Business insurance · United Kingdom
Simply Business UK
UK's largest online business insurance broker — 250K+ tradies, panel of major UK insurers
Market position
Simply Business UK was founded in the UK (Travelers acquired it in 2017 and runs it as the UK arm). The broker model shops 1,500+ trade types across a panel of major UK insurers (Aviva, AXA, Zurich, etc.). For UK contractors wanting comparison shopping without agent phone calls, Simply Business UK is the dominant digital broker option — comparable to NEXT/Simply Business US in the US market.
United Kingdom-specific note
Strongest position in sole-trader and very-small-business segments. Quote panel automatically includes Employers Liability (legally required) and Professional Indemnity options. UK-specific class codes for trades.
Pros
- + Largest UK online broker for trades — 250K+ tradie customers
- + 1,500+ trade types covered with UK-specific class codes
- + Broker-of-record service handles policy changes, COIs, renewals across multiple carriers
- + Travelers ownership provides corporate stability
Cons
- − Quote variance across carrier panel can be wide — sometimes confusing
- − Claims experience depends on selected underlying carrier
- − Less brand recognition than Hiscox or Direct Line in UK consumer perception
Typical United Kingdom pricing
£10-£50/month typical for sole-trader trades PL + EL package
Why this matters for United Kingdom trades
Gas Safe Register (gas), NICEIC (electrical / Part P), and OFTEC (oil heating) are legal requirements — unlicensed work is a criminal offense, and software/insurance must handle RTI, CIS, and VAT natively.
UK trades vendor selection is shaped by mandatory certification (Gas Safe, NICEIC, OFTEC), compressed compliance (HMRC RTI, CIS deductions, auto-enrolment pensions, VAT), and directory-led consumer behavior (Checkatrade, MyBuilder).
Frequently asked
Is Simply Business UK a good fit for United Kingdom trades?
Simply Business UK was founded in the UK (Travelers acquired it in 2017 and runs it as the UK arm). The broker model shops 1,500+ trade types across a panel of major UK insurers (Aviva, AXA, Zurich, etc.). For UK contractors wanting comparison shopping without agent phone calls, Simply Business UK is the dominant digital broker option — comparable to NEXT/Simply Business US in the US market. Strongest position in sole-trader and very-small-business segments. Quote panel automatically includes Employers Liability (legally required) and Professional Indemnity options. UK-specific class codes for trades.
What does Simply Business UK cost in United Kingdom?
£10-£50/month typical for sole-trader trades PL + EL package. Pricing and availability can change by region — confirm current United Kingdom pricing on the vendor's site before committing.
Is Simply Business UK recommended?
Yes — it is a Tier S (Recommended) pick in our United Kingdom directory for business insurance, based on market fit and reputation. Still compare it against the alternatives for your specific trade and region.
Does Simply Business UK operate outside United Kingdom?
Yes — Simply Business UK is a cross-market vendor with presence beyond United Kingdom. See our full review in US-market context for deeper editorial detail, then weigh the United Kingdom-specific notes above.