Hiscox vs NEXT Insurance: Which is Better for Solopreneurs?

🔹 INTRODUCTION

Goal: Set context for solopreneurs choosing between Hiscox and NEXT Insurance

Running a solo business means juggling every role—from sales and services to legal and admin tasks. And that also includes managing risk. With growing client expectations, contract requirements, and a surge of liability and cyber threats, more clients now demand a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before work begins.

Two of the most popular insurance names for solopreneurs are Hiscox and NEXT Insurance. Hiscox, a long-established underwriter, stands out with its robust policy options and tailored support. On the other hand, NEXT Insurance provides a fast, mobile-first experience that caters to the needs of modern freelancers. Both companies offer business-friendly policies, but their unique selling points distinguish them from one another.

In this comparison, we’ll evaluate:

• Coverage options (E&O, General Liability, Cyber)
  
• Pricing and bundling
  
• Online quote capacity and COI issuing speed
  
• Customer support and claims reputation
  
• Ideal use cases to match the provider with the business type
  

Whether you’re a designer, developer, consultant, or creative professional, this guide helps you determine which provider best suits your needs.

Looking to compare broader freelance insurance options? Start with our top-rated comparison guide here: [The 5 Best Business Insurance Companies for Freelancers in 2025].

🔹 1. Company Overview

✅ 1.1 Hiscox

As a globally recognized insurer with a century-long legacy, Hiscox excels in delivering specialized business insurance solutions tailored to creative professionals and solopreneurs. Its strongest offerings include professional liability (E&O) and cyber coverage—ideal for consultants, designers, writers, and coaches. Hiscox also offers monthly payment options, broad policy customization, and support across dozens of industries and countries. Users rate Hiscox highly, with a 4.7⁄5 Feefo score across more than 1,300 customer reviews in 2024–25—a reflection of its strong service reputation. (hiscox.com)

✅ 1.2 NEXT Insurance

NEXT Insurance, on the other hand, positions itself as a digital-first provider built explicitly for freelancers and micro-businesses. With NEXT, you can get a quote, purchase a policy, and access a Certificate of Insurance (COI)—all within minutes via their online portal or mobile app. This streamlined process empowers solopreneurs, allowing them to manage their insurance needs efficiently and on the go. NEXT supports bundled plans combining Professional Liability, General Liability, and Cyber Insurance, with automatic COI issuance and 24/7 access via its proprietary COI Analyzer. Review scores are strong, with an average rating of 4.75/5 among users and a 4.6/5 Google rating. (nextinsurance.com)

These two providers embody distinct business philosophies—Hiscox offering deep coverage backed by legacy resources and tailored support, and NEXT delivering sleek, efficient, and modern digital onboarding ideal for fast-moving solopreneurs. Understanding these unique selling points can help you align your insurance needs with the provider that best fits your business philosophy.

🔹 2. Coverage & Policy Types

Here’s a comparison of types of coverage offered by Hiscox versus NEXT Insurance, along with key differences in policy options and customization:

Coverage Type	Hiscox	NEXT Insurance
Professional Liability (E&O)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
General Liability	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Cyber Insurance	✅ Yes (add-on)	✅ Yes (bundled with other policies)
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)	✅ Yes	❌ Not yet available
Tools / Equipment Add-ons	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (starts from ~$19/month) (nextinsurance.com, nextinsurance.com, nextinsurance.com)

🧩 Notable Highlights & Custom Options

• Hiscox stands out for its Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), which bundles general liability and commercial property in one policy—ideal for freelancers who also own equipment or rental space.
  
• NEXT Insurance offers bundled policies for Professional Liability, General Liability, and Cyber coverage—available online —with savings of up to 10% when purchased together.
  

Hiscox offers deep customization for creative freelancers, including detailed risk-based add-ons, while NEXT focuses on seamless integration and digital management.

🎯 Which Coverage Works Best?

• Hiscox is a strong fit if you operate from a physical business location, carry expensive gear, or need commercial property protection as part of your coverage.
  
• NEXT Insurance works best for freelancers who need comprehensive coverage digitally, including cyber, liability, and professional errors, in one convenient bundle.
  

For guidance on how these policy types match your business needs, read [What Is Professional Liability Insurance and Why Do Freelancers Need It?] and [A Freelancer’s Guide to Cyber Insurance].

