Property · Insurance Term
Business Personal Property (BPP)
Definition
Business personal property (BPP), often called contents, is the movable property your business owns and uses, such as furniture, equipment, computers, inventory and supplies. Commercial property policies insure it separately from the building, with its own limit.
In Plain English
BPP generally covers your own property in or near the described building. It often includes your interest in tenant improvements and betterments you paid for as a tenant, plus limited coverage for personal property of others in your care. The building coverage limit is separate.
For landlords, BPP may be small: maintenance equipment, office furniture, and appliances or furnishings provided to tenants. For owner-operators, such as a hotel or convenience store, it can be large, including inventory, kitchen equipment and furnishings.
Values change through the year, especially inventory. Some policies offer seasonal increases or reporting forms. Underinsuring BPP can trigger a coinsurance penalty just like underinsuring the building.
Not sure how your policy handles this? Have us review it, or get a quote.
Example
Hypothetical: a fire damages a convenience store owned and operated by the same family. The building coverage pays to repair the structure, and the BPP coverage pays for $150,000 of coolers, shelving, registers and inventory, less the deductible.
What to Watch For
- Inventory your equipment, furnishings and stock, with photos and receipts.
- Ask whether BPP is valued at replacement cost or actual cash value.
- Check limits for property away from the premises or in transit.
- Review leases to see who insures improvements and appliances.
Common Questions
Do landlords need business personal property coverage?
Often a modest amount, for items such as maintenance equipment and furnishings they own. Tenants should insure their own contents.
Does BPP cover my tenants' belongings?
Generally no. Tenants should carry their own coverage for their property.
Last updated October 14, 2026 · Primesure editorial team · How We Write