Simply Business vs The Hartford
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top business insurance picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
Simply Business
Ranked #3 of 15 in this directory
Compare business insurance quotes from top carriers online
The Hartford
Ranked #1 of 15 in this directory
Business insurance backed by over 200 years of experience
Our pick: The Hartford. Our editors rank The Hartford higher overall in Business Insurance — but Simply Business can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Simply Business | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | General Liability | General Liability |
| Editorial rank | #3 of 15 | #1 of 15 |
Strengths
Simply Business
- ✓Compare quotes from multiple top-rated carriers in one place
- ✓No obligation to purchase after getting quotes
- ✓Transparent side-by-side coverage comparison
- ✓Educational resources help first-time buyers understand coverage types
The Hartford
- ✓Over 200 years of insurance experience with strong financial ratings
- ✓AARP-endorsed small business insurance with dedicated agent support
- ✓Bundled BOP policies save money on liability and property coverage
- ✓Wide range of industry-specific coverage options
- ✓Online certificate of insurance available for instant proof
Watch out for
Simply Business
- !Not a direct insurer, so claims are handled by the underlying carrier
- !Quote availability varies by state and business type
- !May not include every carrier in the market
The Hartford
- !Quotes often require a phone call to finalize pricing
- !Not the cheapest option for very small or low-risk businesses
- !Online self-service portal could be more modern
- !Limited availability for some high-risk industries
Best use cases
Simply Business
- →Compare general liability quotes from five carriers to find the lowest premium for a cleaning business
- →Use the coverage recommendation tool to understand what insurance a new food truck needs
- →Get a BOP quote comparison to bundle liability and property insurance for a salon
The Hartford
- →Get a Business Owner's Policy that bundles general liability and property coverage for a retail store
- →Add workers' compensation coverage as you hire your first employees
- →Request a certificate of insurance online to satisfy a client's vendor requirements
About each tool
Simply Business
Simply Business is an online insurance marketplace that lets small business owners compare quotes from multiple carriers side by side. Rather than selling its own policies, it aggregates options from partners to help users find the best coverage at the best price. The platform covers general liability, professional liability, and BOP policies with a streamlined quote comparison experience.
The Hartford
The Hartford is one of the largest and most established business insurance providers in the United States, offering a full suite of commercial coverage including general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, and property insurance. Their small business division is endorsed by AARP and provides dedicated agents who understand the needs of growing companies. The online quote process is straightforward, and bundled Business Owner's Policies (BOPs) offer significant savings.
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