Next Insurance vs The Hartford: Which Is Cheaper? (2026 Pricing)

Quick Answer: Which is cheaper?

Next Insurance is best for budget-conscious sole proprietors and micro-businesses. Average cost: $240-$720/yr for GL coverage.

The Hartford is best for established businesses needing comprehensive protection and higher limits. Average cost: $480-$1,800/yr for comprehensive coverage.

Bottom line: Choose Next if you want instant coverage and to save 30-50% on premiums. Choose The Hartford if you need specialized coverage, higher limits, or agent support.

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Feature	Next Insurance	The Hartford
Price Range (GL)	$20-40/month	$40-80/month
Quote Speed	Instant (100% online)	1-3 days (agent-assisted)
Best Industries	Consultants, freelancers, low-risk service businesses	Professional services, restaurants, established businesses
Coverage Limits	$1M/$2M standard	Up to $5M+ available
Best For	Price savings (30-50% cheaper), instant digital coverage	Comprehensive protection, specialized coverage, agent support

Which is cheaper: Next Insurance or The Hartford?

Quick verdict: Next Insurance is 30-50% cheaper for basic coverage. The Hartford costs more but offers higher limits and comprehensive professional services coverage.

Key differentiators:

Next Insurance: Digital-first, instant quotes, $20-40/mo GL, perfect for sole proprietors and tech-savvy small businesses
The Hartford: Agent-based, comprehensive coverage, $40-80/mo GL, ideal for established businesses needing specialized protection

Cost comparison snapshot:

General Liability: Next $20-40/mo vs Hartford $40-80/mo (Next wins by 40-50%)
BOP: Next $40-100/mo vs Hartford $60-200/mo (Next wins by 35-40%)
Professional Liability: Next $30-60/mo vs Hartford $50-150/mo (Next wins by 30-50%)

Bottom line for budget: Next Insurance wins on price. The Hartford wins on coverage breadth and higher limits.

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Why This Pricing Comparison Matters

The difference between Next Insurance and The Hartford isn't just 30-50% on your monthly premium - it's $360-$1,800 per year. That's real money for small businesses.

But cheaper doesn't always mean better value. This guide shows you EXACTLY when Next's lower price makes sense (solo consultants, freelancers, straightforward risks) and when Hartford's higher cost actually saves you money (professional services needing specialized E&O, businesses with employees requiring EPLI).

Who should read this:

Sole proprietors and freelancers looking to minimize insurance costs
Service businesses comparing E&O coverage quality vs price
Small businesses evaluating whether Hartford's premium is justified
Anyone trying to cut insurance expenses without sacrificing protection

Key Takeaway:

Next Insurance saves small businesses an average of $500-$1,500 per year compared to The Hartford. For sole proprietors and freelancers with straightforward risks, this represents a 30-50% price reduction with no compromise on essential coverage.

Quick Comparison Table
Real Business Scenarios
Average Cost Ranges
Understanding the Two Carriers
Factors That Influence Your Premium
BOP Pricing Comparison
Workers' Compensation Costs
Hidden Costs and Fees
Industry-Specific Pricing
Payment Flexibility
When to Choose Next Insurance
When to Choose The Hartford
Bottom Line
FAQ

Next Insurance vs The Hartford: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Next Insurance	The Hartford
Best for	Tech-savvy small businesses & sole proprietors	Established businesses needing comprehensive coverage
Founded	2016 (digital-first startup)	1810 (200+ years of experience)
Coverage types	GL, E&O, BOP, workers comp, cyber, tools	GL, E&O, BOP, workers comp, cyber, EPLI, umbrella
Buying experience	100% online, instant quotes	Agent-based with online tools
Claims process	Digital-first, mobile app	Phone & online with dedicated adjusters
Starting prices	GL from $20-40/month	GL from $40-80/month
Speed to coverage	Same-day, often instant	1-3 business days
Price winner	30-50% cheaper	Higher cost, more comprehensive

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Real Business Scenarios

Scenario 1: Freelance Graphic Designer

Sarah's Design Studio (sole proprietor, $85K revenue, home-based)

Next Insurance quote: $25/month GL + $35/month E&O = $60/month total ($720/year)
The Hartford quote: $55/month GL + $80/month E&O = $135/month total ($1,620/year)

Winner: Next Insurance saves Sarah $900/year (56% cheaper)

Why Next wins: For sole proprietors with straightforward risks, Next's digital-first approach and lower overhead translates to massive savings. Sarah gets instant coverage, manages everything via mobile app, and can easily generate COIs for clients.

