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

Quick Decision Guide

Choose Next Insurance if:

You need instant coverage (same-day)
You're a sole proprietor or small team (under 10 people)
Budget is a top priority (40-50% cheaper)
You prefer 100% online experience

Choose The Hartford if:

You have 10+ employees or multiple locations
You need high coverage limits ($2M+)
You prefer working with an agent
Your business has complex risk exposures

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Which Is Cheaper: Next Insurance or The Hartford?
Quick Comparison Table
Company Background
Coverage Options
Industry-Specific Recommendations
Pricing Breakdown
Customer Experience
Claims Handling
Speed to Coverage
Final Verdict
FAQ

Which Is Cheaper: Next Insurance or The Hartford?

Next Insurance is 40-50% cheaper for most small businesses and sole proprietors:

Coverage Type	Next Insurance	The Hartford
General Liability	$20-40/month	$40-80/month
Business Owners Policy (BOP)	$40-80/month	$60-150/month
Professional Liability (E&O)	$30-60/month	$50-150/month

Winner for price: Next Insurance
Winner for comprehensive coverage: The Hartford

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Quick Comparison: Next Insurance vs The Hartford

Feature	Next Insurance	The Hartford
Best for	Sole proprietors, tech-savvy small businesses	Established businesses, complex coverage needs
GL Pricing	$20-40/month	$40-80/month
Speed to coverage	Same-day, often instant	1-3 business days
Coverage breadth	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
Industry focus	Contractors, creatives, fitness, cleaning	All industries, especially professional services
Founded	2016 (digital-first startup)	1810 (214 years of experience)
Financial strength	Backed by Munich Re (A+ rated)	A+ (A.M. Best)
Customer service	Chat, email, limited phone	24/7 phone support with agents

Important: Pricing varies based on your business type, location, revenue, and coverage needs. Compare quotes from both carriers now →

Company Background: Digital Startup vs 200-Year Legacy

The Hartford stands as one of America's oldest and most established insurance companies. The Hartford was founded in 1810 in Hartford, Connecticut. A group of local merchants gathered in a Hartford inn and, with working capital of $15,000, founded the Hartford Fire Insurance Company. With over two centuries of experience, The Hartford is the 13th-largest property and casualty insurance company in the United States [2].

Next Insurance, by contrast, represents the new generation of digital-first insurance providers. Founded in 2016, Next Insurance has built its business model around providing fast, affordable coverage specifically tailored to small businesses through an entirely online platform. The company focuses on serving sole proprietors, freelancers, and small businesses with straightforward insurance needs.

If you're comparing multiple carriers, also check out our Progressive vs The Hartford comparison or Next Insurance vs Progressive reviews.

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Coverage Options: What Each Carrier Offers

Business Owners Policy (BOP)

A BOP is the most commonly purchased policy by small businesses and includes general liability, commercial property/business property coverage, and business interruption insurance. Both Next Insurance and The Hartford offer BOPs, though The Hartford typically provides more customization options for businesses with complex needs [3].

A business owner's policy - sometimes called a BOP - is a "package" product that typically includes property, business interruption/continuation and liability insurance. For many small businesses, purchasing a BOP can be a less costly option than buying individual policies [1].

General Liability Insurance

General liability coverage protects businesses from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury. Both carriers offer this fundamental coverage, which is often required by clients and landlords.

Next Insurance has built a reputation for making general liability policies particularly accessible to micro-businesses and freelancers, while The Hartford serves businesses of all sizes with more comprehensive liability limits available.

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Professional Liability Insurance

For service-based businesses, professional liability insurance (also called errors and omissions insurance) is essential. Professional liability or errors and omissions insurance, coverage for wrongful practices by professional service providers (e.g., healthcare providers, lawyers and consultants) protects against claims of negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver services as promised [1].

Next Insurance offers professional liability coverage for numerous industries through its online platform, making it easy for consultants, IT professionals, and other service providers to obtain quotes and purchase coverage within minutes.

