biBERK vs Next Insurance: Which Is Better? (2026 Complete Guide)

Choosing between biBERK and Next Insurance? This comprehensive comparison covers pricing, coverage, customer reviews, and industry-specific recommendations to help you find the right small business insurance provider.

Quick Comparison

Feature	biBERK	Next Insurance
Parent Company	Progressive (Berkshire Hathaway)	VC-backed startup (founded 2016)
Financial Rating	A++ (Superior)	A (Excellent)
Best For	Retail, restaurants, simple risks	Contractors, consultants, tech
Quote Speed	3-5 minutes	60 seconds
Starting Price	$30/month GL	$20/month GL
Mobile App	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (better rated)
Customer Service	Phone + online	Email + chat preferred
Industries Covered	300+	1,300+

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Quick Comparison: biBERK vs Next Insurance

Understanding the Digital Insurance Revolution

The small business insurance landscape has transformed dramatically. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), 30% of small business owners rank liability insurance cost and availability as their second most important concern, right after health insurance and before workers' compensation.

Whether you have one or a few hundred employees, sell products or offer services, or command your operation from inside or outside your home, your insurance considerations as a small business owner are quite different from those of an individual consumer.

Both biBERK and Next Insurance represent the new wave of digital-first insurers offering instant quotes, online policy management, and competitive pricing—but they approach the market from very different angles.

Company Backgrounds: Startup Innovation vs. Berkshire Hathaway Stability

biBERK operates as a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., an American multinational conglomerate headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 1839 and transformed into a major conglomerate starting in 1965 under Warren Buffett's leadership. Insurance is a major area of operations, and the float (retained premiums) generated serves as an important source of capital for Berkshire Hathaway.

This connection matters enormously. When you buy from biBERK, you're backed by one of the world's most financially stable companies with an A++ financial strength rating—the highest possible. This means your claims will be paid even during catastrophic events or economic downturns.

Next Insurance, founded in 2016, is a venture-backed insurtech startup focused exclusively on small businesses. The company operates as a managing general agent (MGA), partnering with various insurance carriers to underwrite policies. Next Insurance has raised significant capital and built its platform around industry-specific coverage for contractors, consultants, photographers, and other small business owners.

While Next Insurance partners with rated carriers, the distinction in financial backing is significant for risk-averse business owners who prioritize claims-paying certainty above all else.

Coverage Options: What Each Provider Offers

Both insurers offer core small business insurance products, but their specializations differ meaningfully.

biBERK Coverage Portfolio

biBERK takes a traditional, comprehensive approach with emphasis on bundled coverage:

Business Owners Policy (BOP): This is biBERK's flagship product. A business owner's policy is a "package" product that typically includes property, business interruption/continuation and liability insurance, and for many small businesses, purchasing a BOP can be a less costly option than buying individual policies.

Companies with 100 or fewer employees and revenues up to $5 million are eligible for these plans.

Additional Coverage Types:

General Liability Insurance (standard third-party protection)
Professional Liability (E&O for service businesses)
Cyber Liability Insurance (data breach protection)
Workers' Compensation (employee injury coverage)
Commercial Property Insurance
Commercial Umbrella (additional liability limits)

biBERK's strength lies in bundled BOPs that combine multiple coverages at a better price than purchasing separately. This works particularly well for retail stores, restaurants, offices, and businesses with physical locations.

Next Insurance Coverage Portfolio

Next Insurance has built its reputation on industry-specific policies tailored to over 1,300 professions:

Core Coverage Types:

General Liability Insurance (third-party bodily injury and property damage)
Professional Liability Insurance (errors and omissions)
Commercial Property Insurance (equipment, inventory, physical assets)
Workers' Compensation (required in most states for employees)
Commercial Auto Insurance (business vehicle coverage)
Tools and Equipment Coverage (specialized for contractors)

Next Insurance excels at creating pre-configured packages for specific industries—general contractors, electricians, plumbers, IT consultants, photographers, fitness instructors, cleaning services, event planners, and many more. This industry-specific approach simplifies the buying process and ensures coverage matches your unique risks.