Scenario 2: Small Consulting Firm

Tech Advisory Partners (3 consultants, $450K revenue)

Next Insurance quote: $40/month GL + $55/month E&O = $95/month ($1,140/year)
The Hartford quote: $65/month GL + $95/month comprehensive E&O + HR resources = $160/month ($1,920/year)

Winner: Next Insurance saves $780/year BUT Hartford provides better value

Why Hartford wins despite higher cost: For consulting firms, E&O coverage quality matters more than price. Hartford's specialized professional liability includes higher limits, broader coverage definitions, and HR support hotline that Next doesn't offer. The extra $65/month is worth it for professional services.

Scenario 3: Retail Store with Employees

Boutique Clothing Store (owner + 4 employees, $320K revenue)

Next Insurance quote: $75/month BOP + $280/month workers comp = $355/month ($4,260/year)
The Hartford quote: $130/month comprehensive BOP + $340/month workers comp + EPLI = $470/month ($5,640/year)

Winner: Depends on your priorities

Next wins on price: Saves $1,380/year (24% cheaper)
Hartford wins on protection: Comprehensive BOP includes better property coverage, business interruption, and EPLI protects against employment claims. For a retail business with employees, the extra protection is worth considering.

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Average Cost Ranges: What to Expect

Small business insurance costs vary dramatically based on your industry, location, coverage limits, and claims history. According to the small business insurance cost guide, most small businesses can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,000 annually for general liability insurance alone.

Next Insurance Pricing

Next Insurance typically positions itself as the budget-friendly option for micro-businesses and sole proprietors. Their general liability policies often start around $200-$300 annually for low-risk businesses like consultants or photographers. Professional liability coverage through Next can range from $300-$800 per year for service-based businesses.

Typical Next Insurance pricing:

General Liability: $20-40/month ($240-480/year)
Professional Liability: $30-60/month ($360-720/year)
BOP: $40-100/month ($480-1,200/year)
Tools & Equipment: $15-30/month ($180-360/year)

The Hartford Pricing

The Hartford's pricing tends to run higher, particularly for their bundled Business Owners Policy (BOP) packages. Small businesses can expect to pay $500-$1,500 annually for basic general liability coverage, with BOPs typically starting around $1,000-$2,000 per year depending on the business type and coverage limits.

Typical Hartford pricing:

General Liability: $40-80/month ($480-960/year)
Professional Liability: $50-150/month ($600-1,800/year)
BOP: $60-200/month ($720-2,400/year)
Workers' Comp: Varies by state and industry

Price Difference: Next Insurance is 30-50% cheaper on average for basic coverage. However, The Hartford often provides higher limits and more comprehensive protection for the additional cost.

See how much you'd save with Next Insurance →

Understanding the Two Carriers

Before diving into pricing specifics, it's important to understand what sets these insurers apart.

The Hartford is the 13th-largest property and casualty insurance company in the United States, with a history dating back to 1810. This established carrier offers comprehensive coverage through a traditional agent network and serves businesses of all sizes [1].

Next Insurance, by contrast, is a digital-first insurtech company that launched in 2016. The company focuses exclusively on small businesses and sole proprietors, offering instant online quotes and policies without requiring agent interaction. This fundamental difference in business models directly impacts their pricing strategies.

Why Next Is Cheaper: Lower overhead (no agents), digital automation, and focus on straightforward risks allows Next to pass savings to customers. Hartford's higher prices reflect agent commissions, broader coverage options, and 200+ years of risk management expertise.

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Factors That Influence Your Premium

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

Both carriers evaluate similar risk factors, but they weight them differently [2].

Industry Classification

Your business type significantly impacts pricing with both carriers. Next Insurance specializes in specific industries like photography, consulting, cleaning services, and contractors. If your business falls within their target industries, you'll likely find competitive rates. The Hartford covers a broader range of businesses, including higher-risk operations that Next may not insure at all.

Industry Winner: Next Insurance excels for low-risk service businesses (consultants, designers, photographers). Hartford is better for higher-risk industries (restaurants, manufacturing, construction with specialized needs).

Coverage Limits

Both carriers offer various coverage limits, but their pricing structures differ. Next typically offers standardized packages ($1 million/$2 million aggregate is common), while The Hartford provides more customization options. Higher limits naturally increase premiums with both carriers, but The Hartford's incremental costs for increased coverage may be more competitive for businesses needing substantial protection.

Claims History

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

The Hartford, with its extensive claims data and actuarial resources, may price claims history more precisely. Next Insurance, being newer, may have less flexibility in pricing for businesses with complex claims histories [2].

