Next Insurance vs Thimble: Which Is Better for Small Business?
Both Next Insurance and Thimble are top-rated commercial insurance carriers for small business. The right choice depends on your industry, revenue, and how you prefer to buy coverage. Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
Quick comparison
| Factor | Next Insurance | Thimble |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small businesses and independent contractors wanting instant online purchase | Gig workers, freelancers, and short-term or event-based coverage |
| Founded | 2016 | 2016 |
| AM Best Rating | A- (Excellent) | A (Excellent) via partner carriers |
| General Liability | $25–$80/month | $5/day or $50/month |
| BOP | $50–$150/month | Varies by project |
| Revenue minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
Next Insurance overview
Next Insurance
Founded: 2016
HQ: Palo Alto, CA
Best for: Small businesses and independent contractors wanting instant online purchase
Coverage types: General Liability, Professional Liability, Commercial Auto, Workers' Comp, BOP
Notable: Digital-first, fully online purchase with same-day certificate of insurance
Typical GL cost: $25–$80/month
Typical BOP cost: $50–$150/month
Thimble overview
Thimble
Founded: 2016
HQ: New York, NY
Best for: Gig workers, freelancers, and short-term or event-based coverage
Coverage types: General Liability, Professional Liability, BOP, Commercial Auto
Notable: Offers short-term 'by-the-job' and 'by-the-month' policies — good for contractors between projects
Typical GL cost: $5/day or $50/month
Typical BOP cost: Varies by project
Which should you choose?
Choose Next Insurance if...
you want small businesses and independent contractors wanting instant online purchase or need digital-first, fully online purchase with same-day certificate of insurance
Choose Thimble if...
you want gig workers, freelancers, and short-term or event-based coverage or need offers short-term 'by-the-job' and 'by-the-month' policies — good for contractors between projects
The honest answer: both carriers are solid. Rates for identical coverage vary 20–30% between carriers, so the cheapest option depends on your specific class code, revenue, and state. Get quotes from both before deciding.
Estimate your cost first
Before you compare quotes, know what you should expect to pay. Use these free calculators to see benchmarks for your industry and revenue:
Frequently asked questions
Is Next Insurance or Thimble cheaper for small business insurance?
Next Insurance and Thimble are similar in pricing. Next Insurance runs $25–$80/month, while Thimble runs $5/day or $50/month. For identical coverage, rates vary 20–30% depending on your class code, revenue, and state — so the cheapest option depends on your specific business.
Which is better for general liability insurance, Next Insurance or Thimble?
Both Next Insurance and Thimble offer general liability. Next Insurance is best for small businesses and independent contractors wanting instant online purchase. Thimble is best for gig workers, freelancers, and short-term or event-based coverage.
Does Next Insurance or Thimble offer workers' comp?
Next Insurance offers workers' comp. Thimble does not write workers' comp directly — you would need a different carrier for that coverage.
Can I switch from Next Insurance to Thimble mid-year?
Yes. Commercial insurance policies can be cancelled and replaced at any time. If you paid annually, the old carrier refunds unused premium (pro-rata or short-rate). The main caution is workers' comp — mid-year changes can complicate your experience modification calculation because the policy period does not align with the standard experience period.