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Cancel Simply Business: The Right Way
How to cancel simply business insurance in south africa: your complete guide
What simply business is and why you might cancel
Simply Business is an online insurance broker that helps small business owners, contractors and sole traders compare and purchase tailored cover such as public liability and professional indemnity insurance. The platform matches you with third-party insurers and handles policy servicing, renewals and customer support through its website and mobile apps.
You might decide to cancel Simply Business for several reasons: you've found a cheaper quote elsewhere, your business circumstances have changed, you no longer need the cover, or you're unhappy with the service or claims experience. Whatever your reason, Stopee is here to guide you through the cancellation process step by step and ensure you understand your consumer rights.
Who uses simply business
Small business owners across South Africa rely on Simply Business to streamline their insurance shopping. The platform appeals to busy entrepreneurs who want to compare multiple quotes online without the hassle of contacting each insurer individually. Sole traders and contractors particularly value the speed and transparency of the service.
However, convenience doesn't mean you're locked in. You have the right to cancel at any time, and Stopee is committed to helping you exercise that right without stress or confusion.
How insurance cover differs from SaaS subscriptions
Unlike streaming services or software subscriptions, insurance cancellation involves more moving parts. Your cover is provided by a third-party insurer under their terms, not Simply Business directly. This means the insurer sets refund eligibility, cancellation fees and claim cut-off dates. Simply Business acts as the broker managing the relationship.
Understanding this distinction is crucial before you cancel. You'll need to check your specific policy documents to know exactly what applies to your cover.
Your consumer rights in south africa
South African consumer law gives you solid protection when cancelling insurance policies purchased online or through brokers.
The 14-day cooling-off period
You have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase with minimal penalty. During this window, you'll typically only pay a pro-rata charge for the cover you've actually used. This cooling-off period is your safety net if you change your mind or find a better deal.
The clock starts from the date you receive your policy documents, not from the date you pay. Make a note of this date immediately. If you cancel within 14 days, Simply Business or the insurer must refund the unused portion, minus only the cost of cover already provided.
Consumer protection act protections
The South African Consumer Protection Act requires that Simply Business and the insurer treat you fairly, provide clear terms in plain language, and not hide cancellation conditions or fees in small print. If Simply Business refuses a reasonable cancellation request or claims a fee that isn't clearly disclosed in your policy, you have grounds to escalate your complaint.
If you face resistance, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) can investigate your complaint at no cost to you. Stopee recommends keeping all correspondence as evidence if you need to file a formal complaint.
How to cancel simply business: step-by-step methods
You have multiple ways to cancel your Simply Business policy, depending on how you purchased and paid for it. Stopee recommends choosing the method that leaves you with the clearest written record of your cancellation request.
Cancelling through your online account (fastest option)
This is the quickest and most transparent way to cancel if Simply Business allows it on your policy.
- Sign into your Simply Business account on the website or mobile app.
- Navigate to "My policies" and select the policy you want to cancel.
- Open "Policy details" for that specific cover.
- Look for a "Cancel my policy" button or link.
- This option is typically available if you paid by debit or credit card.
- If the button doesn't appear, your policy may require phone or written cancellation (see other methods below).
- Select "Cancel my policy" and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Review the cancellation date and any refund estimate shown on screen.
- Confirm and submit your cancellation request.
- Download or screenshot your cancellation confirmation immediately.
- Check your email within 24 hours for a written confirmation email from Simply Business or the insurer.
Pro tip: If you see a refund estimate on screen, screenshot it before clicking confirm. This protects you if the actual refund differs from what was quoted.
Cancelling by phone
If the online option isn't available or you prefer to speak to someone, calling Simply Business gives you a live record of your request.
- Call the Simply Business cancellation number: +44 (0) 844 241 1648
- This is the UK-based line; check for a South Africa-specific number on your policy documents first.
- Call during business hours (typically Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 UK time).
- Clearly state your full name, policy number and the exact date you want cover to end.
- Ask the agent to confirm the cancellation effective date, any refund amount and whether fees apply.
- Request an email confirmation of the cancellation and refund details.
- Take note of the agent's name, date and time of the call for your records.
- Hang up only after you've received a confirmation email or been promised one within 24 hours.
Warning: Cancellation takes effect when Simply Business receives your request, not when you make the call. If you call near the end of the month, cover could continue into the next renewal period. Ask the agent for the exact effective date in writing.
Cancelling by written notice
For a permanent record, you can submit a written cancellation request by post or email. This method protects you if there's any dispute about when you cancelled.
- Write a clear, brief cancellation letter including:
- Your full name and policy number
- The exact date you want cover to end
- Your contact email and phone number
- A request for written confirmation of cancellation and refund details
- Send the letter by registered post or email to the address listed in your policy documents or confirmation email.
