeles, a contracting company in Sacramento, or a small office in San Diego — protecting your investment is non-negotiable. But with so many commercial insurance options, it can be hard to decide between general liability insurance and a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP). At Wizard Insurance Services Inc., based in Granada Hills, CA and licensed in 13 states, we help California business owners find the right coverage to protect their property, employees, and reputation.


What is General Liability Insurance?

General liability insurance is the foundation of most business insurance plans. It protects your company from common and costly claims such as:

  • Bodily injury if a customer or visitor is hurt at your location
  • Property damage you cause to someone else’s property
  • Advertising and personal injury claims such as libel, slander, or copyright infringement

For many California industries, general liability coverage isn’t just smart — it’s required for contracts, licensing, or working with certain clients.


What is a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)?

A Business Owner’s Policy combines general liability coverage with commercial property insurance into one affordable package. This bundled approach is perfect for small and midsize businesses that need both liability and property protection.

A BOP also offers flexibility. You can add options like business interruption coverage to protect your income if you need to close temporarily, cyber liability for digital threats, or crime coverage for theft and fraud risks.


Key Differences

The main difference between general liability insurance and a BOP comes down to property protection. General liability covers legal claims and injury-related expenses but doesn’t protect your own building, equipment, or inventory. A BOP covers both, making it ideal for businesses with a physical location or valuable assets.


Which Should You Choose?

If you’re a California consultant, contractor, or service provider with minimal physical property, general liability insurance may be all you need.
If you own or lease space, store inventory, or operate expensive equipment, a BOP offers broader protection in a single, convenient policy.


Why California Businesses Choose Wizard Insurance

With over 28 years of experience, Wizard Insurance Services Inc. helps California businesses customize policies that fit their exact needs. Whether you need general liability coverage for a small service-based company or a BOP for your growing retail operation, we’ll help you stay protected, compliant, and ready for the unexpected.

Serving businesses in California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Tennessee, Nevada, and beyond, we combine local expertise with national resources to deliver insurance solutions that work as hard as you do.

 

📞 Call (818) 890-7500