The Hartford also provides professional liability coverage but typically through its agent network, which can mean more personalized service but potentially longer processing times.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Nearly all U.S. states require employers to purchase a workers' compensation insurance policy to cover employees. This coverage is crucial for businesses with employees, as workers' comp insurance protects both the business and workers in case of job-related injuries or illnesses [1].

The Hartford has extensive experience in workers' compensation and offers coverage in all states where it's required. The company provides risk management resources and safety programs to help businesses reduce workplace injuries.

Next Insurance also offers workers' compensation in many states, though availability varies by location and industry.

Cyber Insurance for Modern Businesses

In today's digital economy, cyber insurance has become increasingly important for businesses of all sizes. Cyber liability insurance that covers web-based businesses for damages caused by computer hackers and viruses protects against data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber threats [1].

The Hartford offers comprehensive cyber liability coverage with options for data breach response services, business interruption coverage, and cyber extortion protection.

Next Insurance has also expanded into cyber coverage, recognizing that even small businesses face significant cyber risks.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)

Claims of sexual harassment, wrongful termination of employees, failure to employ or promote, or race and gender lawsuits. These and other employee-related claims must be covered by employment practices liability coverage. Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) protects businesses from employee lawsuits [1].

The Hartford has long offered EPLI coverage as part of its comprehensive business insurance portfolio, with options for defense costs and settlement coverage.

Next Insurance has also begun offering EPLI coverage to meet the needs of growing small businesses.

Industry-Specific Recommendations

Which Is Better for Contractors?

Construction and trades businesses need GL, tools & equipment coverage, and often commercial auto.

Factor	Next Insurance	The Hartford
GL Pricing	$25-50/month typical	40-60% more expensive
Coverage Limits	$1M typical max	$2M+ available
Speed	Same-day coverage	1-3 business days
Tools & Equipment	Instant quotes available	Comprehensive coverage
Builder's Risk	Not available	Available
COI Generation	Instant via mobile app	Through agent

Verdict: Next Insurance wins for solo contractors and small crews on a budget. The Hartford wins for established contractors needing builder's risk and high limits. Learn more about contractors insurance.

Which Is Better for Consultants & IT Professionals?

Professional service businesses need E&O, cyber liability, and general liability.

Factor	Next Insurance	The Hartford
E&O Pricing	$30-60/month typical	Significantly higher cost
E&O Limits	$1M typical	$2M-$5M available
Speed to Coverage	Instant online quotes	1-3 business days
Cyber Liability	Add-on available	Comprehensive bundles
EPLI	No bundling	Available for employees
Industry Endorsements	Simple policies	Industry-specific options

Verdict: Next Insurance for budget-conscious solo consultants. The Hartford for established consulting firms with employees and high-value contracts. See our professional liability guide.

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Which Is Better for Photographers & Creatives?

Creative professionals need equipment coverage, GL, and professional liability.

Next Insurance for photographers:

Photography-specific policies starting at $15/month
Equipment coverage included
Instant COIs for venues/clients
Per-event coverage available
Mobile app for policy management

The Hartford for photographers:

Higher equipment limits ($50K+)
Comprehensive business interruption
Broader professional liability
Multi-location coverage

Verdict: Next Insurance is the clear winner for most photographers and creatives. Fast, affordable, and built for the gig economy.

Which Is Better for Fitness Trainers?

Personal trainers and fitness professionals need GL with assault & battery coverage.

Next Insurance for fitness:

Fitness-specific policies from $18/month
Assault & battery coverage included
Instant quotes, same-day coverage
Mobile app for multiple gym locations

The Hartford for fitness:

Higher limits ($2M/$4M aggregate available)
EPLI if you have employees
Property coverage for owned studios
Workers' comp expertise

Verdict: Next Insurance wins for solo trainers and small studios. The Hartford wins for multi-location fitness businesses with employees.

