Next Insurance vs Simply Business: Which Small Business Insurance Provider Is Right for You?

Choosing the right insurance provider can feel overwhelming when you're running a small business. With

more than half million U.S. entrepreneurs starting a business each month, the demand for accessible, affordable business insurance has never been higher. Two popular digital-first options—Next Insurance and Simply Business—have emerged as go-to solutions for small business owners seeking streamlined coverage. But which one is the better fit for your business? [1]

This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences between these two providers, helping you make an informed decision about protecting your business.

Simply Business vs Next Insurance: Quick Comparison

If you're comparing Simply Business vs Next Insurance, here's what you need to know upfront:

Simply Business is a digital insurance broker that helps you compare quotes from multiple carriers. Best for: businesses wanting more options and carrier flexibility.
Next Insurance is a direct carrier offering instant quotes and policies. Best for: businesses in specific industries (contractors, fitness, photography) who want fast, affordable coverage.

Both platforms offer entirely online experiences with competitive pricing, but they serve different needs. Simply Business acts as your shopping assistant across multiple insurers, while Next Insurance provides its own policies directly. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize carrier selection (Simply Business) or speed and industry-specific coverage (Next Insurance).

Now let's dive deeper into how these two providers stack up across key areas:

Understanding the Two Providers

Before diving into the details, it's important to understand what sets these companies apart at a fundamental level.

Next Insurance launched in 2016 as a digital-first insurtech company designed specifically for small businesses. The platform operates entirely online, offering fast quotes and instant policy issuance for specific industries. Next Insurance functions as a direct carrier, meaning they underwrite and issue policies themselves.

Simply Business takes a different approach.

Simply Business is a digital broker and agency for small business insurance, launched in 2005 as an online broker for business insurance. Rather than acting as a carrier, Simply Business connects business owners with multiple insurance companies, functioning as a marketplace [2].

In August 2017, The Travelers Companies acquired the company from Aquiline Capital Partners for approximately $490 million, giving it the backing of one of the nation's largest insurers [2].

This fundamental difference—carrier versus broker—shapes everything from pricing to coverage options to customer service.

Coverage Options and Flexibility

When it comes to the types of insurance available, both platforms offer the essential coverages small businesses need, but with different levels of flexibility.

Next Insurance Coverage

Next Insurance specializes in providing straightforward policies for specific industries. Their coverage types include:

General liability insurance
Professional liability (errors and omissions)
Commercial property insurance
Workers' compensation
Tools and equipment coverage
Commercial auto insurance (limited industries)

Their general liability policies often start around $200-$300 annually for low-risk businesses like consultants or photographers. Next typically offers standardized packages, with $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits being common [3].

The platform has developed specialized policies for trades including contractors, cleaning services, photographers, consultants, personal trainers, and IT professionals. If your business falls within their target industries, you'll find tailored coverage options designed specifically for your risk profile.

Simply Business Coverage

As a broker, Simply Business offers access to policies from multiple insurance carriers. This marketplace approach provides several advantages:

Broader range of coverage options
Access to multiple carriers' policies
Ability to compare quotes from different insurers
More customization possibilities
Coverage for businesses that might not fit Next's standardized approach

In 2021, Simply Business was selected to participate in the Amazon Insurance Accelerator Program to distribute general liability coverage to Amazon sellers, demonstrating their ability to serve niche markets [2].

The broker model means Simply Business can often find coverage for businesses with unique needs or higher-risk profiles that might not qualify for Next Insurance's standardized policies. For more information on understanding different coverage types, check out our guide on what does general liability insurance cover for small business.

Pricing and Affordability

Cost is often the deciding factor for small business owners, particularly those operating on tight margins.

Next Insurance Pricing

Next Insurance has built its reputation on transparent, affordable pricing.

Next Insurance typically positions itself as the budget-friendly option for micro-businesses and sole proprietors, with general liability policies often starting around $200-$300 annually for low-risk businesses like consultants or photographers [3].

For professional liability coverage,

professional liability coverage through Next can range from $300-$800 per year for service-based businesses. Their Business Owner's Policy (BOP) packages, which bundle multiple coverages, [3]

typically range from $500-$1,500 annually, making them attractive for startups and solopreneurs [3].

The platform provides instant quotes without requiring lengthy phone calls or agent meetings, making the pricing process transparent from the start.

Simply Business Pricing

Simply Business pricing varies more widely since they're comparing quotes from multiple carriers. This can work in your favor—the competition among carriers may result in lower prices, or you might find that certain carriers offer better rates for your specific business type.

Because Simply Business works with traditional insurance companies, their pricing may be higher for some businesses, particularly those in very low-risk categories. However, for businesses with more complex needs or those in higher-risk industries, the ability to shop multiple carriers can result in more competitive pricing than a single direct carrier could offer.

Understanding your business's insurance needs is crucial for getting accurate quotes. Our article on how much is business insurance provides detailed insights into cost factors.

The Business Owner's Policy (BOP) Comparison

A business owner's policy - sometimes called a BOP - 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 [1].

Both Next Insurance and Simply Business offer BOP options, but with different approaches:

Next Insurance BOPs are standardized packages designed for quick purchase. They work best for home-based businesses, service providers, and low-risk operations. The streamlined approach means less customization but faster policy issuance.

Simply Business BOPs come from various carriers, offering more customization options.

Many insurers also customize BOPs for specific types of businesses, and Simply Business's marketplace model gives you access to these specialized options [1].

Companies with 100 or less employees with revenues of up to $5 million or less are eligible for these plans, and it is estimated that between 30-40% of small business owners carry business interruption insurance [4].

User Experience and Technology

In today's digital age, the ease of obtaining and managing insurance matters significantly.

Next Insurance Platform

Next Insurance operates entirely through its digital platform and mobile app. The user experience emphasizes:

Instant online quotes (typically in minutes)
Immediate policy issuance
Mobile app for policy management
Digital certificate of insurance generation
Online claims filing and tracking
Pay-as-you-go options for some policies

The platform is designed for business owners who prefer self-service and want to avoid traditional agent interactions. Everything from quote to purchase to claims can be handled digitally.

Simply Business Platform

Simply Business also offers a digital experience, but with a different flavor:

Online quote comparison from multiple carriers
Access to licensed insurance advisors
Digital policy management
Certificate of insurance generation
Phone support available
Broker assistance for complex needs

The hybrid approach—digital tools combined with human expertise—appeals to business owners who want technology's convenience but appreciate having expert guidance available when needed.

Claims Process and Customer Service

The true test of any insurance provider comes when you need to file a claim.

Next Insurance Claims

Next Insurance handles claims through their mobile app and online portal. They assign dedicated claims adjusters to each case and emphasize quick response times. The digital-first approach means you can submit documentation through your phone and track claim status in real-time.

However, as a newer company, Next Insurance has less historical claims data and may have fewer resources compared to established carriers. Some business owners appreciate the streamlined digital process, while others prefer more traditional claims handling.

Simply Business Claims

Since Simply Business is a broker, claims are actually handled by the underlying insurance carrier. This can be an advantage—you're getting claims service from established insurance companies with decades of experience and robust claims departments.

The quality of claims service will depend on which carrier underwrites your policy. Major carriers accessible through Simply Business typically have extensive claims networks, 24/7 claims reporting, and substantial financial resources to pay claims promptly.

Industry Specialization

Your business type significantly impacts which provider might be the better fit.