🔹 2. Coverage & Policy Types

Goal: Compare what each provider offers—clarifying types of coverage available from Hiscox and NEXT

Coverage Type	Hiscox	NEXT Insurance
Professional Liability	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
General Liability	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Cyber Insurance	✅ Yes (as add-on)	✅ Yes (often bundled)
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)	✅ Yes	❌ Not currently offered
Tools / Equipment Add‑Ons	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (via endorsements)

🧾 What Sets Each Provider Apart

• Hiscox offers a comprehensive suite of products, including Professional Liability (E&O), General Liability, Cyber Insurance, and Business Owner’s Policies (BOP). This cost-effective bundle combines liability and property coverage, ensuring that solopreneurs are fully protected in their business operations. Hiscox is best known for serving creative and consulting professionals with flexible monthly billing and internationally-recognized support. Notably, BOPs, which are offered as part of the Hiscox bundle and include general liability and property protection, are available at an affordable rate.
  
• NEXT Insurance is primarily a digital-first company, focusing on fast quoting and seamless coverage experiences. Their packages typically bundle E&O, General Liability, and Cyber Insurance in one streamlined policy. While they don’t currently offer BOPs, they do provide endorsements for tools and equipment. Ideal for solopreneurs seeking speed and flexibility. (nextinsurance.com, nextinsurance.com, nextinsurance.com)
  

🔍 Why These Coverage Types Matter

• Professional Liability (E&O): Critical when you provide advice or perform services where mistakes can lead to financial loss. Both providers offer this coverage.
  
• General Liability: Protects against bodily injury and property damage, covering both.
  
• Cyber Insurance: Essential for Digital Professionals. At NEXT, it’s commonly bundled into policies. At Hiscox, it’s available as an optional add-on coverage.
  
• Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): Provides liability plus property coverage; only Hiscox currently offers this.
  
• Tools/Equipment Coverage: Useful for photographers, videographers, DJs, and contractors. Offered by both providers.
  

Freelancers needing comprehensive packages or property coverage may find Hiscox’s BOP appealing, while those who want a fast, bundled digital experience with instant COIs will likely prefer NEXT Insurance.

For more detailed context on these coverage types, see:

• ✅ [What Is Professional Liability Insurance and Why Do Freelancers Need It?]
  
• ✅ [A Freelancer’s Guide to Cyber Insurance]
  

🔹 3. Ease of Use & User Experience

💬 Quote & Purchase Process

• NEXT Insurance provides real-time pricing and instant online quotes. Freelancers can customize coverage, purchase a policy, and manage their insurance—all in minutes without speaking to an agent.
  
• Hiscox provides fast quotes, typically available within a few hours through their user-friendly website. While slightly slower, their process remains streamlined and is supported by experienced agents.
  

📂 COI Delivery & Document Management

• NEXT offers instant, unlimited COI downloads via its dashboard or mobile app after you purchase a policy. The COI Analyzer enables the creation of entirely custom certificates in under a minute by uploading a sample document to mimic.
  
• Hiscox customers receive a standard ACORD certificate with their policy. They can request additional insured or rush certificates through the policy management portal, which is typically delivered on the same day.
  

📱 User Interface & Mobile Experience

• NEXT is designed for solopreneurs on the go, offering a mobile-first, all-digital interface that enables quote generation, policy adjustments, COI creation, and 24/7 access to support.
  
• Hiscox also offers a clean, intuitive website and mobile options. Users consistently rate its interface highly, praising ease of navigation and self-service capabilities (rated 4.7/5 on Feefo).
  

🔍 Quick Comparison Summary

Feature	NEXT Insurance	Hiscox
Real-time online quoting	✅ Yes	✅ (slightly slower)
COI Issuance	✅ Instant & unlimited	✅ ACORD standard, same‑day on request
Mobile App/Platform	✅ Fully mobile-first	✅ Mobile-friendly, desktop-oriented
Dashboard Self-Service	✅ High control and flexibility	✅ Good self-service with agent support
Review Scores	Rated ~4.6–4.8 across platforms	Rated ~~4.7/5 via Feefo

✅ Why Ease of Use Matters

Solopreneurs require tools that accommodate fast-paced schedules and minimize downtime. With NEXT Insurance, you can get coverage, generate proof of insurance, and onboard clients—all within minutes. Hiscox, although slightly slower, offers dependable support and flexible policy customization, which is favored by many creatives and consultants.

For more insight into coverage differences and provider fit, see [How to Choose the Right Insurance Provider].

