Hiscox vs Simply Business: which is better for a new business? (2026)
5.8/10
Hiscox
From $23/mo
Choose Hiscox if: Consultants and professionals needing professional liability coverage
Skip it if: You're in Alaska, want a mobile app, or need workers' comp from the same insurer.
Visit Hiscox6.7/10
Simply Business
From $21/mo
Choose Simply Business if: Solo owners comparing basic liability quotes online
Skip it if: You need Spanish help, commercial auto, cyber coverage, or a mobile app.
Visit Simply BusinessQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | Simply Business (5.8 vs 6.7) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Simply Business (From $23/mo vs From $21/mo) |
| Better public ratings | Simply Business (1.4 vs 4.2 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Hiscox (Spanish support vs English only) |
Side by side
| Best for | Consultants and professionals needing professional liability coverage | Solo owners comparing basic liability quotes online |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You're in Alaska, want a mobile app, or need workers' comp from the same insurer. | You need Spanish help, commercial auto, cyber coverage, or a mobile app. |
| Free plan or trial | No | No |
| Spanish | Spanish support | English only |
| Support | Phone M-F 7am-10pm ET, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm ET | Phone and email; sales M-F 8am-8pm ET, service M-F 9am-6pm ET |
| Mobile app | No | No |
| Public rating | 1.4/5 (Trustpilot, 958) | 4.2/5 (Trustpilot, 1,883) |
| Type | Direct insurer | Online agency comparing several carriers |
| Published prices | GL from $30/mo | GL from $20.75/mo |
| Coverages | general liability, professional/E&O, BOP, cyber, workers' comp (via The Hartford), commercial auto, property, umbrella, inland marine | general liability, professional/E&O, workers' comp (incl. sole proprietors), BOP, tools/equipment (inland marine), business personal property |
| Instant certificate | Yes, online with email and policy number | Yes, most in minutes online, 24/7 |
| Monthly payments | Yes, no extra fee (PL: 2 months down) | Monthly or yearly for select coverages and insurers |
| Cancel anytime | By phone; refund terms not published | By phone (policyholder only); refund terms not published |
| States | 49 states + DC; not Alaska | All 50 states + DC |
| Insurer and rating | Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., AM Best A (Excellent) | 18 carriers incl. Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Hiscox, CNA, Markel, Arch, biBERK |
| Time to quote | Fast online quote; same-day coverage | Under 10 minutes online |
| Who it's for | Consultants, IT, marketing, architects, beauty, fitness, real estate, contractors | 400+ types: construction, cleaning, professional services, retail, e-commerce, food |
| Claims | Online form, phone (7 days a week), or mail | File with your carrier; many accept claims online 24/7 |
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Hiscox
- Professional liability from $22.50/mo and general liability from $30/mo.
- Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best.
- Phone agents 7 days: weekdays 7am–10pm ET, weekends 8am–5pm ET.
- Licensed Spanish-speaking agents by phone; instant certificates of insurance online.
- Not sold in Alaska; the online quote form is English-only.
- Trustpilot score is 1.4/5 across 958 reviews.
- Workers' comp comes from The Hartford; cancelling requires a phone call.
Simply Business
- Compares 18 carriers, including Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Hiscox, and CNA.
- Low-end prices published: general liability $20.75/mo, BOP $33.75/mo.
- Online quote in under 10 minutes; certificates downloadable 24/7.
- Covers 400+ business types; offers workers' comp for sole proprietors.
- No Spanish-language website or support found.
- No commercial auto or cyber insurance listed among its products.
- Cancelling requires a phone call; service line weekdays 9am–6pm ET.
Also worth a look
Questions
Is Hiscox or Simply Business cheaper?
Simply Business starts lower: From $23/mo for Hiscox vs From $21/mo for Simply Business. Compare the plan you'd actually use, including add-ons.
Which has better reviews?
Simply Business, with 4.2/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
Hiscox: Spanish support. Simply Business: English only.
Can I switch from one to the other later?
Yes, though switching mid-year takes some setup. Export your records before you cancel, and check for annual contracts or cancellation notice periods.
Facts from each company's own pages and public rating sites, checked Oct 4, 2026. How we rate.