Where can you find the best business insurance online? Entrepreneurs have a lot of things to consider when starting a company - what kind of business they'd like to be in, where they will house their offices, how they'll advertise, whether they should incorporate, and if they will want to have employees or do things on their own. One thing is clear though: small business owners realize that typically they'll need help to protect what they've built, which is where business insurance comes in.
Best Option
Boasting "quick-thinking insurance for fast-moving businessness," Thimble says they make insurance possible for all sizes of business to get insured. For a decade, they have provided a full range of coverage options for thousands of activities.
Reinventing insurance for small businesses
By allowing all sorts of small businesses to obtain coverage as needed, Thimble claims to have reinvented and disrupted outdated industry processes, modernizing small business insurance. They've covered more than 151,000 small businesses, with three-quarters of policies to first-time business insurance buyers.
Pet sitters, boxing coaches, and public speakers welcome here
Listing over a thousand possible jobs, Thimble covers entrepreneurs in a variety of fields. Handyman and trade contractors, sports and fitness, outdoor guides, hair and beauty, event professionals, photo and video, retail and wholesale, landscaping, professional services, cleaning services, restaurants, crafters and makers, offices, and pet services are listed as categories, though they also permit you to do an online check to see if they cover your business if it's not listed among the ones shown on their website. If they don't offer coverage for your business, they may offer a referral to a company that does.
Types of coverage
Thimble offers the most popular types of insurance to choose from: general liability, professional liability, business equipment protection, business owners policy (combining general liability with commercial property insurance), commercial property insurance, workers' compensation, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, cyber insurance, commercial auto insurance, and event insurance. Their website explains in detail about each type, so you can see exactly what the difference is between them and choose the right one for your situation. The easy application directs you through the options, beginning with the basic coverage: business insurance or special event insurance for the host of a large event such as a wedding or a concert. For example, if you don't own property, you won't need commercial property insurance and the application will automatically exclude that as you answer prompts, providing a smooth experience where you're not sold offered coverages you don't need. We like that they make it easy to just get the ones that apply to your business.
Speedy coverage in custom policy lengths
With their newer way of providing insurance on demand, Thimble offers custom quotes and proof of coverage within minutes. Their method is to ask fewer questions and offer more options for companies in need of a policy. Insurance can be obtained online, in the app, or over the phone quickly and for any need. Instead of just requiring entrepreneurs to commit to a year's policy, Thimble gives a choice of coverage by the month or even per job. (What a unique way of offering coverage to meet the needs of specialty entrepreneurs. We wish more insurance companies would recognize the need for this.) They also make it easy to modify your insurance with them. Coverage may even be paused or canceled instantly as the situation demands.
App makes proof of insurance easy
Offering an app for their policyholders, Thimble's promise to put the business person in control places access to insurance at your fingertips. This gives instant access to a certificate of insurance when it's needed - as many times as needed - for no extra cost. Available for both Android and iOS, users are overwhelmingly pleased with the app's performance, giving it 4.8 out of 5 stars on both platforms. We love how easy they make this for their insureds.
Claims handled speedily
Should you need to file a claim, Thimble says it's pretty simple to start the process. The online form will lead you through, asking for a policy number, providing your information, and sharing a quick summary of the incident. They will take it from there.
Website bonus education
The helpful glossary of insurance terms on the Thimble website makes it easier to understand your policy or insurance in general. A blog of informative small-business focused articles is also offered on the Thimble website, including such useful ones as "What to consider when comparing business insurance quotes" and "Cybersecurity: A must-have for small business survival."
Reputation is solid
Thimble was named the best insurance for small businesses by Money and is the official insurance of Angi, an online contractor matching service. An accredited business by the BBB, Thimble Insurance has been rated "A+" with just one complaint in the past year. Across online review platforms, most people consider their experience at Thimble to be great, giving them 4.2 out of 5 stars on average. Positive reviewers rave about how easy it is to get covered, one even calling the application better than competition with pricing being "a major bonus." But, some recent complaints about hidden fees bring up a reason for concern: no fees are listed on the website before you apply, so you'll have to check your policy before accepting it to make sure you're comfortable with them. Other reviewers say the customer service was unhelpful for them, despite 1,900 5-star reviewers feeling differently.
Our recommended insurer for small businesses
Small business insurance offered by Thimble is designed to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs of all sorts. With customizable policy lengths, a variety of the most popular coverages, and a great reputation, Thimble is once again our top choice for online business insurance providers.
Great
For more than a century, Hiscox has been protecting businesses with their specialty insurance. The worldwide company boasts the theme "encourage courage," protecting businesses so they can do and be more.
Established insurance provider
More than 600,000 small businesses trust their coverage to Hiscox. Since 1901, their coverage has enabled entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, protected against the unexpected.