- Keep a copy of the letter and proof of delivery (registered post receipt or email read receipt if available).
- Follow up with an email if you don't receive confirmation within 5 working days.
- Cancellation becomes effective when Simply Business or the insurer receives your letter, not when you send it.
Stopee strongly recommends this method if you're within the 14-day cooling-off period, as it creates an undeniable paper trail for any refund dispute.
Cancelling app store subscriptions
If you purchased Simply Business cover directly through Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel the subscription through the app store, not through Simply Business directly.
- For Apple App Store:
- Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select "Subscriptions".
- Find and tap the Simply Business subscription.
- Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Edit subscription".
- Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation.
- For Google Play:
- Open the Google Play app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select "Manage subscriptions" or "Payments and subscriptions".
- Find and tap the Simply Business subscription.
- Tap "Cancel subscription".
- Follow the prompts to confirm.
- Your app store cancellation doesn't automatically cancel your policy with the insurer. You must still contact Simply Business or the insurer separately to ensure cover ends.
- Write down the date you cancelled the app store subscription for your records.
Warning: App store refunds follow the app store's policy, not Simply Business's policy. Apple and Google each have their own cooling-off rules, which may differ from the 14-day period on direct purchases.
What happens immediately after you cancel
The period right after cancellation is when most confusion and regret happen. Stay calm and focused on the practical next steps.
Your cover ends
Your insurance cover stops on the cancellation effective date you agreed with Simply Business or the insurer. After that date, you have no cover for any new claims or incidents. This is why timing is critical: if you cancel before you have replacement cover in place, you run the risk of a gap in protection.
Confirm the exact end date and time with Simply Business in writing. Some policies end at midnight on the cancellation date; others end at the start of the day. Don't assume.
Claims made before cancellation
Claims you submitted before the cancellation effective date may still be processed under your policy terms. Check your policy wording for claim cut-off dates and notification deadlines. If you have a pending claim, notify the insurer in writing that you're cancelling and ask for a specific cut-off date for that claim.
Some insurers won't process claims submitted after cancellation, even if the incident happened during the cover period. This is why claiming promptly matters.
Automatic renewal stops
Cancellation should disable automatic renewal on your account. However, don't assume this has happened. Log into your Simply Business account a few days after cancellation and check that renewal is switched off. If you see a renewal date still listed, contact Simply Business immediately to confirm it's been cancelled.
Stopee has helped thousands of consumers catch hidden renewal charges. Verify this yourself rather than trusting it to happen automatically.
Will you get a refund?
Refunds depend on when you cancel, what the insurer's terms say and whether you've claimed.
Refunds within the 14-day cooling-off period
If you cancel within 14 days of receiving your policy documents, you're entitled to a refund of all premiums except the pro-rata cost of cover you've actually used. Pro-rata means the insurer calculates the daily cost of your premium and charges you only for the days cover was active.
Example: You buy annual cover for R1200 (R100 per month). You cancel after 6 days. The insurer charges roughly R20 (6 days of cover at R3.33 per day) and refunds approximately R1180.
Make sure to cancel within the 14 days and request written confirmation of your refund calculation. Keep all correspondence in case the refund is delayed or incorrect.
Refunds after the 14-day period
Outside the cooling-off window, refunds become discretionary and insurer-specific. Most insurers will refund a proportion of your unused premium, but they may deduct set-up fees, administration charges or cancellation fees. Some policies explicitly state that premiums are non-refundable after day 14.
Check your policy documents for the exact refund and fee terms. If your policy doesn't clearly state the refund terms, contact Simply Business or the insurer in writing and ask them to clarify before you cancel.
Refund timeline
Once approved, refunds typically take 5 to 10 working days to appear in your bank account. If you don't see the refund within 10 working days, contact Simply Business or the insurer and ask for a reference number and expected payment date.
Never assume silence means the refund is processing. Follow up in writing if the timeline isn't clear.
Simply business pricing in south africa
Simply Business pricing varies significantly based on your industry, business size, risk profile and the insurer you're matched with.
How pricing works
Simply Business doesn't set the prices; the insurers do. The platform simply compares quotes from multiple insurers so you can see options side by side. Your final price depends on factors like:
- Type of business (retail, professional services, construction, etc.)
- Annual turnover and number of employees
- Claims history and experience
- Cover limits you select
- Excess (your out-of-pocket cost per claim)
You'll get a custom quote when you complete Simply Business's online quote form with your business details.
Example pricing overview
| Cover type | Typical annual range (ZAR) | Billing period |
|---|---|---|
| Public liability (small business) | R400-R1500 | Annual |
| Professional indemnity (freelancer) | R600-R2500 | Annual |
| Combined cover (sole trader) | R1200-R4000 | Annual |
| Monthly plan (optional) | Contact for current rates | Monthly |
| Custom enterprise cover | Quote on request | Annual |
Pro tip: If you're shopping around to compare, get a Simply Business quote and keep it for 30 days. Quotes remain valid, so you can shop other brokers without losing your option to switch back.