🔹 4. Pricing Comparison

Here’s how Hiscox and NEXT Insurance stack up in terms of average monthly premiums, discount availability, and flexibility for short-term insurance needs:

Provider	Avg. Monthly Premium	Bundling Discount	Short-Term Options
Hiscox	~$30–$60	Available for BOP bundles	❌ No short-term policies
NEXT Insurance	~$25–$55	✅ Yes, with bundled packages	✅ Yes, via app-based tools

💡 Pricing Insights

• Hiscox
  
  • Starts general liability coverage at around $30/month and professional liability from $22.50/month for solo consultants and creatives. Cyber insurance typically includes additional coverage, depending on the limit and risk profile. (Hiscox, Insureon, Reddit, Fit Small Business)
    
  • Bundling options are available (including BOP), though there’s no hourly or short-term flexibility. (Fit Small Business, Tivly)
    
• NEXT Insurance
  
  • Offers general liability starting as low as $19/month, with most freelancers averaging $25–$45/month depending on location, profession, and coverage level. (Next Insurance)
    
  • Bundled policies (E&O + Cyber + GL) come with multi-policy discounts.(Next Insurance, Next Insurance)
    
  • Flexible short-term and gig coverage through their app makes it ideal for freelancers who need on-demand protection(Next Insurance, Reddit)
    

🧠 What Drives Differences

• Profession, location, deductible levels, and revenue significantly influence final pricing—a solo IT consultant in New Jersey may pay more than a copywriter in the Midwest.
  
• Short-term flexibility, such as canceling or pausing coverage between projects, is only available via NEXT’s digital platform.
  
• Bundled policies tend to lower costs when combining multiple coverage types through NEXT more than with Hiscox.
  

✏️ Quick Use Case Demo

• An SEO consultant in Austin might pay ~$55/month via NEXT (covering both E&O and Cyber).
  
• The same professional via Hiscox could see $60+/month, particularly if they need separate add-ons or international business coverage. (Hiscox, Next Insurance, venturesmarter.com, Fit Small Business)
  

By comparing pricing alongside policy flexibility and digital convenience, you can make a more informed decision about which provider best fits your budget and freelance workflow.

Need help estimating your exact coverage cost based on limits and add-ons? Start with our pricing guide: [How Much Does Business Insurance Cost for a Freelancer?]

🔹 5. Claims & Customer Support

🏢 Hiscox

Hiscox holds a strong reputation on Trustpilot, where it scores 4.5/5 across nearly 1,500 reviews. Customers frequently cite its competitive pricing and knowledgeable support staff. Some reportedly found the site and policy setup user-friendly for securing professional liability coverage. (Trustpilot)
However, negative feedback has been concentrated around specific claims denials, especially regarding equipment loss. One long-time customer shared that Hiscox declined to cover a damaged laptop—even after years of consistent premiums—causing severe frustration. (Trustpilot)

🌐 NEXT Insurance

NEXT holds a 4.6/5 Trustpilot score based on over 1,200 reviews. Customers praise NEXT for its fast online quotes, ease of use, and overall affordability. One user noted: “Best insurance provider for my business… allows me to stay up to date when independent contractors lapse in coverage.”(Trustpilot)
On the other hand, there are isolated complaints about customer service limitations, including difficulties in obtaining escalated support and unexpected premium changes after the first year. (Merchant Maverick)

📊 User Support Comparison

Feature	Hiscox	NEXT Insurance
Trustpilot Rating	~4.5 /5 (1,400+ reviews)	~4.6 /5 (1,200+ reviews)
Start-of-Service Support	Phone & email support	Live chat & email; limited phone hours
Claims Handling	Mostly positive, some denial reports	Fast response; fewer in-person escalations
Premium Changes Over Time	Stable over time	Reports of mid-contract increases

🧠 What This Means for You

• Hiscox is ideal if you value traditional customer service, a strong adviser network, and consistent monthly plans—though be cautious about exclusion interpretations that may affect claims.
  
• NEXT Insurance suits solopreneurs who prioritize speed, technology, and instant documents, especially for fast client onboarding—but expect support primarily through digital channels.
  