Many industries covered online plus more via phone
Hundreds of small professional service businesses are covered in twelve categories: architecture & engineering, beauty, commercial maintenance, consulting, fitness, health, home services, marketing, property, retail, therapy, and travel. Hiscox notes that if your occupation isn't listed, they still can help. The online form isn't designed for custom business options though, so you'll probably have to call them for a quote.
Helpful guiding questions, tailored policies
Don't be confused by the myriad of options for business insurance coverage at Hiscox - they offer a "find out in 20 seconds" option to help entrepreneurs determine what they need to protect their companies. Saying they have tailored policies to fit your company's situation, Hiscox offers the kinds of insurance businesses most need: general liability, professional liability (E&O), business owner's policy (general liability plus property coverage for physical assets), and cyber security. Businesses may also get workers' compensation, short-term liability, medical malpractice (E&O), commercial auto insurance, directors & officers insurance, umbrella insurance, and employment practices liability insurance, but these are provided through a partnership with CyberPolicy, The Hartford, Thimble, or NOW Insurance. If you want one of those policies, you'll be redirected when you click to get a quote. The fact that they don't offer these types of policies themselves isn't clear at first, leading to confusion and frustration when you're seeking a quote from them.
Quick quote process for some types of policies
Offering fast quotes leading to instant coverage, Hiscox knows that businesspeople don't want to spend a lot of time getting insured. Their online options for coverage are general liability, professional liability, cyber security, and business owner's policy. First, provide your ZIP code and then tell them the type of work you do, how the business is structured, and when you want coverage to start. Then you'll be offered "essential business protection" options: most likely general liability and cyber security. However, you're unable to bypass these options if you're looking for something else. Once we selected one of the choices presented, we were asked for personal contact information and our anticipated income for the next year, and then quoted a monthly and annual amount for coverage. Annoyingly, they continue to offer you cyber coverage if you don't take it right away. On the quote page, you're able to adjust the aggregate limit, occurrence limit, and deductible, add upgrades (such as terrorism and media liability), and see policy details. Depending on your type of insurance, you may be asked additional questions to try to determine needs you may have.
Guarantee and discount offered
Hiscox policies come with a 14-day guarantee, though no further details are listed. Policies can be canceled at any time. They say pricing for a general liability policy could be $30 per month, and bundling products will allow you to save up to 5%. We also appreciate the business-centered blog on their website which inspires and informs with topics such as understanding tariffs, registering a veteran-owned business, and mistakes to avoid to protect your business.
Straightforward claims process with a friendly promise
Claims on your policy can be filed online or made by phone or mail. Hiscox says their process is to acknowledge the claim, assign a representative, validate your coverage, and then make a decision. In their FAQs, they mention that they "dislike denying claims" and will give each decision a "full and fair review." Additionally, they note that you can provide information to help them see how they got it wrong and may re-examine their decisions. We like that they say they'll take another look at a claim in such a friendly manner.
Declining reputation concerns
An accredited business by the BBB, Hiscox has had less than 30 complaints in the past three years. Across online review platforms, their reviews are varied. The ratings average anywhere from a dismal 1.6 to an exceptional 4.8 across online review platforms from nearly 30,000 reviewers. Pleased customers mention knowledgeable representatives, reasonable prices, and the easy sign-up process. Negative reviewers complain the claims process wasn't easy and customer service was poor. Others say they were sold insurance online only to find out later their business was not covered. Customers who have been around for a while lament that the service "used to be great but they are now atrociously bad." While we're impressed with the sheer number of 5-star reviews (more than 20,000), we note that there have been recent issues worth keeping in mind when comparing policies.
Excellent choice for entrepreneurs
Long-established as a provider of insurance for small businesses, Hiscox has the offerings most companies desire. Though their slight decline in reputation over recent years keeps them from our top spot, Hiscox offers an excellent choice for purchasing small business insurance online.
Very Good
Helping over 25,000 small businesses, BizInsure provides multiple quotes for each client from well-respected insurers including Beazley, Clear Spring Insurance, CNA, The Hartford, and Hiscox (two of which appear separately on our list). Since their founding in 2012, their goal has been to be the primary one-stop shop for small businesses and independent professionals across the country.
A modern marketplace option for business insurance
Acting as a "virtual broker" using an automated, streamlined process, the BizInsure support team helps small business owners through all stages of the insurance process. By providing a convenient and modern way to purchase business insurance online, BizInsure helps online insurance shoppers compare with confidence.
Small business specialists with popular coverages
Serving nearly fifty industry categories ranging from accounts to consultants to videographers, BizInsure says they can help you find the right insurance solution for your company's needs. As a specialist broker, they are able to offer coverages such as general liability, professional liability (E&O), workers' compensation, and business owner's policies. Though premiums can vary, policies can be as low as $33 per month. The BizInsure website offers an online glossary for those wanting more information about insurance and understanding their policies.