The company's mobile-first platform allows you to mix and match standalone policies rather than forcing you into bundled packages.

Pricing: What You'll Actually Pay

Understanding small business insurance pricing fundamentals is crucial before comparing these carriers.

How Premiums Are Calculated

Liability insurance premiums are typically linked to a business's sales and payroll estimates provided prior to policy inception. Key factors include:

Industry Classification: The type of business greatly influences liability premiums. For example, a toy manufacturer might be assessed premiums of as much as $3 per $1,000 in sales, or $30,000 on $10 million in annual revenue. But a company in a less risky business such as a florist may pay only $1.50 per $1,000 of sales, or $15,000 in premiums.

Geographic Location: The region in which your business operates affects premiums. Insurers in areas prone to extreme weather such as hail, wind storms and hurricanes, or high-traffic, high-theft locations typically charge higher rates.

Coverage Limits: Higher limits increase premiums, but the incremental cost is often modest.

Claims History: A high past-claims history can increase insurance costs, while choosing a plan with higher than average deductibles can lower premiums.

Both Next Insurance and biBERK use these fundamental underwriting principles but apply them differently based on their target markets and risk appetites.

biBERK Pricing Structure

biBERK's pricing reflects its Berkshire Hathaway backing and comprehensive coverage approach:

Typical Price Ranges:

General Liability: $25-50/month for low-risk service businesses; $150-400/month for higher-risk operations
Business Owners Policy (BOP): $500-1,000+ annually depending on business type, location, and revenue
Professional Liability: Varies by profession and revenue; typically starts at $50-100/month

biBERK may offer better value for slightly larger service businesses, particularly when bundling multiple coverages into a BOP. The company offers both monthly and annual payment options with potential discounts for paying annually upfront.

Next Insurance Pricing Structure

Next Insurance positions itself as extremely affordable for sole proprietors and startups:

Typical Price Ranges:

General Liability: $15-30/month for low-risk professions (consultants, photographers); $100-300/month for higher-risk trades (construction, restaurants)
Professional Liability: Starting around $20-40/month for basic coverage
Workers' Compensation: Varies significantly by state and industry

Next Insurance frequently edges ahead for very small operations (under $50,000 annual revenue) due to its algorithm-driven efficiency and digital-only distribution model. The company offers flexible month-to-month payment plans with minimal processing fees.

Mid-Term Adjustments and Audits

Important cost consideration: Liability insurance premiums are typically linked to a business's sales and payroll estimates provided prior to policy inception. If actual sales or payroll amounts are higher than when the policy was issued, the business owner may be required to pay an incremental premium. If amounts are less than estimated, the insured may be entitled to a refund.

Both carriers conduct audits at policy renewal to adjust premiums based on actual business metrics. Understanding each carrier's audit process helps predict true annual costs.

Digital Experience and Customer Service

Next Insurance Platform: Mobile-First Excellence

Next Insurance has invested heavily in creating the most seamless digital experience possible:

Platform Features:

Instant quotes (under 5 minutes, no lengthy business information required)
Purchase policies entirely online in minutes
Industry-leading mobile app (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rated)
Generate certificates of insurance (COIs) instantly 24/7
File and track claims digitally
Modify coverage on the go

The company's user interface is modern and intuitive, designed for tech-savvy entrepreneurs who prefer self-service. However, some customers report that the emphasis on automation can make it difficult to reach human support when complex issues arise. Customer service operates primarily through chat and email.

biBERK Platform: Hybrid Digital + Human Support

biBERK offers robust online capabilities while maintaining traditional customer service:

Platform Features:

Quick online quotes (typically within 10 minutes)
Instant policy issuance for most coverage types
Digital certificate generation
Online claims filing and tracking
Policy management tools
Access to licensed insurance agents when needed

The key differentiator is biBERK's more robust customer service infrastructure with easier access to licensed agents who can answer questions and provide guidance. This hybrid approach appeals to business owners who appreciate digital convenience but want human expertise available for complex decisions.

