Hiscox vs Next Insurance vs Simply Business: Best Handyman & Contractor Insurance
You’ve worked hard to go independent, whether you're a handyman, general contractor, electrician, painter, or HVAC pro. One dropped tool, spilled paint can, or miswired outlet can lead to a costly lawsuit that threatens everything. Getting the right insurance is not just about protection; it's about proving to clients you're a serious professional. This guide cuts through the marketing talk to help you quickly find the insurance that fits your home services business and budget, without overpaying for coverage you don't need.
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The quick answer for Home Services & Handyman
Next Insurance is the fastest choice for general handymen, painters, and other straightforward home services trades. You can often get a certificate of insurance (COI) in under 10 minutes, which is key for getting started on new jobs. Hiscox is better for general contractors, remodelers, or HVAC/electricians needing professional liability (E&O) coverage alongside general liability, especially for larger projects involving design or project management. Simply Business is a broker comparison tool, not a direct insurer. Use it when you need to compare rates from multiple carriers for complex needs like commercial auto for your work van, or when you’re not sure exactly what types of coverage you need for your growing business.
Side-by-side breakdown for Home Services Pros
Next Insurance: This company is online-only. You get instant quotes and can manage your policy from your phone. General Liability (GL) for low-risk trades like basic handyman work or painting often starts around $25-$35/month. You won't deal with phone sales, and you can download your Certificate of Insurance immediately. Best for: Handymen, solo painters, cleaners, pressure washers, and anyone needing quick, basic GL coverage to get on a job site fast.
Hiscox: A specialist in small business insurance, Hiscox offers strong professional liability (E&O) products that pair well with general liability. This is crucial for general contractors or remodelers whose advice on project timelines, materials, or design could lead to a client's financial loss. They offer monthly payment options and cover a wide range of professions. Their quote process might be slightly slower. Best for: General contractors, remodelers, HVAC/electricians doing design-build work, or any service where your professional advice can be disputed.
Simply Business: This is a broker marketplace, not an insurance company itself. It gets you quotes from several carriers, including well-known names like Markel and Travelers. This is useful for comparing pricing for broader needs beyond just GL. Best for: Tradespeople who need commercial auto insurance for their work truck or van, workers' compensation for employees, coverage for expensive tools and equipment, or anyone running a larger operation with diverse insurance needs.
When to choose Next Insurance for your Home Services Business
Choose Next when you need coverage fast to land a new gig, you primarily do hands-on work like repairs, painting, or minor installations, and you want to manage everything online without talking to an agent. Next is especially strong if you frequently need to add 'additional insureds' to your policy. Many property managers, general contractors, or homeowners will require you to list them as an additional insured before you can start work – Next's app makes generating and sending these certificates painless, often in minutes. This is perfect for the independent tradesperson needing to prove they're covered before the hammer even swings.
When to choose Hiscox for Contractors and Remodelers
Choose Hiscox when your work involves more than just physical labor. If you’re a general contractor giving advice on a remodel, an HVAC tech designing a new system, or an electrician consulting on a complex wiring project, your professional judgment is key. A standard General Liability policy covers you if you accidentally cause property damage (like dropping a tool and cracking a tile) or bodily injury (a client tripping over your ladder). It does NOT cover you if a client claims your advice or plans led to financial loss (e.g., your remodel timeline delay cost them rental income, or your electrical design caused system downtime). Hiscox cleanly bundles General Liability with Errors & Omissions (Professional Liability) coverage, which most online-only competitors don't.
When to use Simply Business for Comprehensive Coverage
Use Simply Business when your insurance needs go beyond basic General Liability. This is ideal if you’re unsure what types of coverage you need, or if your business is growing and has multiple complexities. For example, if you need commercial auto insurance for your work truck (especially if it carries expensive tools like generators or welders), workers’ compensation for employees, or specific coverage for your valuable tools and equipment against theft or damage (often called Inland Marine coverage). Simply Business lets you compare quotes from several carriers side-by-side, ensuring you get the best rates for a full package of protection rather than being locked into one company's offerings.
The verdict for Home Services & Handyman Pros
For handymen, painters, and general repair services needing quick, straightforward general liability to start new jobs, begin with Next Insurance. For general contractors, remodelers, or specialty trades like HVAC/electricians doing design work and needing professional liability to cover advice, start with Hiscox. If you have a work vehicle, employees, expensive tools, or just want to compare multiple carriers for the best rates, run Simply Business first. Operating without liability coverage is the fastest way to lose everything you’ve built from a single job site accident, such as a water pipe burst, a fall from a ladder, or damaged client property.
How to get started with your Handyman Insurance
1. Identify your primary coverage needs: Do you just need general liability for basic protection against property damage or injury, or do you also need professional liability for design work or project advice? Consider if you need commercial auto or tools & equipment coverage. 2. Get a quote from your leading candidate (Next for simple GL, Hiscox for GL + E&O). 3. If the quote feels high, the coverage seems thin, or you need more specialized insurance, run Simply Business to compare multiple options. 4. Purchase your policy BEFORE you start your first paying customer's job. Many clients won't even let you on site without proof. 5. Download your Certificate of Insurance (COI) and save it somewhere you can find it in 30 seconds – you’ll need to show it often.
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Next Insurance
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Hiscox
Best for professional services and E&O coverage
Simply Business
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need business insurance if I am an LLC?
Yes. An LLC protects your personal assets from business debts, but it does not protect you from liability claims arising from your work. If a client sues you, the LLC limits personal exposure but the business itself still needs insurance to cover legal costs and settlements.
What is the difference between general liability and professional liability?
General liability covers bodily injury and property damage — someone trips and falls at your event, for example. Professional liability (E&O) covers claims that your work, advice, or service caused financial harm to a client. Most service businesses need both.
How much does small business insurance cost?
General liability for a low-risk service business typically starts at $25-50/month. Professional liability adds $30-80/month depending on your profession and revenue. Bundled policies (BOP) can be more cost-effective for businesses with physical locations.
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