Speedy coverage completed 100% online
Insurance can be obtained in just 10 minutes with instant coverage from one of the A-rated insurers offered through BizInsure. To get a quote, complete their online form or call to have a licensed agent walk you through the process with expert advice. The online form asks for your occupation and information about your business, including estimated annual revenue. Based on the chosen industry, the form will automatically select policy options, though they can be removed manually. Other options can be added to customize your quote. Next, there are several questions about your company which will relate to the types of coverage you seek. Once you submit, you will be offered quotes with the option for annual, quarterly, or monthly payments. Depending on the company providing the quote, you may be able to add it to your cart or be told to call the company to review the quote and activate the policy. The final step is to review your information and pay for the policy online (if offered). Their website notes that it's all online with no paperwork and that policies are emailed instantly.
Great reputation with entrepreneurs
As an accredited business by the BBB, BizInsure has a stellar "A+" rating with zero complaints in the past year and just a handful in the past three years. Across online platforms, the company has an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars from nearly 700 reviews. Pleased reviewers share experiences of their agents helping bridge the gap between the business and the insurance company, as well as offering professional and friendly service. They appreciate the streamlined approach to getting online quotes fast for the lowest cost. Negative comments complained about long wait times for customer service and difficulty getting a response via email.
Best third-party platform for business insurance referrals
BizInsure focuses on offering small businesses insurance through a marketplace of top insurers, and it does this well. For those wishing to check out multiple quotes in one place, they are the best option on our list.
Very Good
California-based NEXT Insurance merged with ERGO Group in 2025 to create ERGO NEXT Insurance, offering a digital-first approach to insurance coverage for small businesses. Licensed in 49 out of 50 United States, they do not have coverage available in New York but insure 31 million customers worldwide.
Values service and simplicity for their entrepreneurs
Insuring over 750,000 customers across the United States since their beginnings in 2016, ERGO NEXT Insurance is dedicated to making insurance simpler for small businesses with customized coverage at affordable prices. The company values phenomenal service with simple, elegant solutions to help customers succeed.
Speedy quotes with customizable coverage
Saying they can provide business insurance for over 1,300 types of businesses at prices as low as $19 per month, ERGO NEXT Insurance has a simple online quote process which only takes about 10 minutes to complete. Policies can be customized so business owners can choose their policy limits and deductibles for their budget. The entire process can be completed 100% online, which we find very helpful for busy entrepreneurs. First, choose from five industry categories: construction, food & beverage, retail & e-commerce, offices & professionals, and cleaning, with other industries as a sixth option. Select your main service and input your email address prior to continuing. Then you'll be asked for your desired coverages and be given an estimated time for completing each section. Following this is the application and a quote for coverage ranging from basic, premier, and deluxe options. Finally, you'll be directed to a checkout page to purchase the policy. We found the "learn more" section to be particularly helpful, with example scenarios covered by the insurance type selected.
Bundle discount and unique coverage options
ERGO NEXT Insurance has coverages for all small business needs: general liability, workers' compensation, business owner's policy, professional liability (E&O), commercial auto insurance, and employment practices liability. Additionally, there are three more that no others on our list offered as coverage options: tools & equipment, liquor liability, and LLC business insurance. If these are essential for your company, then you'll want to check them out. Emphasizing that just one kind of insurance won't protect a business from everything, they offer a bundling discount of up to 10% for purchasing two or more policies which can cover more risk. With their "instant quote," ERGO NEXT Insurance will walk you through the choices to help you decide what coverage you need.
Fast coverage plus unlimited coverage certificates
With coverage effective immediately or next day, ERGO NEXT Insurance offers access to sharing certificates of insurance at no extra cost. With a highly-rated app for Android and iOS devices, insureds have instant access to certificates of insurance, enabling them to add unlimited third parties to their certificates. Also, coverage can be updated and claims can be filed on the app.
Claims are easy on the app
Making it easy to file a claim, ERGO NEXT Insurance recommends using their app to provide relevant photos and documentation, though their website can also be used. Alternatively, you can call or log in to file the claim online. A dedicated US-based claims advocate will guide you through the process, with their goal of making claims decisions quickly to get businesses back to work. With over 100 agents available to assist, one out of every three claims is resolved within seven days. The claims philosophy of ERGO NEXT Insurance is to put customers first with a transparent process designed to support and reassure.
Cancel anytime and get a prorated refund
Canceling at any time is permitted. Should you do that, there's no penalty and they will refund the remainder of your payment, only charging you for the dates you were covered.