Common mistakes when cancelling simply business
Cancelling can feel straightforward, but small oversights often lead to delayed refunds or unexpected charges. Learning from others' mistakes helps you avoid them.
Mistake 1: cancelling the app but not the policy
Deleting the Simply Business app or cancelling an app store subscription does not cancel your actual insurance policy. The insurer continues charging your payment method until you explicitly cancel the policy itself. Check your bank statements two months after cancelling; if you still see charges, the policy is still active.
Mistake 2: missing the 14-day window
The cooling-off period is measured from when you receive your policy documents, not from when you buy the policy online. If documents arrive by email on day 2 and you cancel on day 16, you've missed the window. Write down the receipt date of your policy email as soon as it arrives.
Mistake 3: not requesting written confirmation
Verbal confirmations over the phone or casual chat messages don't count. Always ask for a written cancellation confirmation via email or post. Without this, you have no proof of the date you cancelled, which matters for refund disputes.
Mistake 4: assuming the refund is automatic
Refunds aren't processed automatically. You must request one, usually in writing, and the insurer then calculates it. If you cancel online and see no refund status, email Simply Business or the insurer to ask when to expect it and by what method.
Mistake 5: cancelling before replacing your cover
If your business depends on insurance (especially if you're in a regulated industry), cancelling without replacement cover leaves you exposed to liability and potentially in breach of contract with your clients. Always arrange new cover with another insurer before your current policy ends.
Cancellation checklist: before, during and after
Use this checklist to keep track of every stage of your Simply Business cancellation.
| Stage | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Before | Check policy documents for cancellation terms, fees and refund eligibility | ☐ |
| Before | Note the date your policy documents arrived (14-day cooling-off starts here) | ☐ |
| Before | Arrange replacement cover with another insurer so you avoid a gap | ☐ |
| During | Submit cancellation request by online account, phone call or written letter | ☐ |
| During | Request and save written confirmation of the cancellation effective date | ☐ |
| During | Ask for refund amount (if applicable) and estimated payment date | ☐ |
| After | Verify in your account that automatic renewal is disabled | ☐ |
| After | Monitor your bank account and email for refund confirmation | ☐ |
| After | If refund is late or missing, contact Simply Business in writing with the reference number | ☐ |
| After | Keep all cancellation and refund correspondence for at least 3 years | ☐ |
Print or screenshot this checklist before you start. Checking off each item as you go keeps you from forgetting a critical step.
How stopee can help you stay on top of cancellations
Cancelling insurance feels like a one-time task, but the follow-up matters as much as the initial request. Stopee specializes in helping South African consumers track cancellations, chase missing refunds and escalate complaints when companies don't respond fairly.
Our guides and tools help you document every step, understand your rights and know exactly when and how to escalate if something goes wrong. Whether you're cancelling Simply Business today or another service tomorrow, Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel with confidence and claim refunds they're entitled to.
Visit Stopee at stopee.com to access additional resources, complaint templates and consumer authority contacts for South Africa. You're not on your own in this process.
Where to send your written cancellation notice
If you choose to cancel by post or need an address for formal correspondence, use this contact information provided by Simply Business for cancellations and complaints:
| Contact type | Address |
|---|---|
| Registered office / Legal correspondence | Simply Business Limited, 120 Holborn, London EC1N 2TD, United Kingdom |
| Cancellation notice (by post) | As above, or email address listed on your policy documents |
| Complaints escalation | Check your policy documents for a specific complaints procedure and escalation address |
Pro tip: If you're sending a registered letter from South Africa to the UK, use a courier service with tracking (like DHL or FedEx) rather than standard post. This gives you proof of delivery, which matters if there's a dispute about the cancellation date.
Simply Business is UK-based, so there may be a delay in responses. If you don't hear back within 10 working days, escalate to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK or request assistance from the National Consumer Commission in South Africa if the service involved local complaints handling.
Final thoughts: take control of your cancellation
Cancelling Simply Business doesn't have to be stressful. You have clear rights, multiple cancellation methods and the backing of South African consumer law. The key is being proactive: document everything, request confirmation in writing and follow up if timelines slip.
Whether you're cancelling because you've found a better rate, your business has changed or you're simply unhappy with the service, Stopee believes you should be able to exit on your terms without hidden fees or needless delays. Your time is valuable, and your money is yours until you decide to spend it.
Use the checklist above, follow the step-by-step instructions for your chosen method and keep every confirmation email. If Simply Business or the insurer doesn't respond fairly to your cancellation request, Stopee can point you toward the right escalation channels and consumer authorities. Visit stopee.com to explore your options and join thousands of South African consumers who've successfully cancelled with confidence.