Claims Handling: Where Insurance Proves Its Value

The claims process is where insurers truly demonstrate their worth. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), about 25% of businesses fail to reopen after a disaster strikes—making fast, fair claims handling critical for business survival.

biBERK Claims Process

biBERK benefits from Berkshire Hathaway's extensive insurance experience and exceptional financial resources:

Claims Advantages:

Multiple reporting channels (online, phone, email)
Access to experienced claims adjusters
Proven track record of paying legitimate claims promptly
Financial strength to handle claims during catastrophic events
Clear communication throughout the process

Customer reviews of biBERK tend to be more consistently positive regarding claims handling, particularly for straightforward property and liability claims. The company's A++ financial strength rating provides assurance that claims will be paid even in worst-case scenarios.

Next Insurance Claims Process

Next Insurance emphasizes speed and digital convenience:

Claims Features:

App-based digital claims filing
Quick initial responses
Digital documentation submission
Dedicated claims adjusters assigned to each case
Transparent tracking through the app

Customer reviews are mixed. Some policyholders praise the straightforward digital process and fast payouts for minor claims, while others report frustration with claim denials or difficulties reaching claims adjusters for complex situations. As with many insurtech companies, the emphasis on automation can create challenges when claims require nuanced evaluation.

Financial Strength and Stability

biBERK (Berkshire Hathaway):

A.M. Best Rating: A++ (Superior) - highest possible rating
Financial Strength: Exceptional, backed by $1 trillion+ conglomerate
Claims-Paying Ability: Unquestioned, even during catastrophic events
Longevity: 185+ years (Berkshire Hathaway founded 1839)

Next Insurance:

Partners with rated insurance carriers (various A.M. Best ratings)
Strong venture capital backing ($881M+ raised)
Newer company (founded 2016) with shorter track record
Growing rapidly but less proven during economic downturns

For risk-averse business owners or those in industries with high claim frequencies, biBERK's financial stability provides significant peace of mind.

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Which Is Better for Your Industry?

The "better" choice depends heavily on your specific business type, size, and needs.

Best for Contractors and Construction Trades

Winner: Next Insurance (slight edge)

Why Next Insurance wins:

Specialized policies for electricians, plumbers, HVAC, general contractors
Tools and equipment coverage built-in
Industry-specific endorsements
More affordable for sole proprietors and small crews
Instant COI generation (critical for contractor work)

When biBERK makes sense:

You have a larger construction business (10+ employees)
You need comprehensive coverage including significant property insurance
You value traditional customer service and phone support
You want bundled BOP with business interruption coverage

Best for Consultants and Professional Services

Winner: Next Insurance (clear advantage)

Why Next Insurance wins:

Pre-configured policies for IT consultants, marketing agencies, real estate professionals
Affordable professional liability (E&O) starting at $20-30/month
Perfect for sole proprietors and small consulting firms
Instant quotes without extensive business information
Mobile app perfect for on-the-go professionals

When biBERK makes sense:

You have an established consulting firm with office space
You need comprehensive BOP including property coverage
You prefer speaking with licensed agents about complex E&O coverage

Best for Retail Stores and Restaurants

Winner: biBERK (clear advantage)

Why biBERK wins:

Comprehensive BOPs designed for retail and hospitality
Bundled property, liability, and business interruption coverage
Better for businesses with significant physical assets
More competitive pricing for bundled coverage
Strong financial backing critical for catastrophic claims (fire, natural disaster)

When Next Insurance makes sense:

You're a food truck or mobile retail operation
You're just starting and need basic, affordable GL coverage
You prefer fully digital management

Best for Cleaning Services

Winner: Next Insurance (slight edge)

Why Next Insurance wins:

Specialized cleaning service policies with appropriate endorsements
Very affordable for solo cleaners and small teams
Instant COI generation for client requirements
Mobile app perfect for service-based businesses

When biBERK makes sense:

You have a larger cleaning company with employees
You need workers' compensation for multiple employees
You have office space and equipment requiring property coverage

Best for Photographers and Creative Professionals

Winner: Next Insurance (clear advantage)

Why Next Insurance wins:

Industry-specific policies for photographers, videographers, event planners
Equipment coverage tailored to creative professionals
Extremely affordable for sole proprietors ($20-40/month common)
Instant COI generation for venue requirements
Mobile-first platform perfect for creative entrepreneurs

When biBERK makes sense:

You have a photography studio with significant property exposure
You employ multiple photographers and need workers' comp
You prefer traditional customer service

Best for IT and Tech Businesses

Winner: Tie (depends on business size)

Choose Next Insurance if:

Solo IT consultant or freelance developer
Need affordable E&O starting immediately
Prefer mobile-first management
Revenue under $250K

Choose biBERK if:

Established IT firm with employees
Need cyber liability insurance
Want bundled coverage including property
Value Berkshire Hathaway's financial strength
Revenue over $250K

Best for Fitness Professionals and Personal Trainers

Winner: Next Insurance (clear advantage)

Why Next Insurance wins:

Specialized personal trainer and fitness instructor policies
Very affordable ($15-30/month common)
Instant COI for gym partnerships
Perfect for mobile trainers and yoga instructors
Equipment coverage for portable fitness gear

When biBERK makes sense:

You own a fitness studio with property exposure
You employ multiple trainers
You need comprehensive BOP with business interruption

Pros and Cons Summary

biBERK Advantages ✅

Exceptional financial stability (Berkshire Hathaway, A++ rated)
Comprehensive BOPs with bundled savings
Better for established businesses with property and employees
Hybrid customer service (digital + phone support with licensed agents)
Proven claims-paying track record during catastrophic events
185+ years of insurance heritage
Cyber liability coverage available

biBERK Disadvantages ❌

Slightly higher premiums for comparable standalone coverage
Less specialized for specific industries
Quote process takes ~10 minutes (not instant)
Mobile app less feature-rich than Next Insurance
May be overkill for sole proprietors

Next Insurance Advantages ✅

Industry-specific policies for 1,300+ professions
Most affordable for sole proprietors and startups
Instant quotes (under 5 minutes)
Excellent mobile app (best-in-class)
Flexible month-to-month payment options
Perfect for gig economy and freelance professionals
Instant COI generation 24/7
Mix-and-match coverage instead of forced bundles

Next Insurance Disadvantages ❌

Limited human customer service (primarily digital)
Shorter company history (founded 2016)
Less financial backing than biBERK
Mixed customer reviews on complex claims
Not ideal for businesses needing comprehensive BOPs
Emphasis on automation can frustrate when issues arise

Real Customer Reviews and Experiences

biBERK Customer Feedback

Positive Reviews:

"The Berkshire Hathaway name gives me confidence my claims will be paid"
"Customer service was helpful when I had questions about my BOP"
"Claims process was straightforward after a break-in at my retail store"
"Competitive pricing for bundled coverage compared to buying separately"

Negative Reviews:

"Quote process took longer than Next Insurance"
"Mobile app could be more user-friendly"
"Wish they had more industry-specific options like competitors"

Next Insurance Customer Feedback

Positive Reviews:

"Got coverage in literally 5 minutes—saved my contract job"
"Mobile app is fantastic, generates COIs instantly"
"Perfect for my freelance consulting business"
"Very affordable compared to traditional insurance brokers"
"Industry-specific policy had exactly what I needed"

Negative Reviews:

"Hard to reach customer service when I had a claim question"
"Claim was denied and I couldn't get a clear explanation"
"Great for buying, frustrating for complex issues"
"Wish they had better phone support"

The NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) produces reports combining data submitted by state insurance departments that provide information about common closed complaints—worth checking before choosing any insurer.

Making Your Decision: Quick Decision Framework

Choose biBERK if you:

✅ Value financial stability and A++ ratings above all
✅ Have an established business with employees
✅ Need comprehensive BOP with property and business interruption
✅ Own a retail store, restaurant, or office-based business
✅ Want access to licensed agents for complex questions
✅ Have revenue over $250K annually
✅ Prefer traditional insurance backed by proven companies

Choose Next Insurance if you:

✅ Are a sole proprietor, freelancer, or gig economy worker
✅ Need industry-specific coverage (contractor, photographer, consultant, fitness)
✅ Want the most affordable option for basic coverage
✅ Prefer mobile-first, digital-only management
✅ Need instant quotes and immediate coverage
✅ Generate COIs frequently for clients/venues
✅ Have revenue under $250K annually
✅ Comfortable with primarily digital customer service

The Bottom Line

There's no universally "better" choice between biBERK and Next Insurance—the right provider depends entirely on your business profile.