Pretty good reputation for a young company
NEXT Insurance Inc (their old name) is accredited by the BBB, though they've received a"B" rating due to over a hundred complaints in the past three years. On the other hand, customer reviews for ERGO NEXT Insurance across online review platforms are excellent. The company gets 4.26 to 4.5 stars out of 5 on the BBB reviews and Trustpilot from more than 2,300 reviews. Their website features customer testimonials too. Reviewers rave about the friendly agents, low customer service wait times, affordable premiums, and "covers exactly what I need." Also, they've received recognition for their award-winning small business insurance from multiple online sources including NerdWallet and Investopedia. Negative experiences, though occurring less often, complain about the service levels declining recently and not being able to reach agents by phone for assistance. The positives for this company seem to outweigh the negatives, though, and that small number of complaints on the BBB don't seem to justify the lower rating. We believe this company is worth checking out.
Excellent option for your business insurance
Providing three policy types not seen elsewhere on our list, this 10-year-old insurer supplies their customers with the best service and a speedy online coverage process. With 1,300 business types listed and the main coverages most businesses need, ERGO NEXT Insurance is a great choice to consider when shopping for your business insurance online.
Good
The Hartford has over 200 years in business, spending the last three decades devoted to helping small businesses, with 1.3 million small business customers insured. Having provided insurance for past presidents and national landmarks, this established company can insure entrepreneurs, too.
They're well-known and considered ethical
Starting in 1810 as a fire insurance company, The Hartford has since expanded. They've stood firm through hard times in history, insuring homes and businesses during the 1835 New York City financial district fire, the 1871 Chicago fire, and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake-related fires. Their first small business service center was launched in 1983. As a result of their "unwavering commitment to business integrity," The Hartford has been named to the Ethisphere list of the World's Most Ethical Companies sixteen times. Aside from business insurance, they offer personal insurance for home and auto coverage.
Many professions can get insurance here
With 26 listed industries, The Hartford offers coverage for large and small businesses. From lawn care and snow removal to athletic trainers and swim instructors, there are hundreds of businesses they can insure. If you don't see yours, they say to call and request a quote or try their online form, though online coverage is only offered for certain types of insurance.
Limited coverage options online
Business owner's policies (property & liability) and workers' compensation are available online from The Hartford for most businesses. Others, such as professional liability, general liability, data breach (cyber liability), waiver of subrogation, hired & non-owned auto, commercial auto, and more are offered through a phone call. If you know you want those coverages, save yourself the frustrating experience of completing the online quote form only to be redirected as we were (see below). Another page on the website explains the different types of business coverages and offers a three-question quiz to determine what you might need for yourself.
Their online form is very long...
To get an online quote, The Hartford has a form which starts with basics about you and your business before offering the different types of coverage they have available. Depending on the type of insurance you see, you may need to have financial information, building information, and more to put on the application or you cannot get a quote - and the form feels like it will never end, honestly. If at any point they decide they are unable to offer you a policy, they may refer you to a partner to get a quote. Alternatively, they might say their online quoting doesn't support some aspects of your business.
...and you still may not get a quote
Though it says they are trying to make online quoting easy, we found this was not the case for us. We tried three different professions and were unable to get a quote for any of them. In their FAQs, it says that "not all of the coverages offered" are available to quote online. You may need to make a phone call to get a quote or policy. Since you may be unable to obtain an online quote, it's important to know that The Hartford boasts they have business insurance as low as $21 per month, adding that average costs for a business owner's policy could cost $41 per month, workers' compensation $86 per month, general liability $68 per month, and professional liability $62 per month.
Claims filed online or via app or phone
To report a claim with The Hartford, make a phone call or file online within 10 minutes. They say it's easy to check the status anytime from any device, and experienced claim handlers assist you through the process. Additionally, you can use their highly-rated app to submit a claim, offered for both Android and iOS devices. Insured business owners can easily use the app to submit and track claims, access their policies, pay the bill, and get assistance.
Mixed reviews make reputation hard to discern
The Hartford is not accredited by the BBB but has an excellent "A+" rating, despite 211 complaints last year. Their company website offers more than 34,000 verified reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars for their claims experience. However, off their website, across online platforms, they don't fare well at all. The reviews on the BBB put them at 1.12 out of 5 and on Trustpilot they're receiving just one- and two-star reviews. When taken into consideration with the high number of complaints to the BBB, it's hard to know what to think about The Hartford's actual reputation.
Just above average
The Hartford says they focus on small businesses, but their online insurance options are limited. With mixed reviews and a lengthy quote process, they rank as just an above-average choice for those shopping online for business insurance. If longevity is your top priority when choosing an insurer, The Hartford will be at the top of your list - but if not, check out its competitors closer to the top of our list instead.
Average
USAA is best known for who they allow into their membership - mainly military members, veterans, and their families. Founded over a century ago, they offer small business insurance underwritten by Garrison Property & Casualty Insurance Company.
