ACORD 160 is the Business Owners Section used to collect property, liability, and operational information for a business owners policy submission. It connects requested limits and options with locations, building interests, operations, equipment, and underwriting questions. The form helps an insurer evaluate the application, but it is not a binder or policy.
What is ACORD 160 used for?
Vertafore lists ACORD 160 as the Business Owners Section in its current commercial forms map.[1] Its AMS360 release notes identify a 2016/09 Business Owners application with updated mapping.[2] The section is commonly paired with applicant information so the insurer can review the business entity and the coverage specific exposure together.
What information does ACORD 160 collect?
The form organizes proposed policy dates, locations, building interests, business activities, property values, liability limits, optional coverages, and general underwriting questions. Vertafore documents that client level answers can flow into both ACORD 125 and ACORD 160, including questions about subsidiaries, safety programs, hazardous materials, catastrophe exposures, and foreign operations.[3] The insurer may ask for additional schedules or its own supplement.
What should you verify before signing?
Match legal names and addresses to the applicant information. At each location, confirm who owns the building, what the business does there, and whether other occupants share the premises. Review building and business personal property values against current replacement needs rather than an old application. Describe subcontracting, late hours, hazardous materials, cooking, delivery, or other operations when they apply.
Does ACORD 160 guarantee BOP eligibility?
No. A business owners policy packages common property and liability coverages, but insurers set their own eligible classes, size limits, and underwriting rules. An insurer may quote different options, request a commercial package instead, or decline the submission. Only the binder and issued policy show what was accepted.
Where can you obtain the form?
Eligible users can obtain current forms through ACORD's Forms Portal.[4] Use the edition supplied by the agency or authorized software and retain attachments with the signed application.
Frequently asked questions
Is ACORD 160 the same as ACORD 125
No. ACORD 125 contains common commercial applicant information. ACORD 160 adds details specific to a business owners policy submission.
Does every small business qualify for a BOP
No. Eligibility depends on the insurer's rules, the type and size of operation, property characteristics, and other exposures.
The Bottom Line
ACORD 160 brings a proposed business owners policy's property and liability information into one application section. Check every location, value, activity, and explanation. Use the insurer's binder and policy to confirm coverage.
This guide is educational and describes ACORD 160 in original language. Menlo Insurance Services is not affiliated with ACORD Corporation. The insurer's documents control.
References
- 1.Vertafore. “Commercial Lines ACORD Form Mapping.” Accessed September 2026. https://help.vertafore.com/Sagitta/content/eforms_mapping/commerciallines.htm ↩
- 2.Vertafore. “AMS360 2020 R1 Release Notes.” Accessed September 2026. https://help.vertafore.com/AMS360/content/releasenotes/2020/ams360_2020_20r1_release_notes.htm ↩
- 3.Vertafore. “Client Questions Page.” Accessed September 2026. https://help.vertafore.com/Sagitta/content/gettingstarted/pages_lists_and_dialog_boxes/client_questions_page.htm ↩
- 4.ACORD. “Forms Portal.” Accessed September 2026. https://formsportal.acord.org/Home ↩