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Business Owners Policy (BOP) Pricing Comparison

A business owner's policy is a special type of commercial insurance designed for small and medium-sized businesses. BOPs are cost-effective and convenient for business owners, as they provide comprehensive protection against common risks like property damage, lawsuits, and income loss due to unforeseen events. By bundling general liability insurance and property insurance into a single policy, BOPs typically offer a reduced premium.

Key Takeaway:

While Next Insurance is cheaper upfront, The Hartford's comprehensive coverage can actually save you money in the long run. Higher limits, broader definitions, and included risk management services can prevent claims that would cost far more than the premium difference.

For more details on what these policies cover, check out our [Business Owners Policy cost guide](https://insura.ai/articles/business-owners-policy-cost-guide) [[3]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_owner's_policy).

Next Insurance BOP Pricing

Next offers simplified BOP packages primarily for home-based and low-risk businesses. Their BOPs typically range from $500-$1,500 annually, making them attractive for startups and solopreneurs. However, their coverage options are more limited, and they may not accommodate businesses with significant property values or complex operations.

The Hartford BOP Pricing

The Hartford's BOP policies generally cost $1,000-$3,000+ annually but include more comprehensive coverage options. They can accommodate businesses with multiple locations, higher property values, and specialized equipment. While more expensive upfront, The Hartford's BOPs often provide better value for established businesses with substantial assets to protect.

Business Type	Next Insurance BOP	Hartford BOP	Winner
Consultant (home-based)	$500-800/year	$1,000-1,500/year	Next (40-47% cheaper)
Retail store (small)	$1,000-1,500/year	$1,500-2,500/year	Next (25-40% cheaper)
Restaurant	Limited availability	$2,000-4,000/year	Hartford (better coverage)
Contractor (general)	$800-1,200/year	$1,200-2,000/year	Next (33-40% cheaper)

BOP Winner: Next Insurance wins on price for most business types (25-47% cheaper). The Hartford wins on coverage breadth for high-risk or complex operations.

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Workers' Compensation Insurance Costs

If you have employees, workers' comp becomes a critical—and often expensive—coverage requirement.

Liability insurance premiums are typically linked to a business' sales and payroll estimates provided prior to policy inception.

Next Insurance Workers' Comp

Next Insurance offers workers' compensation in select states, with pricing that varies significantly by industry classification and state regulations. Their digital platform makes it easy to get instant quotes, and their pay-as-you-go options can help with cash flow management. Expect to pay anywhere from $0.75 to $2.74 per $100 of payroll, depending on your industry risk classification [2].

The Hartford Workers' Comp

The Hartford has extensive experience in workers' compensation and offers coverage in all states. Their pricing tends to be competitive for businesses with clean safety records and established operations. They also provide robust safety resources and claims management services that can help reduce long-term costs. Pricing typically ranges from $0.80 to $3.00+ per $100 of payroll, with higher rates for high-risk industries like construction or manufacturing.

Workers' Comp Winner: Pricing is comparable, but Next Insurance wins on payment flexibility with pay-as-you-go options. The Hartford wins on safety resources and multi-state coverage.

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Hidden Costs and Fees

When comparing pricing, look beyond the base premium to understand the total cost of coverage.

Next Insurance

One of Next's advantages is pricing transparency. Their online platform clearly displays all costs upfront, with no hidden agent commissions or broker fees. However, policy changes or endorsements may incur processing fees, and their customer service—while digital-first—may require additional charges for complex modifications.

Pros:

No agent commissions
Transparent pricing
No hidden fees
Free COI generation

Cons:

Policy change fees may apply
Limited customization

The Hartford

Working through The Hartford's agent network means you'll benefit from personalized service, but this comes at a cost. Agent commissions are built into your premium, typically adding 10-15% to the base rate. However, agents can often find discounts and bundle policies in ways that offset these costs. The Hartford also offers various discounts for safety programs, multiple policies, and claims-free history that can reduce your overall costs.

Pros:

Agent expertise included
Bundle discounts available
Safety program discounts
Claims-free discounts

Cons:

Agent commission built into premium (10-15% markup)
Higher base rates
May require annual audits

Hidden Cost Winner: Next Insurance has zero hidden fees and transparent pricing. Hartford's agent commissions are built into premiums but include personalized service.

Compare total costs →

Industry-Specific Pricing Insights

Different industries experience vastly different pricing with each carrier.

Low-Risk Service Businesses

For consultants, photographers, graphic designers, and similar low-risk professionals, Next Insurance often provides the most competitive pricing. Their streamlined underwriting for these industries can result in premiums 20-40% lower than The Hartford's comparable coverage.