A century of service only for those with military connections
Standing for United Services Automobile Association, USAA has existed since 1922 to empower members through service and advice offered with all types of personal banking products, retirement and investment offerings, and insurance products for home, auto, life, health, long-term, care, business, and more. To open any of these products, you must first be a member, which is free to active military, veterans, employees of certain federal agencies such as FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration, precommissioned officers, and their families.
Types of coverage
Several types of insurance are offered for small businesses through USAA, though there are no specific listings of industries covered. The business owner's policy, general liability, commercial excess (umbrella policy), professional liability (E&O), cyber liability, workers' compensation, and commercial auto insurance are available when you apply online. To obtain a policy quote, tell them about your business (including revenue and number of employees) and select products. The questions are pretty straightforward and soon you'll be offered a selection of policy types. If you're not sure which is right for you, there's a helpful pop-up to explain the differences. After you choose the package you want, you set up payments and you're insured. Just remember, before you go through the process, you can only receive coverage if you're a USAA member, which means you must be eligible as described above. While this may be helpful for some business owners, it's obviously not going to meet all entrepreneurs' needs.
Quick coverage available
The good news is that policy documents can be available digitally very quickly after you get covered. In fact, the USAA website says proof of coverage is offered within minutes of policy issuance.
App makes it easy to manage
USAA offers a highly-rated mobile app for iOS and Android platforms. On the app members can pay bills, see account activity, file and manage claims, and other activities related to their active products. Claims can also be reported online. Then USAA will evaluate the claim and settle it if it's covered.
Reputation has suffered over recent years
Though not accredited by the BBB, USAA has earned an "A+" rating from them. However, they have also received more than 4,000 complaints in the past three years, which is alarming. Likewise, across online review platforms, the members are disappointed in this company. From a dismal 1.16 to 2.5 out of 5 stars, the insurance company overall has very disgruntled reviews from thousands of angry customers complaining about terrible customer service, denied claims, and high rates. Longtime members are reporting recent bad experiences which are leading them to leave. If you're happy with your USAA membership experience, it might be worth checking out their business insurance products. However, though none of the reviews specifically mentioned business insurance, we suggest careful consideration if you aren't a current member of USAA.
Just an average option
For over 100 years, USAA has built a company to honor military service by offering exclusive products only to their members. However, the high number of complaints in recent years about the way their customer service performs (or, better said, doesn't perform) has left their insureds unhappy and places them as just an average choice on our list of online business insurance companies.
Fair
Offering liability insurance with "a personal touch," InsuranceBee is an independent insurance broker with affordable, customizable coverage for small businesses in a variety of industries. For the past 15 years, they have catered to independent professionals in need of insurance.
Website unclear about what InsuranceBee offers
Coverage types listed on InsuranceBee include general liability, professional liability (E&O), business owner's policy, cyber liability, workers' compensation, directors and officers, and management liability. If you're not sure what you need, they offer some questions to guide your decision, related to such things as where you see clients, if you're paid for advice or services, and if you store sensitive client data. To get a quote, choose the products you want, provide your ZIP code and profession, and they're supposed to give you an online quote. Unfortunately, every single job we tried, in five different states, led us to a screen which said they were unable to provide us with an online quote for our occupation - despite being listed on their options. After multiple attempts leading us to this same result, with a link to the Hiscox website (another company on our reviewed list), we did a further internet search and learned that InsuranceBee acts as a broker for Hiscox. It seems that this information would have been more helpful placed on their home page of the website.
Small brokerage which only has one offering
Saying they recognize that there are specific needs for some small businesses, InsuranceBee specializes in insuring independent consulting firms and freelance professionals in 39 of the 50 United States, plus D.C. Their small office - just four team members pictured on their "our people" page - partnered with Hiscox in 2020 to provide an agent portal offering business insurance easily, which we only learned after a search to find out why we kept getting redirected to Hiscox as we sought an online quote. It would be helpful to have this information front and center on their website - and much less frustrating. Unlike a broker who offers multiple quotes to compare, InsuranceBee appears to be just another step before getting to the actual insurance company, with no added benefits to using their platform.
Varied industries can find insurance through them
Hundreds of professions are covered by InsuranceBee's small business plans. Browse their list of options - including online sales and pet grooming services - or start typing. If they cover it, it will show up in the search bar.
Claims handled by insurer
To make a claim, there is a page on the InsuranceBee website suggesting you get "the carrier" involved immediately while providing a brief request form - which means they don't handle claims at all because Hiscox does. They say they'll direct you straight to your carrier if they're the ones who should be handling it. Just provide your policy information, contact information, and date of claim and summary of claim in their online form - an extra step instead of going straight to the source.
Helpful website resources
InsuranceBee offers a free guide to small business risk on their website for anyone who'd like to read it. This resource includes risk planning, protecting your small business, and other useful information. They say their website has all the info you need to "get to grips with your professional insurance." To help with this, they offer an easily searchable blog.
