Hiscox vs Next Insurance vs Simply Business: Best Insurance for Personal Errands & Concierge Services
One dropped package or a piece of bad advice can undo all your hard work. As an errand runner, personal shopper, or concierge, you face unique risks daily. But overpaying for the wrong insurance policy drains money you need for growth. This breakdown cuts through the sales talk so you know exactly which insurer fits your on-the-go business, protecting you from common issues like spilled groceries, a client's misplaced keys, or claims of poor recommendations.
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The quick answer
Next Insurance is your fastest choice if your work mostly involves physical tasks like grocery runs or deliveries. You can get proof of insurance (a certificate) in under 10 minutes. Hiscox is better if your service involves giving advice, managing appointments, or making purchasing decisions for clients, as it specializes in 'Errors & Omissions' (E&O) coverage. Simply Business lets you compare quotes from many insurers at once, perfect if you're not sure what you need or want the best price.
Side-by-side breakdown
Next Insurance: Fully online, provides instant quotes. General Liability (GL) starts around $25/month for low-risk personal errand services. You won't need to talk to a salesperson, and your proof of insurance is ready to download right away. Best for: Errand runners, personal shoppers, delivery services, and simple task operators who need quick, clear coverage for physical mishaps like dropping a client's dry cleaning or accidentally damaging property during a pickup.
Hiscox: A specialist in small business insurance, particularly strong in 'Errors & Omissions' (E&O) or professional liability. This covers claims stemming from your advice or mistakes in judgment, not just physical damage. They offer monthly payment plans and cover over 180 types of jobs. Getting a quote might take a bit longer. Best for: Concierge services, senior companions, personal assistants who manage finances or appointments, or personal shoppers who advise on major purchases where a bad recommendation could lead to financial loss.
Simply Business: This isn't an insurer itself, but a marketplace that finds quotes from many different companies like Markel and Travelers. It's helpful for comparing prices and coverage side-by-side. Best for: Errand services unsure about their specific needs, or those with complex situations, such as needing commercial auto insurance for their personal vehicle used for deliveries, or if you plan to hire other runners.
When to choose Next Insurance
Choose Next when your work is mostly 'hands-on' and you need coverage fast. This includes tasks like grocery delivery, picking up prescriptions, transporting packages, or simple home organization. If your clients often ask for proof of insurance (like before you enter their home or perform a specific task), Next makes it easy to get and share 'additional insured' certificates online or through their app. It's built for speed and simplicity for busy, on-the-go operators.
When to choose Hiscox
Choose Hiscox when your service involves giving advice, making decisions for clients, or managing sensitive information. For example, if you help a senior citizen manage their bills, recommend a specific contractor for home repairs, or curate a wardrobe where the client expects your expert judgment. General Liability (GL) covers things like you spilling coffee on a client's rug. But if a client claims your advice to buy a certain stock lost them money, or your recommendation for a plumber caused more damage, that's E&O territory. Hiscox cleanly bundles GL and E&O, which is key for a full-service concierge or companion.
When to use Simply Business
Use Simply Business if you're unsure which type of insurance is best for your unique mix of errand and concierge services. It's also ideal if your situation is more complex, such as needing coverage for a dedicated delivery vehicle (commercial auto), or if you’re growing and considering hiring other runners. Simply Business acts like a broker, letting you compare various insurance options from different carriers so you get the most suitable coverage at a competitive price.
The verdict
For basic errand running, personal shopping, or package delivery tasks where physical risk is primary, Next is your fastest and simplest bet. For high-touch concierge services, senior companions, or personal assistants where advice and judgment are key, start with Hiscox for its E&O strength. If you're combining many services, have unique assets like a dedicated delivery vehicle, or simply want to compare the market, use Simply Business first. Never skip this step — operating your personal errand or concierge service without proper liability coverage is the quickest way to put your hard-earned business at risk.
How to get started
1. Figure out what you need most: General Liability for physical accidents (like dropping a client's laptop), Professional Liability (E&O) for bad advice (like a faulty product recommendation), or both. 2. Get a quick quote from your top choice (Next for simple tasks, Hiscox for advice-based services). 3. If the price seems high or the coverage doesn't feel right, use Simply Business to compare other options. 4. Buy your policy *before* you pick up your first client's groceries or manage their first appointment. 5. Download your proof of insurance (Certificate of Insurance) and keep it handy, maybe on your phone, so you can share it instantly when a client asks.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
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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