Next Insurance vs Simply Business Reviews: Which Digital Platform Is Right for Your Small Business?

Choosing the right insurance provider can make or break your small business's financial security. As digital insurance platforms continue to reshape how entrepreneurs buy coverage, two names frequently appear in online searches: Next Insurance and Simply Business. Both promise streamlined quotes, competitive pricing, and hassle-free policies—but which one truly delivers for U.S. small-business owners?

In this comprehensive review, we'll examine both platforms' strengths, weaknesses, customer experiences, and coverage options to help you make an informed decision about protecting your business.

Understanding the Digital Insurance Revolution

The insurance industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years.

InsurTech activity has increased significantly over the last few years and continues to attract significant attention, with InsurTech startups attracting $16.5 billion in investments over the past decade, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) [1].

For small business owners, this digital revolution means faster quotes, more transparent pricing, and the ability to purchase coverage entirely online—often in minutes rather than days. However, not all digital platforms are created equal, and understanding the differences can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches.

Next Insurance: The Digital-First Disruptor

Next Insurance has positioned itself as a technology-driven insurance provider specifically designed for small businesses. Founded with the mission to simplify business insurance, the company offers instant quotes and immediate coverage through its mobile app and website.

Coverage Options

Next Insurance specializes in several key policy types that small businesses commonly need. Their offerings include general liability insurance, professional liability coverage, workers' compensation insurance, and commercial property protection. The platform is particularly popular among contractors, consultants, and service-based businesses.

One of Next Insurance's standout features is its ability to provide customized quotes based on your specific industry. Whether you're a photographer, plumber, or personal trainer, the platform tailors coverage recommendations to your profession's unique risks.

Pricing and Affordability

Next Insurance markets itself as an affordable option for small businesses, with some policies starting as low as $20 per month. The company's direct-to-consumer model eliminates traditional agent commissions, which can translate to lower premiums for policyholders.

However, pricing varies significantly based on your industry, location, coverage limits, and claims history. While the initial quotes may appear attractive, it's essential to carefully review what's included—and what's not—in the base policy.

Customer Experience and Reviews

Customer reviews for Next Insurance present a mixed picture. Many users praise the platform's ease of use, quick quote process, and responsive mobile app. The ability to manage policies, file claims, and access certificates of insurance from a smartphone appeals to busy entrepreneurs.

However, some customers report challenges with claims processing and customer service responsiveness. As with many digital-first platforms, the lack of a dedicated local agent can be frustrating when complex issues arise or when you need personalized advice about coverage gaps.

Simply Business: The Established Marketplace

Simply Business is a digital broker and agency for small business insurance that launched their first office in the United States in December 2016, and was acquired by The Travelers Companies from Aquiline Capital Partners for approximately $490 million in August 2017 [2].

Coverage Options and Carrier Network

Unlike Next Insurance, which acts as a direct carrier for many policies, Simply Business operates as a digital marketplace connecting small businesses with multiple insurance carriers. This broker model means you can compare quotes from various insurers in one place.

Simply Business offers a comprehensive range of coverage options, including business owners policies, general liability, professional liability, commercial property, and specialized coverages like cyber insurance. The platform works with well-established carriers, which can provide added peace of mind regarding financial stability and claims-paying ability.

The Marketplace Advantage

The key differentiator for Simply Business is its marketplace approach. Rather than offering a single quote, the platform presents multiple options from different carriers, allowing you to compare coverage terms, limits, and pricing side by side. This transparency can help you identify the best value for your specific needs.

For businesses requiring specialized coverage—such as errors and omissions insurance for consultants or technology professionals—the ability to access multiple carriers increases the likelihood of finding appropriate protection at competitive rates.

Customer Service and Support

Simply Business provides licensed insurance agents who can answer questions and guide you through the selection process. While the platform emphasizes digital convenience, the human support element can be valuable when navigating complex coverage decisions or unusual business situations.

Customer reviews for Simply Business generally highlight the platform's user-friendly interface and the helpfulness of its support team. However, as with any broker, your experience may vary depending on which underlying carrier issues your policy.

Key Differences: Direct Carrier vs. Marketplace

The fundamental distinction between Next Insurance and Simply Business lies in their business models. Next Insurance primarily acts as a direct insurance carrier, underwriting and issuing policies itself. Simply Business functions as a digital broker or marketplace, connecting you with policies from multiple insurance companies.

This difference has important implications:

Claims Processing: With Next Insurance, you file claims directly with the company. With Simply Business, claims go through the underlying carrier that issued your policy, which could be Travelers, Hiscox, or another insurer in their network.

Pricing Transparency: Next Insurance provides a single quote based on its underwriting criteria. Simply Business shows multiple quotes, giving you more options but potentially requiring more time to evaluate.

Customization: Direct carriers like Next Insurance may offer more streamlined, industry-specific policies. Brokers like Simply Business can access more specialized or complex coverage arrangements through their carrier partnerships.

Coverage Considerations for Small Businesses

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, according to NAIC consumer guidance [3].

Before choosing between these platforms, assess your business's specific insurance needs:

Basic Liability Protection: Most businesses need general liability coverage to protect against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. Both platforms offer this fundamental coverage.

Professional Services: If you provide advice, consulting, or professional services, professional liability or errors and omissions coverage is essential. Both platforms accommodate these needs, though coverage terms may differ.

Employee Protection:

Many states require business owners to carry workers' compensation insurance on all employees including family members and on themselves if they are considered company employees, though states often have exceptions for very small businesses or corporate officers [3].

Cyber Threats:

The cyberthreat landscape continues to break records as it becomes more volatile and complex, with businesses across all revenue bands experiencing an increase in cyber incidents. Cyber insurance has become increasingly important for businesses that handle customer data or rely on digital operations [4].

Making Your Decision: Which Platform Is Right for You?

The choice between Next Insurance and Simply Business depends on your priorities, business type, and insurance needs.

Choose Next Insurance if:

You want a streamlined, mobile-first experience
Your business fits a common industry category with straightforward insurance needs
You prefer dealing directly with one carrier
You value speed and simplicity over extensive comparison shopping
You're comfortable with primarily digital customer service

Choose Simply Business if:

You want to compare multiple carriers and coverage options
Your business has specialized or complex insurance requirements
You value access to licensed agents for guidance
You prefer the backing of established insurance carriers
You want the flexibility to switch carriers without changing platforms

Beyond the Platform: What Really Matters

While the platform you choose matters, don't overlook these critical factors:

Coverage Adequacy: The cheapest policy isn't always the best value. Ensure your coverage limits are sufficient to protect your business assets and future earnings. Inadequate coverage can be financially devastating if a major claim occurs.

Policy Exclusions: Carefully review what's not covered. Both platforms have standard exclusions, but the details matter. Ask specific questions about scenarios relevant to your business operations.

Financial Strength: Whether you choose Next Insurance or a carrier through Simply Business, verify the insurer's financial stability. The NAIC provides resources to