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Which comparison site wins for business insurance?

40% of UK small businesses are underinsured. But specialist comparison sites can find public liability from £100/year for low-risk sole traders. The key is knowing which site to use — generalists fail here.

May 2026Last tested & updated
40%
UK small businesses that are underinsured or have no business insurance
£50k+
Average public liability claim that could bankrupt an uninsured small business
5M+
UK self-employed workers who need some form of business insurance
3
Legally required covers: employer's liability (if you have staff), motor, some regulated activities
£100
Typical annual cost of £1M public liability cover for a low-risk sole trader
Before you compare

5 things business insurance comparisons won't tell you

⚖️
Public liability vs professional indemnity — both often needed
Public liability covers injury or property damage. Professional indemnity covers claims from your advice or work quality. Most professional services need both.
🏢
Your trade classification affects everything
Insurers price by trade. Being classified as a 'consultant' vs a 'contractor' can double your premium. Make sure the trade classification accurately reflects what you do.
👷
Employer's liability is legally required
If you have any employees — including casual or part-time — you are legally required to have employer's liability insurance with a minimum of £5M cover.
🔐
Cyber insurance is increasingly essential
Data breach liability is excluded from standard business insurance. With GDPR fines up to 4% of turnover, consider a standalone cyber policy for any business handling customer data.
🔄
Review cover annually as your business grows
Turnover, employees and activities change. Your cover must keep pace — underinsurance is the biggest business insurance mistake.
Business Insurance Comparison Sites — Ranked UK 2026
Good
Mixed
Poor
1
Simply Business
simplybusiness.co.uk
UK's leading specialist small business comparison — best panel by far
9.1
/ 10 overall
▼ See full breakdown
Insurers shown
15+ specialist
Trade coverage
700+ trades
Ease of use
Excellent
Combined policies
Best in class
Trustpilot
4.1 / 5
Price
Competitive
700+ trades coveredSpecialist panelPackage policiesNot on generalist sites
OverCompare verdict: Simply Business is the clear market leader for small business insurance comparison. Their trade database covers over 700 types of business and they quote for combined package policies in one go. For any small business or sole trader, start here — not on generalist comparison sites.
Visit Simply Business →
2
Compare the Market
comparethemarket.com/business-insurance
Good for landlord and shop insurance — weaker for professional services
7.4
/ 10 overall
▼ See full breakdown
Insurers shown
10+
Trade coverage
Limited trades
Landlord insurance
Good
Ease of use
Good
Trustpilot
4.2 / 5
Professional indemnity
Limited
Good for landlordsLimited trade typesWeaker for servicesGood UI
OverCompare verdict: Compare the Market works well for landlord and retail shop cover. However their trade classification range is significantly narrower than Simply Business and they don't quote well for professional services. Use as a secondary check after Simply Business.
Visit Compare the Market →
3
GoCompare
gocompare.com/business-insurance
Decent for basic public liability — limited specialist cover
7.1
/ 10 overall
▼ See full breakdown
Insurers shown
8+
Public liability
Good
Professional indemnity
Limited
Ease of use
Good
Trade coverage
Basic trades
Price
Competitive
Good for basic PLLimited professional coverFew specialist tradesUse as third check
OverCompare verdict: GoCompare covers basic public liability well for common trades. For professional services or any specialist trade, they show too few insurers. Use as a third check only.
Visit GoCompare →
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Simply Business isn't on generalist comparison sites — visit them directly
Simply Business is the UK's largest small business insurance broker and doesn't appear on Compare the Market or MoneySupermarket. Always visit simplybusiness.co.uk directly in addition to any generalist comparison site. The difference in insurer range and trade coverage is substantial.
OverCompare is independent and unsponsored. We do not accept payment for rankings. Cover requirements vary by business type. Consult a business insurance broker for complex requirements.