• Reddit and Trustpilot threads reflect real stories: one user noted that Hiscox requires a separate cyber rider and increased premiums over time, even with no claims filed—prompting a switch. (Trustpilot, Amica Insurance, Reddit, Tivly, Fit Small Business)
  

🔍 Sources to Explore

• Trustpilot – NEXT Insurance customer reviews(Trustpilot)
  
• Trustpilot – Hiscox customer experiences(Trustpilot)
  
• Reddit feedback on Hiscox’s evolving cyber add-on and rate increases
  

Ultimately, choose Hiscox for reliable, legacy-style support and structured policy clarity. Opt for NEXT if you want lightning-fast onboarding, mobile-first COI access, and modern support tools. Both are strong, but your workflow, communication style, and project pace should guide your pick.

🔹 6. Who Should Choose Which?

Here’s how to decide between Hiscox and NEXT Insurance based on your business type and coverage priorities:

Choose Hiscox if:

• You’re a creative professional (e.g., designers, coaches, writers) needing robust professional liability (E&O).
  
• You value a long-standing reputation, personalized support, and a legacy of underwriting presence. Hiscox boasts over 1,300 Feefo reviews with a 4.7/5 rating. (Hiscox, Hiscox)
  
• You work with international or enterprise clients, where global liability and tailored policy extensions are most important. (Hiscox, Hiscox)
  
• You require a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), which combines liability and property coverage—currently offered only through Hiscox.
  

Choose NEXT Insurance if:

• You need fast, online quoting, digital management, and instant COI issuance to support speedy client onboarding.
  
• You’re building a bundle of E&O + Cyber + General Liability and prefer a ~10% discount on combined policy pricing.(NerdWallet, Startup Savant)
  
• You value modern, mobile-first UX and policy access via apps—perfect for solopreneurs on the move. (Next Insurance, Startup Savant)
  
• You work on a feature or gig basis and want flexible short-term coverage that can be paused or canceled seamlessly via the app.
  

✅ Summary Comparison Table

Your Need	Go with Hiscox	Choose NEXT Insurance
Creative or consulting work	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Legacy support & global policy reach	✅ Yes	❌ Not required
Fast digital quotes & instant COIs	❌ Slower	✅ Lightning-fast
Price-conscious bundled coverage	✅ Yes	✅ Best discounts
Short-term or gig-based flexibility	❌ No	✅ Full support

Both providers are reputable and trusted, but your workflow, risk profile, and client needs will determine the best fit.

For guided help selecting between platforms based on your freelance niche and coverage requirements, check out [How to Choose the Right Insurance Provider].

🔹 7. Final Verdict: Hiscox vs NEXT Insurance

Choosing the right insurance provider comes down to how well they fit your freelance workflow, coverage needs, and client expectations. Both Hiscox and NEXT Insurance are reliable, financially strong companies with excellent reputations—but each uniquely serves different business needs.

🎯 Hiscox: Best for Established, Creative, or International-Facing Freelancers

If you’re a creative professional—such as a coach, designer, or writer—or regularly work with enterprise or international clients:

• Hiscox’s legacy strength is reassuring, backed by an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent) and decades of experience in small business insurance. ([turn0search19], [turn0search7])
  
• Coverage options include Professional Liability, General Liability, Cyber Insurance, and Business Owner’s Policies (BOPs)—all with flexible limits and optional property or add-on endorsements. (Section 2 overview)
  
• Pending COI deliveries and support are available via phone and email, ideal for those who value personalized service.
  

🚀 NEXT Insurance: Built for Digital-First Solopreneurs

If your freelance work leans on speed, flexibility, and modern tools:

• NEXT Insurance is MoneyGeek’s top-rated choice for sole proprietors with the highest overall customer service score (4.7/5) across providers.([turn0search14])
  
• Offers real-time online quoting, instant COI access, and bundled packages (E&O + Cyber + GL) starting as low as $25/month—often 10% cheaper than standalone policies. (Section 4 details)
  
• Ideal for project-based work, part-time freelancing, or remote consultants needing flexible, fast onboarding.
  

🧠 Which Fits You Best?

Choose Hiscox if…	Choose NEXT Insurance if…
You prioritize legacy support and comprehensive policy options	You want instant quotes, mobile access, and quick COIs
You need a BOP or add-on endorsements	You prefer bundled plans with automatic discounts
You frequently work with contracts requiring international coverage	You want gig or short-term flexibility via on-demand policies

Both platforms offer trustworthy coverage, but your ideal choice hinges on your pace and coverage preferences. Looking for help evaluating policy options or understanding coverage affecting your niche? Check out [How to Choose the Right Insurance Provider].

Let me know if you’re ready to move into the conclusion, or dive deeper into sample quote comparisons next!