🟢 Introduction
When you’re self-employed in the UK — whether you’re a dog walker, tutor, hairdresser, or consultant — choosing the right business insurance can be confusing.
Two names that keep popping up? PolicyBee and Simply Business.
Both offer tailored cover for sole traders and freelancers, but they go about it differently.
This side-by-side comparison breaks down the pros, cons, pricing, and who each provider is best for in 2025.
⚖️ Quick Summary Table
| Feature | PolicyBee | Simply Business |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Direct Broker | Comparison Platform |
| Ideal For | Niche freelancers & microbiz | Anyone wanting insurer options |
| Quote Process | 3–5 mins, guided form | 3–5 mins, multi-insurer quotes |
| Cover Options | Public liability, PI, tools | Public liability, PI, tools, more |
| Treatment Cover | ✅ Optional | ✅ Optional |
| Customer Service | Personal, UK-based | Mostly self-serve |
🔍 What Is PolicyBee?
PolicyBee is an independent UK broker that specialises in freelancers, sole traders, and small businesses. They focus on making insurance simpler — without jargon or pressure.
✅ Pros:
- Friendly, UK-based support
- Quote process tailored to niche professions
- Optional extras like treatment risk, equipment cover, etc.
- Clean interface, no hard selling
They’re especially popular with dog walkers and mobile hairdressers who need mobile-friendly, hands-on cover.
❌ Cons:
- Only shows quotes from their selected insurers
- May not always have the absolute cheapest policy
🔍 What Is Simply Business?
Simply Business is more of an insurance marketplace. It partners with multiple insurers and lets you compare quotes side by side — similar to GoCompare or Compare the Market, but focused on small business insurance.
✅ Pros:
- Multiple insurers, one form
- Flexible cover options: choose your limit, add extras
- Quick online signup
- Great for general use and price hunters
❌ Cons:
- Less personal — mainly self-service
- Harder to know which insurer offers what detail without reading the fine print
👉 Compare quotes with Simply Business
🎯 Who Is Each One Best For?
| Situation | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|
| You want a guided experience & friendly help | ✅ PolicyBee |
| You need a quick price comparison | ✅ Simply Business |
| You’re in a niche profession (e.g. tutor) | ✅ PolicyBee |
| You just want cheapest legal cover | ✅ Simply Business |
| You want to build a long-term relationship | ✅ PolicyBee |
| You’re applying to work with councils/agencies | Both offer compliant policies |
Still not sure if you need insurance at all? We cover that in our guide to insurance for part-time freelancers.
🔄 Can You Use Both?
Yes — and it might even be smart to do so.
Start with Simply Business to get a feel for pricing across the board,
Then check PolicyBee to see if their more tailored approach suits your specific needs better.
You’re not locked in until you buy — and quotes are free.
🧠 Final Thoughts
BBoth PolicyBee and Simply Business are excellent choices — it just depends how you work.
- If you value service, simplicity, and tailored options → go PolicyBee
- If you want to shop and compare quotes instantly → go Simply Business
Already work with clients in-person? Check out: