Next Insurance vs Embroker Reviews: Choosing the Right small business insurance Platform

Quick Answer: Next Insurance offers affordable, digital-first insurance perfect for startups and small businesses. Embroker provides comprehensive coverage with higher limits for established companies. Next Insurance is typically 20-40% cheaper but Embroker offers more customization and dedicated support.

Get your personalized quote →

📊 Next Insurance vs Embroker: Quick Comparison

Feature	Next Insurance	Embroker
Best for	Startups, small businesses	Established businesses, complex needs
Financial rating	A-rated carriers	A+ Superior (AM Best)
Pricing	$20-50/month average	$50-150/month average
Quote speed	Instant online	1-3 business days
Coverage limits	$1M-$2M standard	Up to $10M+
Customer service	Digital-first, chat support	Dedicated agents, phone support

Compare both carriers now →

Finding the right insurance coverage for your small business can feel overwhelming. With dozens of providers competing for your attention, two digital-first platforms—Next Insurance and Embroker—have emerged as popular options for entrepreneurs seeking fast, affordable coverage. But which one is the better fit for your business?

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.

This guide breaks down what you need to know about these two platforms to make an informed decision [1].

Understanding the Digital Insurance Landscape

The small business insurance market has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Traditional brokers who once dominated the space now compete with tech-enabled platforms that promise instant quotes, streamlined applications, and lower prices. Both Next Insurance and Embroker represent this new wave of insurance technology, but they serve slightly different markets and business needs.

Insurance brokers play a significant role in helping companies and individuals procure property and casualty (liability) insurance, life insurance and annuities, and accident and health insurance. For example, research shows that brokers play a significant role in helping small employers find health insurance, particularly in more competitive markets.

What Small Businesses Need to Know About Coverage [2]

Before comparing platforms, it's essential to understand what types of coverage your business actually needs. Most small businesses require several core policies:

general liability Insurance protects your business from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury. If a customer slips and falls in your store or you accidentally damage a client's property while working on-site, this coverage responds.

A business owners policy (BOP) bundles general liability with commercial property insurance, offering a cost-effective package for many small businesses. This combination typically costs less than purchasing each policy separately.

Professional Liability Insurance (also called errors and omissions insurance) is crucial for service-based businesses. If a client claims your work caused them financial harm, professional liability coverage helps pay for legal defense and settlements. Consultants, accountants, IT professionals, and other service providers should consider this essential protection.

For businesses that handle sensitive customer data or rely on digital operations, cyber insurance has become increasingly important. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and system failures can devastate small businesses without proper coverage.

If you have employees, most states require workers' compensation insurance. This coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages if an employee gets injured on the job, and it protects your business from employee lawsuits related to workplace injuries.

Ready to compare? Get instant quotes from both carriers →

Platform Comparison: Business Models and Target Markets

Next Insurance and Embroker both operate as digital insurance platforms, but their approaches differ significantly.

Next Insurance focuses primarily on sole proprietors, freelancers, and very small businesses. The platform emphasizes speed and simplicity, allowing users to get quotes and purchase policies entirely online within minutes. Their business model centers on standardized policies with limited customization, which keeps costs down and the process straightforward.

Embroker targets slightly larger small businesses and startups, particularly in the technology sector. The platform combines digital tools with human expertise, offering more customized coverage options and higher policy limits. Embroker's approach involves licensed brokers who can help businesses navigate complex insurance needs.

Coverage Options and Specializations

The types of businesses each platform serves best can help you determine which might work for your situation.

Next Insurance has built a strong reputation among independent contractors and service professionals. Photographers, personal trainers, cleaning services, handymen, and similar businesses often find their needs well-matched to Next Insurance's offerings. The platform offers general liability, professional liability, commercial property, and tools and equipment coverage.

Embroker specializes in serving technology companies, startups, and businesses with more complex risk profiles. Their coverage options include directors and officers (D&O) insurance, employment practices liability insurance (EPLI), and higher limits for professional liability. Companies seeking errors and omissions coverage with policy limits exceeding $1 million may find Embroker's options more suitable.

Pricing and Cost Considerations

Average small group commissions range from two percent to eight percent of premiums.

Understanding how insurance platforms make money can help you evaluate their pricing [2].

Next Insurance typically offers lower premiums for basic coverage, with many policies starting under $30 per month. Their direct-to-consumer model eliminates traditional broker commissions, potentially reducing costs. However, the trade-off comes in limited customization and lower policy limits.

Embroker's pricing tends to be higher, reflecting their focus on more comprehensive coverage and higher limits. Businesses with significant revenue, valuable assets, or complex operations may find the additional cost worthwhile. The platform's broker-assisted model means you're paying for expert guidance alongside your coverage.

Economic factors like inflation and interest rates influence real estate values and the price of goods. Increasing cost of litigation. Reinsurance costs. Insurance companies buy their own form of insurance called reinsurance. Reinsurance costs have risen significantly and are also impacted by the above factors.

These industry-wide factors affect all insurance providers, including digital platforms [3].

User Experience and Technology

Both platforms invest heavily in technology to streamline the insurance buying process, but their user experiences differ.

Next Insurance's mobile-first approach allows business owners to manage everything from their smartphones. The application process typically takes 10 minutes or less, with instant policy issuance for many coverage types. Certificate of insurance (COI) requests can be generated immediately through the app, which is particularly valuable when clients or venues require proof of coverage on short notice.

Embroker offers a more sophisticated platform that includes risk management tools and analytics. Their dashboard provides insights into your coverage, claims history, and potential gaps in protection. While the initial application may take longer than Next Insurance, the platform's depth appeals to businesses with more complex needs.

Customer Service and Support

The level of human interaction available differs significantly between these platforms.

Next Insurance operates primarily through digital channels, with customer service available via phone, email, and chat. While response times are generally good, you won't have a dedicated agent or broker relationship. For straightforward coverage needs and simple claims, this model works well.

Embroker assigns licensed brokers to work with clients, providing personalized service and ongoing support. This human touch becomes valuable when navigating complex coverage decisions, handling claims, or adjusting policies as your business grows.

Brokers provide services beyond procuring insurance, such as providing risk assessments, insurance consulting services, insurance-related regulatory and legislative updates, claims assistance services, assisting with employee enrollment, and helping to resolve benefit issues.

Claims Process and Resolution [2]

How a platform handles claims matters more than any other factor when you actually need your insurance.

Next Insurance handles claims digitally through their app and website. The streamlined process works well for straightforward claims, with many customers reporting quick resolutions for smaller incidents. However, complex claims may require more back-and-forth communication through digital channels.

Embroker's broker-assisted claims process provides additional support during stressful situations. Your broker can advocate on your behalf, help gather necessary documentation, and communicate with the insurance carrier. This hands-on approach can be invaluable for significant claims or disputes.

Industry-Specific Considerations

With 84.41% of property and casualty insurance companies reporting so far, direct premiums written for all lines of business are $974,969,511,332.

The commercial insurance market is substantial, with many specialized options available for different industries [4].

For Technology Companies: Embroker's specialization in tech startups makes them a natural fit for software companies, SaaS businesses, and IT consultancies. Their understanding of technology risks and higher policy limits align well with this sector's needs.

For Service Professionals: Next Insurance's straightforward approach works excellently for consultants, freelancers, and independent contractors who need basic professional liability and general liability coverage without complexity.

Which Is Better for Contractors?

For contractors insurance, the choice depends on your business size and complexity.

Next Insurance wins for contractors when:

You need quick coverage for a new contract
Your business has straightforward liability exposures
You want affordable, no-frills protection
You operate as a solo contractor or small team
You prefer 100% online management

Embroker wins for contractors when:

You have multiple crews and job sites
You need higher coverage limits ($5M+)
You want comprehensive risk management support
You have specialized equipment requiring custom coverage
You need commercial auto for multiple vehicles

Get contractor insurance quotes →

Which Is Better for Consultants?

For consultants and professional service businesses, professional liability is often the most critical coverage.

Next Insurance for consultants when:

You're a solo consultant or small firm
Your contracts require $1M-$2M coverage
You want fast, affordable E&O insurance
You have standard consulting risks
Budget is a primary concern

Embroker for consultants when:

You work with Fortune 500 clients
Your contracts require $5M+ limits
You have complex international exposures
You need D&O or EPLI coverage
You want dedicated broker support

Learn more about professional liability insurance requirements.

Which Is Better for Retail Businesses?

Retail businesses need property coverage, general liability, and often business interruption insurance.

Next Insurance for retail when:

Single location with standard operations
Inventory value under $100K
You want instant online quotes
Simple liability exposures
Fast policy issuance is important

Embroker for retail when:

Multiple locations or high-value inventory
You need business interruption coverage
Complex property exposures
You want dedicated claims support
Higher coverage limits required

Explore retail business insurance options.

Which Is Better for Restaurants?

Restaurant insurance requires specialized coverage including liquor liability, food spoilage, and equipment breakdown.

Next Insurance for restaurants when:

Small cafe or single-location operation
Limited alcohol sales
You need affordable basic coverage
Quick online purchase is priority
Standard kitchen equipment

Embroker for restaurants when:

Full liquor license operations
Multiple locations or franchises
High-value equipment and build-outs
You need comprehensive business interruption
Delivery fleet requiring commercial auto

See our complete guide to restaurant insurance requirements.

Need help choosing? Compare coverage options →

Compare rates side-by-side: Get personalized quotes now →