Example: Freelance Consultant

Next Insurance GL + E&O: $50-80/month
The Hartford GL + E&O: $90-150/month
Savings with Next: $480-840/year (47-56% cheaper)

Winner for Service Businesses: Next Insurance dominates for low-risk service providers with massive savings.

Contractors and Construction

General contractors, electricians, and plumbers face higher premiums with both carriers due to industry risks. The Hartford's extensive experience in construction insurance often results in more competitive pricing for established contractors with good safety records. Next may offer lower entry-level pricing but with more limited coverage options.

Example: General Contractor

Next Insurance GL + Tools: $80-120/month
The Hartford BOP + GL: $120-200/month
The Hartford offers: Higher limits and builder's risk

Winner for Contractors: Next wins on price for small contractors. Hartford wins on comprehensive coverage for larger operations.

Retail and Restaurants

For businesses with physical locations and customer foot traffic, The Hartford typically provides better value through comprehensive BOP packages. Their property coverage, business interruption insurance, and liability protection are often more robust than Next's offerings, justifying the higher premium for these higher-risk operations.

Example: Small Retail Store

Next Insurance BOP: $80-120/month (limited)
The Hartford BOP: $125-200/month (comprehensive)
The Hartford offers: Better property coverage and business interruption

Winner for Retail/Restaurants: Next wins on price for basic retail. Hartford wins for comprehensive protection with property and specialized coverage.

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Payment Flexibility and Options

Next Insurance

Next offers flexible payment options including monthly installments with no interest charges—a significant advantage for cash-strapped startups. Their pay-as-you-go workers' compensation option links premiums directly to payroll, eliminating large upfront deposits and year-end audits.

Key Takeaway:

Payment flexibility matters for small businesses. Next Insurance's no-interest monthly payments and pay-as-you-go workers' comp can significantly improve cash flow compared to The Hartford's traditional payment structure with interest charges on installments.

**Payment options:** - Monthly (no interest) - Annual (slight discount) - Pay-as-you-go workers' comp

Winner: Next Insurance for payment flexibility

The Hartford

The Hartford typically requires larger upfront payments or charges interest on installment plans. However, they offer more sophisticated payment arrangements for larger businesses and can structure policies to align with business cash flow cycles. Their workers' compensation policies usually require deposits based on estimated annual payroll, with adjustments made during annual audits.

Payment options:

Monthly (may include interest)
Quarterly
Annual (discount available)
Custom payment plans

Payment Flexibility Winner: Next Insurance wins with no-interest monthly payments and pay-as-you-go workers' comp. Hartford charges interest on installments.

Compare payment options →

When Next Insurance Offers Better Value

Next Insurance typically provides superior value for:

Sole proprietors and micro-businesses with straightforward insurance needs
Home-based businesses without significant property to protect
Low-risk service providers (consultants, coaches, photographers, designers)
Tech-savvy entrepreneurs comfortable with digital-only service
Startups on tight budgets needing instant, affordable coverage
Businesses requiring instant COIs for client requirements
Those preferring monthly payments without interest charges
Freelancers and gig workers needing flexible coverage

Get Next Insurance quotes →

When The Hartford Offers Better Value

The Hartford provides better value for:

Established businesses with 10+ employees
Companies needing high coverage limits ($2M+ aggregate)
Businesses with multiple locations or complex operations
High-value property owners needing comprehensive property coverage
Professional services firms requiring specialized E&O coverage
Businesses with significant assets to protect
Companies preferring agent guidance and personalized service
Operations in high-risk industries needing specialized coverage
Restaurants with liquor liability needs
Companies wanting risk management support and safety resources

Get Hartford quotes →

Bottom Line: Which Offers Better Value?

After analyzing pricing across industries, coverage types, and business scenarios, here's the definitive value breakdown:

Choose Next Insurance if:

Budget is your number one priority - Save 30-50% on most coverage types
You're a sole proprietor or micro-business - Next is built for you
Instant coverage matters - Get covered in minutes, not days
You prefer digital-first - Best mobile app and online experience
Straightforward risks - Low-risk service businesses, consultants, freelancers
Monthly payment flexibility - No interest charges
You need quick COIs - Generate instantly for clients

Bottom line for Next: Unbeatable value for price-conscious small businesses with standard risks. You'll save hundreds to thousands per year compared to traditional carriers.

Choose The Hartford if:

You need high limits - Better options for $2M+ aggregate coverage
You have employees - Superior EPLI, workers comp, and HR resources
Complex or specialized risks - 200+ years experience with every business type
You want agent support - Personalized guidance through complex decisions
Comprehensive protection - Price is secondary to complete coverage
Property-intensive business - Better BOP coverage for retail/restaurants
Professional services - Specialized E&O for consultants, IT, accountants

Bottom line for Hartford: Best value when coverage breadth and expertise matter more than price. Worth the premium for complex businesses needing comprehensive protection.