Online options are limited
The website for InsuranceBee has a page offering online policy management for those who would prefer not to make a phone call. It allows policyholders to add insureds, make changes, access policy documents, make a payment or claim, and cancel the policy. Canceling the policy isn't instant though - you fill out the form and they'll "get in touch to confirm what happens next." When combined with their lack of ability to directly provide an online quote, we wonder how this could be a good use of a business owner's time.
Mixed, older reviews muddy their reputation
Though they're not accredited by the BBB, InsuranceBee has an "A+" rating and no complaints. However, they don't have any reviews on the BBB either, which is strange for a company that's been in business for over a decade. On Google reviews there are just 15 ratings, averaging 4.2 stars out of 5. Pleased customers mention great customer service, affordable rates, and quick responses, but these are two years or older, as are the negative reviews which mention "shady" practices and difficulty getting a refund when the policy wasn't what they needed. A different story is on Feefo, which shows the company with over 2,000 reviews, mainly positive. In fact, their website boasts receiving the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award in 2023. However, the invitation-only review platform says InsuranceBee isn't an active customer, with the most recent reviews from nearly a year ago.
Not the best choice
InsuranceBee claims they will provide a personal touch for business owners, but our experience proved less than optimal. Additionally, their inability to provide online quotes makes them a below average option on our list of online business insurance providers. Fortunately, if you want a true marketplace-style platform for comparing quotes from multiple insurers at once, you'll find a highly-rated one further up on our list.
Subpar
For nearly 80 years, the world's second-largest insurance broker Aon has offered advice and solutions in risk management as well as providing insurance and other services. Aon Affinity is the small business arm of this big company, with products for specific industries only.
Combining to offer specialty options for certain markets.
Aon Affinity is powered by CoverWallet, a small, online insurance provider acquired by Aon in 2020. Offering specialty insurance for professionals in small and medium markets, the company is part of the larger Aon, which has been around since 1947. Specialty insurance solutions are their bread and butter, with tailored policies in their five different divisions: healthcare firms, law firms, dental firms, accounting firms, and nonprofits. Clicking on "other businesses" will redirect you to third-party provider Tivly.
Types of coverage depends on the business
If you desire insurance for one of their specialties, click on the "get started" button and answer a couple of questions. Then the Aon Affinity website will redirect you to the associated division providing that insurance. For example, when we looked up accounting firms, we were asked if we were looking for professional liability coverage. A "no" answer asks if you want cyber coverage. Saying "yes" to either will ask for your email address and lead you to the AICPA page, with insurance underwritten by CNA.
Online quote in 15 minutes
To get a quote online, you're sent to the online form which can take 10-15 minutes. More details explain that this plan is intended for small firms of three or fewer professionals with revenues under $400,000. Healthcare pros are asked if they want professional liability insurance before being sent to the HPSO division and an online application requesting general information about their business plus the nature of the company, contact information, locations, and risk assessment. Law firms are offered professional liability then taken to a multi-page application for Aon Attorneys Advantage insurance. Those seeking dental firm insurance are presented the opportunity to get professional liability before being redirected to Dentist's Advantage, professional liability and practice protection underwritten by CNA and an online application similar to the one for healthcare firms. Nonprofits are offered directors & officers (D&O) coverage before landing on Affinity Nonprofits. A brief form allows you to request information about D&O, property and casualty, event cancellation, and volunteer accident plans.
Difficult to learn details
It appears that you may be able to get covered online here, but since each different division works differently, it's really hard to tell. Also, we cannot tell how quickly you will be covered with Aon Affinity plans. There is no information about claims to be found, and most of the information about this branch of the massive Aon was very difficult to find. They really should have made it easier for business people who don't have the time to waste going from one website to another to find the right coverage or plan.
Unclear reputation and reviews lacking for business insurance
Finding the correct BBB listing for Aon Affinity proved difficult. One was obviously for their travel insurance, though it was listed by the same name. Another was for human resources under the Aon name, which isn't the right place either. A third was for Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., the name on the bottom of their small business webpage. However, that BBB listing's website link led to nursing malpractice insurance. If it's any of those three listings, the company has below average grades ranging from "D+" to "F" with a wide range of complaints. No online reviews could be found about their business plans. We'd recommend searching for feedback about the type of industry coverage you desire prior to pursuing a policy with this company.
Look at other options
Aon Affinity may have decades of experience, but they don't make it easy to obtain insurance coverage for your business online. Requiring long forms through their partner companies is a confusing process. We recommend looking at our higher-ranked options before you give Aon Affinity your time.
Weak
Allstate has put their insureds "in good hands" for more than 90 years. The insurance giant offers personal car, home, and life policies, as well as business insurance.
