Business owners face some of the highest exposures when they interact with employees, customers, vendors and the public. Anyone can file a lawsuit alleging injury, illness, accident or another grievance — and the responsibility and financial risk fall on the business owner, not the claimant. Business owners have often invested everything into their operation; one small incident or claim can threaten the survival of the business. Good operations, attention to safety and the right insurance program are the best defenses against being one lawsuit away from closing up shop.
Chenango Brokers, LLC offers a Business Owners Policy (BOP) program designed for agents who need a reliable market for small- and mid-sized accounts — including risks that can be tough to place elsewhere because of age, prior losses, or coverage gaps. We combine experienced underwriting with access to admitted and non-admitted products to help you service more clients and get timely quotes.
Coverages
When it comes to BOP Insurance, the policy should combine property and liability protections so your clients aren’t exposed by a single gap. Typical coverages we place through this program include:
Coverages:
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
Chenango Brokers targets Main Street and small commercial classes where a well-structured BOP provides the most value. Our preferred classes include:
Our Target Classes Include:
We routinely place accounts that are under two years in operation, accounts with limited loss history, or those with one or two prior claims where coverage gaps or non-payment issues created placement challenges. While we can handle harder-to-place risks, accounts with ongoing operations problems, repeated large losses, or significant unaddressed regulatory issues may not qualify.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- All-in-one BOP options that combine property and liability to reduce coverage gaps.
- Access to admitted and surplus markets (availability varies by state) — Chenango helps you determine the best market fit for each account.
- Quick turnarounds and responsive underwriting on standard and harder-to-place small business risks.
- Optional excess/umbrella and inland marine solutions to extend protection where necessary.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Underwriting considers operations, location, prior loss history, payroll/sales levels, and any prior coverage lapses. Minimum premiums and policy terms vary by carrier and product — minimum premium: Varies by Carrier and Products. Be prepared to provide a complete submission including:
- ACORD applications and detailed descriptions of operations
- Loss runs (where applicable)
- Prior policy declarations and explanation of any coverage gaps or non-payment
We can often place accounts with previous gaps or a single minor loss, but larger or frequent losses may require enhanced controls, higher retentions, or placement in a surplus market.
Territories and Admitted Status
This BOP program is available in the following states: AL, AZ, CT, FL, GA, IL, MD, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA, WA. Product availability and whether an admitted or non-admitted option is used varies by state and by carrier — Some Available States may only have limited carrier options.
Why Work With Chenango Brokers on BOP
As a wholesale broker, Chenango Brokers delivers focused underwriting and fast service for small business BOPs. We help you solve placement problems that can stall a bind: prior losses, gaps in coverage, businesses under two years old, and other hard-to-place characteristics. Our team provides quick quotes, clear underwriting requirements, and access to multiple carrier options to increase the chance of placement for deserving risks.
Service Commitment
Chenango Brokers has the knowledge and dedicated staff to provide fast service and quick-turnaround quotes to you and your clients. Please note that not all of our carriers and products are available in every state.
Example scenarios that fit this program
- You have a small downtown restaurant in operation for 18 months with one minor slip-and-fall claim last year — this program may provide an admitted BOP with property and GL coverages when standard markets decline.
- An owner of a mixed-occupancy building seeking a combined property/liability package and available lessor’s risk coverage — Chenango can help determine admitted or surplus placement based on state availability and loss history.
We will be one call all you need to make to help service your client needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for Chenango Brokers’ BOP program?
The program is aimed at Main Street small businesses — restaurants, office and wholesale operations, garages, apartments and mixed-occupancy properties, and lessor’s risk accounts. We also work with newer businesses (under two years) and accounts with a limited or minor loss history that other markets may decline.
Which states and admitted options are available?
We place business in AL, AZ, CT, FL, GA, IL, MD, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA and WA. Admitted versus non-admitted availability depends on the carrier and state; some markets are only available in select states.
What should I include with a submission to get a fast decision?
Provide a completed ACORD application, detailed description of operations, up-to-date loss runs, and prior policy declarations or explanations for any coverage gaps. Clear documentation helps speed underwriter review and improves placement chances.
How does prior loss history affect placement?
Minor, infrequent losses are usually manageable; repeated or large losses may require higher retentions, underwriting controls, or placement in a surplus market. We evaluate each file individually and will advise on the best options and any recommended risk improvements.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.