Which Is Better for Cleaning Services?

Cleaning businesses need GL, workers' comp (if employees), and bonding.

Next Insurance for cleaning:

Cleaning-specific GL from $22/month
Instant bonding certificates
Workers' comp in most states
Fast COI generation

The Hartford for cleaning:

Comprehensive janitorial bonds
Workers' comp with safety programs
Higher GL limits for commercial contracts
EPLI for employee-related claims

Verdict: Next Insurance for residential cleaning services. The Hartford for commercial janitorial with employees and large contracts.

Pricing Breakdown: Actual Cost Comparison

Cost is often the deciding factor for small-business owners choosing insurance coverage. The pricing structures of Next Insurance and The Hartford reflect their different business models and target markets.

Next Insurance Pricing

Next Insurance has built its reputation on affordability and transparency. The company's digital-first approach eliminates many traditional overhead costs, allowing it to offer competitive rates particularly for micro-businesses and sole proprietors.

Typical pricing:

General Liability: $20-$40/month
Professional Liability: $30-$60/month
BOP: $40-$100/month
Workers Comp: Varies by state and industry
Tools & Equipment: $15-$30/month

The online platform provides instant quotes without requiring lengthy applications or agent consultations.

The Hartford Pricing

The Hartford's pricing tends to be higher, reflecting its broader coverage options, established claims infrastructure, and agent-based distribution model. However, the company often provides better value for businesses with more complex needs or those requiring higher coverage limits.

Typical pricing:

General Liability: $40-$80/month
Professional Liability: $50-$150/month
BOP: $60-$200/month
Workers Comp: Varies by state and industry

It sells products primarily through a network of agents and brokers, and has also been the auto and home insurance writer for AARP members for more than 25 years [2].

Pro Tip: Don't just compare premiums. Evaluate coverage limits, deductibles, and policy exclusions. While Next Insurance may offer lower upfront costs, The Hartford's policies may include additional coverages or higher limits that provide better overall protection.

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Customer Experience: Digital vs Traditional

The customer experience differs dramatically between these two carriers, reflecting their different approaches to serving small businesses.

Next Insurance: Digital-First Experience

Next Insurance has designed its entire platform around speed and simplicity. Business owners can:

Obtain quotes in minutes (no agent required)
Purchase policies 100% online
Manage coverage via mobile app
Generate certificates of insurance instantly
File claims digitally with photo uploads
Track claim status in real-time

The application process typically takes just minutes, with no need for phone calls or in-person meetings. Policy documents are delivered electronically, and certificates of insurance can be generated instantly—a significant advantage when clients or vendors require proof of coverage quickly.

The company's digital approach also extends to claims filing, which can be initiated through the mobile app with photo uploads and real-time status updates. This streamlined process appeals particularly to younger entrepreneurs and tech-savvy business owners who prefer self-service options.

The Hartford: Traditional Agent-Based Service

The Hartford maintains a more traditional approach, with most policies sold through independent insurance agents and brokers. This model provides:

Personalized service and expert guidance
Help navigating complex coverage decisions
Support for unique risk exposures
24/7 phone support
Dedicated claims adjusters
Risk management resources

The company has invested in digital capabilities in recent years, offering online account management and mobile apps for policyholders. However, the initial purchase process typically still involves working with an agent, which some business owners appreciate for the personalized advice but others may find less convenient than Next Insurance's instant online process.

Claims Handling and Financial Strength

When insurance is needed most—during a claim—the carrier's financial stability and claims-handling reputation become paramount.

Next Insurance Claims Process

Next Insurance offers a streamlined digital claims experience:

File claims via mobile app or website
Upload photos and documentation digitally
Track claim status in real-time
Fast claim resolution for straightforward cases
Direct deposit for claim payments

The company backs its policies with reinsurance from Munich Re (rated A+ by A.M. Best), one of the world's largest and most financially stable reinsurers.