A new partner for business policies
Founded in 1931, Allstate offers customizable insurance options for entrepreneurs through their partner company NEXT Insurance (also called ERGO NEXT Insurance and reviewed separately on our list), a change since the last time we reviewed this insurance company. The only type of business insurance offered directly by Allstate is commercial auto coverage.
Coverages mostly go through their partner NEXT
General liability, commercial property, business owner's policy, workers' compensation, business interruption, employment practices liability, professional liability (E&O), equipment breakdown, data compromise (cyber liability), and home-based insurance coverage are all offered by Allstate through their partner NEXT. In fact, they are clear that you will be redirected to the NEXT website for a quote. Since Allstate doesn't get involved in the process, this seems like an unnecessary step to take for coverage, unless you're already insured by Allstate. It's clear in the fine print that NEXT is not affiliated with Allstate, which seems like it's simply relying on entrepreneurs who are familiar with Allstate to stick with the company they know, despite the fact that they're not doing the actual insuring, leaving Allstate in the role of broker.
Efficient quote process for most of their coverage options
Business insurance from Allstate can fit into categories such as construction, food & beverage, retail & e-commerce, offices & professionals, and cleaning, though they also offer "other industries" as an option on their online quote form on the NEXT website. If you choose one of the five categories featured, you'll be asked to select your main service and provide an email address prior to continuing. Following that are questions about desired coverage, the application, a quote for coverage, and the checkout page to purchase the policy. Each section will tell you an estimated completion time, which helps busy owners get back to work quickly. We found that it took a little longer, but not much. The quote page allows you to choose from basic, premier, and deluxe options, with added coverages to customize. We appreciated the "learn more" section which included example scenarios covered by the general liability insurance we selected, as well as what is and isn't covered, plus the policy's limits.
Commercial auto insurance provider, though only via phone call
If you have a company vehicle, you likely want to get commercial auto coverage to protect it. The only business insurance directly offered by Allstate is this type of policy. However, quotes for these are only available via a phone call to Allstate - there's no online quote information.
Speedy coverage through NEXT
Coverage is available the same day, within minutes of purchasing the policy. The application on the NEXT website notes that unlimited certificates of insurance are available at no charge. Additionally, it says you can cancel anytime without penalty, only paying for the days you were insured. They say they'll automatically refund the rest.
Claims process for commercial auto insurance
To file a commercial auto claim, call Allstate's main phone number or possibly use their app. Business owners' policy claims must use a different phone number. The Allstate page only explains the commercial auto insurance claim process, mentioning that updates can be tracked online. They will assess coverage and damage, contact you once there's a repair estimate, start repairs and pay the claim. Additionally, the webpage notes that adjusters can also provide information about your business property or liability claims.
App may help, or it may not
Allstate has an app for their policyholders available for both iOS and Android devices. Though highly rated for Apple products, the Google Play Store users rate it at just 4 out of 5 stars. Allstate's mobile app features proof of insurance, access to your policies, ability to file a claim or pay bills, and other features. It's unclear if business coverage offered through their partner NEXT will be accessible on the app.
Reputation is bad
Allstate has been around for so long that they are well known just by their name. NEXT, the provider of the insurance for businesses offered on Allstate's platform, is decidedly smaller and less known, despite insuring over 750,000 small businesses. When it comes to reputation and complaints, Allstate has fallen in recent years from their highest ratings by the BBB. They are now sitting with a "D+" rating for failure to respond to or resolve complaints, combined with a 2025 lawsuit by the state of Texas against them for collecting, using, and selling data. The BBB received more than 4,300 complaints in the past three years and shows a 1.13 out of 5 stars rating from nearly 1,400 reviews. While these reviews and complaints are not strictly related to business products, it's important to consider a company's overall reputation. With rants about customer service issues, harassing sales calls, billing problems, and claim denials, it's hard for us to recommend Allstate.
Not a good choice for business insurance
Allstate acts as an insurance broker for NEXT, only offering commercial auto insurance directly to business customers. With no obvious benefits earned from going through Allstate and their terrible reputation in recent years, we recommend looking elsewhere for your online business insurance needs.
Poor
With headquarters in Austin, Texas, netQuote has been providing insurance quotes for auto, home, health, life, and business insurance for over 20 years. Their website has served more than 25 million visitors and processes over 600,000 applications per month.
Gathering your info to give to an insurance agent
Claiming to be the insurance industry's "largest and fastest-growing lead generation company," netQuote boasts the title of the most-visited insurance website. Their service aims to make shopping for insurance easy by connecting those seeking insurance to top insurance companies. Putting in your information to look for an insurance policy on netQuote will likely result in a lot of phone calls or emails. A lead generation company collects shoppers' information and passes it along to the companies they partner with to provide services. netQuote is not an insurance agency, broker, or company and won't be issuing a policy. It may be a place to find a low-priced policy - or it may put you on a bunch of telemarketing lists. As it says on their website, you'll complete one request and have "multiple options delivered to (you) from competing agents." Reviews we read make us wary of what this could mean for your phone or inbox.