For sole proprietors, freelancers, and micro-businesses in specialized professions (contractors, consultants, photographers, fitness professionals), Next Insurance offers unbeatable affordability, speed, and industry-specific customization with an excellent mobile experience.

For established small businesses with physical locations, employees, and property exposure (retail, restaurants, offices), biBERK provides superior financial backing, comprehensive bundled coverage, and traditional customer service that justifies slightly higher premiums.

The good news? Both companies offer instant online quotes. Get quotes from both carriers—it takes less than 20 minutes total—and compare the actual coverage, price, and terms for your specific business. The few minutes invested in comparison shopping could save hundreds or thousands of dollars annually while ensuring you have the right protection when you need it most.

Remember: The cheapest insurance isn't always the best value, and the most expensive isn't necessarily the most comprehensive. Focus on coverage adequacy, financial strength, claims reputation, and overall value—not just the monthly premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is biBERK more expensive than Next Insurance?

Not necessarily. For bundled Business Owners Policies, biBERK often provides better value. For standalone general liability, Next Insurance typically costs less for sole proprietors. The price difference depends heavily on your industry, coverage needs, and business size.

Which has better customer service?

biBERK offers hybrid digital + phone support with licensed agents, while Next Insurance emphasizes digital-only service through chat and mobile app. Choose based on your preference for human interaction vs. self-service convenience.

Can I get a quote from both companies?

Yes, and you should! Both offer instant online quotes. Compare actual coverage terms and pricing for your specific business before deciding.

Which is better for contractors?

Next Insurance slightly edges ahead for contractors due to industry-specific policies, tools/equipment coverage, and instant COI generation. However, larger contracting businesses may benefit from biBERK's comprehensive BOPs.

Does Berkshire Hathaway's backing really matter?

For risk-averse business owners, yes. biBERK's A++ rating and Berkshire Hathaway backing provide exceptional claims-paying certainty, especially important during catastrophic events when some insurers struggle financially.

Which has a better mobile app?

Next Insurance has the superior mobile app with more features, better user experience, and instant COI generation. biBERK's app is functional but less feature-rich.

Can I switch between carriers easily?

Yes. Both offer month-to-month options with no long-term contracts. However, always secure new coverage before canceling existing policies to avoid gaps in protection.

biBERK vs Next Insurance: Which Is Better? (2026 Complete Guide)

Quick Comparison

Quick Comparison: biBERK vs Next Insurance

Understanding the Digital Insurance Revolution

Company Backgrounds: Startup Innovation vs. Berkshire Hathaway Stability

Coverage Options: What Each Provider Offers

biBERK Coverage Portfolio

Next Insurance Coverage Portfolio

Pricing: What You'll Actually Pay

How Premiums Are Calculated

biBERK Pricing Structure

Next Insurance Pricing Structure

Mid-Term Adjustments and Audits

Digital Experience and Customer Service

Next Insurance Platform: Mobile-First Excellence

biBERK Platform: Hybrid Digital + Human Support

Claims Handling: Where Insurance Proves Its Value

biBERK Claims Process

Next Insurance Claims Process

Financial Strength and Stability

Which Is Better for Your Industry?

Best for Contractors and Construction Trades

Best for Consultants and Professional Services

Best for Retail Stores and Restaurants

Best for Cleaning Services

Best for Photographers and Creative Professionals

Best for IT and Tech Businesses

Best for Fitness Professionals and Personal Trainers

Pros and Cons Summary

biBERK Advantages ✅

biBERK Disadvantages ❌

Next Insurance Advantages ✅

Next Insurance Disadvantages ❌

Real Customer Reviews and Experiences

biBERK Customer Feedback

Next Insurance Customer Feedback

Making Your Decision: Quick Decision Framework

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

Sources