The Hartford Claims Process

The Hartford brings over 200 years of claims experience:

24/7 claims reporting by phone or online
Dedicated claims adjusters
Extensive network of repair and restoration partners
Business interruption support
Risk management and loss prevention services
Financial strength: A+ rating from A.M. Best

The company's claims reputation is built on its financial stability and experienced adjusters who understand business insurance needs.

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Speed to Coverage: How Fast Can You Get Insured?

Next Insurance: Same-day coverage, often instant. You can get a quote, purchase a policy, and have your COI in as little as 10 minutes.

The Hartford: 1-3 business days typically, depending on underwriting requirements and complexity of your business.

Winner: Next Insurance by a landslide for businesses needing immediate coverage.

Who Should Choose Next Insurance?

Next Insurance is ideal for:

Sole proprietors and freelancers who need affordable, straightforward coverage
Tech-savvy entrepreneurs who prefer self-service digital platforms
Small businesses with simple insurance needs
Startups looking for instant coverage to meet client requirements
Budget-conscious business owners prioritizing low costs

Industries that work well with Next Insurance:

Contractors and tradespeople
Consultants and coaches
Photographers and videographers
Fitness instructors and personal trainers
Cleaning services
Event planners

Who Should Choose The Hartford?

The Hartford is better suited for:

Established businesses with complex coverage needs
Companies requiring high coverage limits ($2M+)
Businesses preferring agent guidance and personalized service
Multi-location businesses needing coordinated coverage
Professional services firms requiring specialized E&O coverage
Businesses with employees needing comprehensive workers comp and EPLI

Industries that work well with The Hartford:

Professional services (lawyers, accountants, consultants)
Healthcare providers
Technology companies
Manufacturing
Retail operations
Hospitality

Not sure which is right for you? Get quotes from both and compare →

Final Verdict: Next Insurance vs The Hartford

Both Next Insurance and The Hartford serve small businesses effectively, but they excel in different areas:

Choose Next Insurance if you want:

Speed: Instant online quotes and same-day coverage
Affordability: 40-50% lower premiums for basic coverage
Digital convenience: 100% online experience
Simplicity: Straightforward policies without complexity

Choose The Hartford if you need:

Experience: 200+ years of insurance expertise
Comprehensive coverage: Higher limits and more options
Personal service: Agent guidance and 24/7 support
Proven reliability: Established claims infrastructure

The best choice depends on your specific business needs, budget, and preferences. Many small business owners find value in getting quotes from both carriers to compare coverage and pricing directly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Next Insurance cheaper than The Hartford?

Yes, Next Insurance is typically 40-50% cheaper due to its digital-first model and focus on small businesses. Next GL averages $20-40/month vs Hartford's $40-80/month.

Can I get instant coverage from The Hartford?

No, The Hartford typically requires 1-3 business days for policy approval. Next Insurance offers same-day and often instant coverage through its online platform.

Which has better customer service?

The Hartford offers 24/7 phone support with dedicated agents and claims adjusters. Next Insurance focuses on digital customer service through chat, email, and self-service tools. The "better" option depends on your preference for human interaction vs digital convenience.

Does Next Insurance work in all states?

Next Insurance operates in all 50 states, though specific coverage types may vary by location. The Hartford also operates nationwide with a broader network of agents.

Which carrier has better claims handling?

Both carriers receive positive claims reviews. The Hartford brings extensive experience and dedicated adjusters. Next Insurance offers faster, streamlined digital claims for straightforward cases. Complex claims may benefit from The Hartford's traditional approach.

What if my business grows and I need more coverage?

Next Insurance can increase limits up to $1M-$2M, but businesses needing higher limits or more complex coverage should consider transitioning to The Hartford or another traditional carrier.

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References

[1] National Association of Insurance Commissioners - Small Business Insurance Guide
[2] Wikipedia - The Hartford
[3] NAIC - Business Owners Policies (BOP)