Filling out a quote application doesn't mean you'll get a quote
To get multiple quotes with one online form, netQuote asks for information about your business, including annual revenue, and contact information. As to which business professions are covered, the form asks for "industry division," then "industry group," and then "industry service," which can be hard to narrow down if you have a more unique profession - or even for something as simple as writing. It may take a bit of trial and error to figure out which is the appropriate division to find the right group and service, since the dropdown menus don't show up for the other selections until you make the choice for industry division from vague descriptions such as mineral industries, retail trade, public administration, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing.
Difficult experience
Once you complete the form and click "get my quote," you are offered a page of company options. Our test industry was not a match with any companies - using their strange options, we could not get any general liability quotes for a content creation business. Instead, we were offered commercial auto choices and personal insurance. The message after that said they may continue searching and contact us with information. It happened with another trial business for a retail food store. Their main page says getting coverage doesn't have to be hard, but our experience with netQuote was difficult. We're confused about how this process is going to help anyone find an insurance quote for their small business.
Inappropriate graphic left us feeling off
General liability, business owner's policy, commercial auto, workers' compensation (depicted with a wheelchair, which feels a little insensitive to us), commercial property, professional liability (E&O), directors & officers liability, and commercial crime are options on the netQuote quote form. There is just a little information about the policies on their website, so you'll have to know what you're looking for here before you complete the quote form.
Promised speed not our experience
Claiming you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year on insurance with just 10 minutes or less on their website, netQuote presents itself as a convenient option for anyone seeking insurance. This was not our experience - so we searched to learn about the states and areas they represent, wondering if possibly we were out of range. However, this only led to a strange listing of bizarre or confusing comments on each state or metro area. For example, Chicago says that if you don't educate yourself about insurance you may be cursed like the Curse of the Billy Goat (a sports superstition), or New Jersey says quotes in the state are expensive "but why?" and then doesn't offer an explanation. Perhaps they should spend more time improving their quote process and less on writing cheeky content for a page that provides no useful information.
Unwanted solicitations make their rep bad
Acquired by All Web Leads Inc. (AWL) in 2015, the company's listing with the BBB shows they aren't accredited but have an "A+" rating with just a handful of complaints in the past year. The complaints are from people getting unwanted solicitations. Reviewers are also frustrated about this and, across online review platforms, they give netQuote 1 out of 5 stars. Ranters warn you not to fill out the online form and give out your information. Another said he didn't get an online quote either and called the lead-gen site a "deceptive, shady company, infuriating waste of time." We recommend checking out our higher-ranked companies if you'd like to find useful online quotes for business insurance.
Look elsewhere for your quotes
While we love the idea of saving money and time by getting multiple quotes in one place for our business insurance, netQuote promised much and delivered nothing. We'd stay far away from this online business insurance option.
Continued from above...
Entrepreneurs have a lot of things to consider when starting a company - what kind of business they'd like to be in, where they will house their offices, how they'll advertise, whether they should incorporate, and if they will want to have employees or do things on their own. One thing is clear though: small business owners realize that typically they'll need help to protect what they've built, which is where business insurance comes in.
In today's litigious society, it's essential for companies to protect themselves from accidents, property damage, injuries, and cyber attacks. Not only is it a good idea to have insurance for your business, but in some states and industries, the law requires it.
Despite the regulations involved, business insurance is a good idea in general. Risks such as natural disasters or accidents could easily place a substantial financial burden on a small business. Without coverage, such expenses might cripple a business or even lead to a bankruptcy. If you're not covered and someone sues your company, it could spell the end of your business.
With a myriad of options to offer a shield against the risks involved in doing business, some people find themselves wondering what they actually need. Recommendations for coverage vary depending on the size of the business, the type of work done, the property owned, the technology involved, and other considerations. This can be confusing, but some insurance companies make it easier with questionnaires, checklists, and even phone consultations.
Small businesses and sole proprietors can especially be at risk since they lack the resources for a legal team and accounting division. And let's face it - insurance isn't an "exciting" expense. It's something your customers won't usually see and you will probably forget about -until you need to use it.
With specialty small business insurers and large companies competing to provide you with insurance policies, you should be able to compare quotes online to find the best price for the right protection. Use the online resources to help you understand terms and select what you need to be covered.
There are many factors to consider when determining the proper coverage. Here are some things to keep in mind as you compare your options for business insurance:
With such an important decision on the line for your business, we at Top Consumer Reviews have ranked some of the top business insurance providers online to assist you in narrowing down the options. Use our research to make it even easier to get the proper coverage you need, in order to protect your company from unexpected problems, expensive lawsuits, and liability issues.
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