Quick Decision Framework:

Choose Next Insurance if you answer YES to most:

Sole proprietor or fewer than 5 employees?
Annual revenue under $500K?
Low-risk service business (consultant, designer, photographer)?
Budget is tight and you need to save money?
Comfortable managing insurance digitally?

Choose The Hartford if you answer YES to most:

5+ employees?
Annual revenue over $500K?
Professional services requiring specialized E&O?
Physical location with significant property value?
Prefer working with an agent for guidance?

Still not sure? Get quotes from both and compare side-by-side.

Get instant quotes from Next Insurance and The Hartford →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Next Insurance really cheaper than The Hartford?

Yes, Next Insurance is typically 30-50% cheaper for basic general liability and professional liability coverage. A sole proprietor might pay $20-40/month with Next vs $40-80/month with The Hartford for similar coverage limits. However, The Hartford often provides higher limits and more comprehensive coverage options.

Which carrier offers better discounts?

The Hartford offers more discount opportunities including multi-policy discounts, claims-free discounts, and safety program discounts. Next Insurance has simpler pricing with fewer discount options but lower base rates that often beat Hartford's discounted prices for small businesses.

Can I switch from The Hartford to Next Insurance to save money?

Yes, you can switch carriers at renewal. Many sole proprietors and small businesses save 30-50% by switching to Next Insurance. However, ensure Next offers the coverage limits and types you need before switching. Professional services firms should carefully compare E&O coverage quality, not just price.

Does Next Insurance offer payment plans?

Yes, Next Insurance offers monthly payment plans with no interest charges—a major advantage over The Hartford, which may charge interest on installment payments. Next also offers pay-as-you-go workers' comp in select states.

Which is cheaper for workers' compensation?

Pricing is comparable for workers' comp. Next Insurance offers pay-as-you-go options that can improve cash flow, while The Hartford provides more comprehensive safety resources. The better choice depends on your state, industry, and preference for payment flexibility vs risk management support.

Are there any hidden fees with Next Insurance?

Next Insurance is transparent about pricing with no agent commissions or broker fees. However, policy changes or endorsements may incur processing fees. The Hartford's agent commissions are built into premiums (typically 10-15% higher) but include personalized service.

How much can I realistically save with Next Insurance?

For sole proprietors and small service businesses, savings typically range from $500-$1,500 per year (30-50% cheaper than Hartford). Contractors might save $600-$1,000 annually. Retail businesses with property coverage might see smaller savings of $300-$800 per year, depending on coverage needs.

Get Your Best Quote Today

The best way to determine which carrier offers better value for your specific business is to compare personalized quotes side-by-side.

Compare Next Insurance vs The Hartford pricing now →

Get instant quotes, compare coverage options, and choose the insurance that fits your budget and protection needs.

Next Insurance vs The Hartford: Which Is Cheaper? (2026 Pricing)

Which is cheaper: Next Insurance or The Hartford?

Why This Pricing Comparison Matters

Table of Contents

Next Insurance vs The Hartford: Side-by-Side Comparison

Real Business Scenarios

Scenario 1: Freelance Graphic Designer

Scenario 2: Small Consulting Firm

Scenario 3: Retail Store with Employees

Average Cost Ranges: What to Expect

Next Insurance Pricing

The Hartford Pricing

Understanding the Two Carriers

Factors That Influence Your Premium

Industry Classification

Coverage Limits

Claims History

Business Owners Policy (BOP) Pricing Comparison

Next Insurance BOP Pricing

The Hartford BOP Pricing

Workers' Compensation Insurance Costs

Next Insurance Workers' Comp

The Hartford Workers' Comp

Hidden Costs and Fees

Next Insurance

The Hartford

Industry-Specific Pricing Insights

Low-Risk Service Businesses

Contractors and Construction

Retail and Restaurants

Payment Flexibility and Options

Next Insurance

The Hartford

When Next Insurance Offers Better Value

When The Hartford Offers Better Value

Bottom Line: Which Offers Better Value?

Choose Next Insurance if:

Choose The Hartford if:

Quick Decision Framework:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Next Insurance really cheaper than The Hartford?

Which carrier offers better discounts?

Can I switch from The Hartford to Next Insurance to save money?

Does Next Insurance offer payment plans?

Which is cheaper for workers' compensation?

Are there any hidden fees with Next Insurance?

How much can I realistically save with Next Insurance?

Get Your Best Quote Today

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