Simply Business vs Thimble: which is better for a new business? (2026)
Choose Simply Business if: Solo owners comparing basic liability quotes online
Skip it if: You need Spanish help, commercial auto, cyber coverage, or a mobile app.
Visit Simply BusinessChoose Thimble if: Gig and project workers needing coverage per job
Skip it if: You need phone support, Spanish help, or may cancel an annual policy early.
Visit ThimbleQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | Thimble (6.7 vs 7.3) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Thimble (From $21/mo vs From $17/mo) |
| Better public ratings | Thimble (4.2 vs 4.5 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Tie (English only vs English only) |
Side by side
| Best for | Solo owners comparing basic liability quotes online | Gig and project workers needing coverage per job |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You need Spanish help, commercial auto, cyber coverage, or a mobile app. | You need phone support, Spanish help, or may cancel an annual policy early. |
| Free plan or trial | No | No |
| Spanish | English only | English only |
| Support | Phone and email; sales M-F 8am-8pm ET, service M-F 9am-6pm ET | Chat and email M-F 9am-6pm ET; no phone |
| Mobile app | No | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.2/5 (Trustpilot, 1,883) | 4.2/5 (Trustpilot, 2,371) |
| Type | Online agency comparing several carriers | Online agency (Arch-owned) selling own-brand policies |
| Published prices | GL from $20.75/mo | GL from $17/mo |
| Coverages | general liability, professional/E&O, workers' comp (incl. sole proprietors), BOP, tools/equipment (inland marine), business personal property | general liability, professional, BOP, tools/equipment, commercial property, workers' comp, cyber, commercial auto, event, surety bonds |
| Instant certificate | Yes, most in minutes online, 24/7 | Yes, instant with unlimited copies |
| Monthly payments | Monthly or yearly for select coverages and insurers | Yes; annual GL also in 10 installments |
| Cancel anytime | By phone (policyholder only); refund terms not published | Monthly/on-demand: yes, prorated; annual: short-rate refund |
| States | All 50 states + DC | All 50 states + DC |
| Insurer and rating | 18 carriers incl. Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Hiscox, CNA, Markel, Arch, biBERK | GL: Markel Insurance Co. or National Specialty Insurance Co., both AM Best A (Excellent); BOP via Coterie |
| Time to quote | Under 10 minutes online | Quote in seconds, coverage in minutes |
| Who it's for | 400+ types: construction, cleaning, professional services, retail, e-commerce, food | 300+ professions: contractors, cleaners, landscapers, photographers, fitness, beauty, events |
| Claims | File with your carrier; many accept claims online 24/7 | Online form or account; handled by Markel, Sedgwick, or Reserv |
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Simply Business
- Compares 18 carriers, including Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Hiscox, and CNA.
- Low-end prices published: general liability $20.75/mo, BOP $33.75/mo.
- Online quote in under 10 minutes; certificates downloadable 24/7.
- Covers 400+ business types; offers workers' comp for sole proprietors.
- No Spanish-language website or support found.
- No commercial auto or cyber insurance listed among its products.
- Cancelling requires a phone call; service line weekdays 9am–6pm ET.
Thimble
- Buy coverage by the hour, day, month, or year with no commitment.
- General liability from $17/mo, underwritten by Markel (AM Best A).
- Instant certificate of insurance with unlimited copies after purchase.
- Cancel monthly or on-demand policies anytime for a prorated refund.
- No phone support; chat and email only, weekdays 9am–6pm ET.
- No Spanish website, app, or support found.
- Annual policies cancelled early get a reduced short-rate refund.
Also worth a look
Questions
Is Simply Business or Thimble cheaper?
Thimble starts lower: From $21/mo for Simply Business vs From $17/mo for Thimble. Compare the plan you'd actually use, including add-ons.
Which has better reviews?
Thimble, with 4.5/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
Simply Business: English only. Thimble: English only.
Can I switch from one to the other later?
Yes, though switching mid-year takes some setup. Export your records before you cancel, and check for annual contracts or cancellation notice periods.
Facts from each company's own pages and public rating sites, checked Oct 4, 2026. How we rate.