How to cancel Simply Business insurance in Malaysia - Yafee guide
How to cancel Simply Business and protect your insurance rights in malaysia
What Simply Business is and why you need to act now
Simply Business is an online insurance broker that sells business coverage policies through its website, including general liability, professional liability, business owner's policies, and workers' compensation. If you hold an active policy with Simply Business, you are paying for genuine insurance coverage, not a casual app subscription. This distinction matters legally in Malaysia.
Your Simply Business policy renews automatically every year unless you submit a cancellation notice before the renewal date. Under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, Malaysian consumers retain the right to cancel service contracts, but you must follow the correct procedure and timing to avoid being charged for another year of coverage you do not want.
Yafee specialises in helping Malaysian consumers navigate cancellation procedures for international services. This guide walks you through your legal position, the exact steps to cancel, and how to protect yourself from unwanted renewal charges.
How Simply Business operates in malaysia
Simply Business does not advertise Malaysia-specific pricing, Bahasa Malaysia language support, or local payment methods like FPX. Malaysian users access the service through the main Simply Business website and support channels, which include phone support at +1 (855) 869-5183, chat via the Help Center, and email at [email protected].
The key issue for Malaysian customers is that your policy renews automatically at the end of each year. If you do not cancel before that renewal date, Simply Business will charge you again for the next 12 months of coverage. Once the new billing cycle begins, the terms state that your continued use of the policy counts as acceptance of the new pricing and terms.
Furthermore, Simply Business requires only the policyholder to request cancellation. You cannot ask a third party to cancel on your behalf. This protects the insurer but puts the burden on you to act directly.
What you are actually paying for
Your Simply Business payments cover insurance protection, not premium software features. Published examples show coverage costs ranging from approximately RM98 per month for general liability to RM184 per month for workers' compensation. The value you receive is the insurance policy itself.
General liability insurance covers third-party accidents, property damage, and bodily injury claims against your business. Professional liability covers mistakes, negligence claims, or failure to deliver services. Business owner's policies bundle multiple coverages. Workers' compensation covers employee injury claims. You are paying for genuine risk protection, which means cancellation has real financial consequences if you then suffer an uninsured loss.
Your consumer rights and legal protections in malaysia
The Consumer Protection Act 1999 gives you explicit rights to cancel service contracts, including insurance policies sold online.
What the consumer protection act 1999 says about your right to cancel
Under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, you have the legal right to cancel a contract for services within a reasonable timeframe, provided you have not yet received full performance of the service. In the case of an insurance policy with automatic renewal, your right to cancel exists up until the moment the renewed policy term begins.
In accordance with this framework, your cancellation notice must reach Simply Business before your renewal date to prevent the next year's charge. The Act places the burden on the service provider to confirm receipt of your cancellation request and to cease charging you.
Nevertheless, the onus is on you to prove that you submitted a timely cancellation request. This is why documentation, dates, and confirmation emails are critical. If Simply Business claims it never received your cancellation request, you must be able to show evidence that you sent it on time.
The role of the ministry of domestic trade and consumer affairs
If Simply Business refuses to cancel your policy or continues to charge you after cancellation, your escalation route is the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA). This is Malaysia's primary consumer protection enforcement body. You can lodge a complaint with the MDTCA if the company violates the Consumer Protection Act 1999 or engages in unfair trading practices.
The MDTCA has the power to investigate, issue warnings, seek compensation on your behalf, and in extreme cases, pursue enforcement action against the company. Yafee recommends keeping all evidence of your cancellation request and any refusal to cancel, as this is what the MDTCA will ask for if you need to escalate.
Your legal position summary
You have the right to: Cancel your Simply Business policy before the renewal date without penalty, provided you give notice in time. You are protected by the Consumer Protection Act 1999 from automatic billing for unwanted renewals.
You must provide: Clear written or recorded notice to Simply Business identifying your policy number, full name, and the cancellation date you request. The company must confirm receipt.
You are entitled to: A pro-rata refund if you paid in advance for coverage beyond your cancellation date, depending on Simply Business' stated refund policy in your contract and the terms of the Consumer Protection Act 1999.
How to cancel Simply Business in malaysia
This section outlines the exact steps you must take to cancel your policy and avoid being charged for a renewal you do not want.
Gather your documentation before contacting Simply Business
Do not call Simply Business without having your account details on hand. The company will ask you to verify your identity and policy details before discussing cancellation. Missing information creates delays and gives the company a reason to claim it was unclear about which policy you wanted to cancel.
- Locate your policy number from your original policy document, confirmation email, or your Simply Business account dashboard.
- Check your email inbox for the subject line "Policy Confirmation" or "Welcome to Simply Business".
- Log into your account at simplybusiness.com if you have username and password access.
- If you cannot find your policy number, contact support and ask for it before you request cancellation.
- Note your renewal date from your policy document or most recent renewal notice.
- Your renewal notice is typically sent 30 to 60 days before the anniversary of your policy start date.
- Mark this date in red because this is your deadline to cancel before the next charge applies.
- Record your last payment amount and the date it was charged.
- Check your bank statement or credit card statement for the exact debit date.
- Note whether the payment was monthly, quarterly, or annual.
- Take screenshots of your account page, policy summary, and any renewal notice.
- Use the screenshot function on your phone or computer (Windows + Print Screen, or Command + Shift + 3 on Mac).
- Save these images in a dedicated folder labeled "Simply Business Cancellation".
Contact Simply Business by phone
The verified cancellation method is by phone. Simply Business handles cancellation requests directly through its phone support line, not through email or chat alone. You must speak with a representative to confirm your identity and request cancellation.
- Call Simply Business at +1 (855) 869-5183 during business hours.
- Business hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Central Time (US). Malaysia is 12 to 14 hours ahead, so you may need to call in the early morning Malaysian time.
- If the line is busy, call again the same day. Do not wait multiple days, as this delays your cancellation request.
- When you reach a representative, provide your policy number, full name, and business name on the policy.
- Say clearly: "I want to cancel my policy effective [state your desired cancellation date, e.g., 30 March 2025]".
- Do not say "I might cancel" or "I am thinking about cancelling". Be direct and final.
- Ask the representative for a cancellation confirmation number.
- Write down this number immediately.
- This number is your proof that you requested cancellation.
- Confirm the cancellation effective date with the representative and ask them to repeat it back to you.
- Ensure the date is before your renewal date, not after.
- If the representative says your cancellation will take effect after your next renewal charge, request an earlier date.
Follow up in writing by email
Yafee strongly recommends sending a follow-up email within one hour of your phone call. This creates a written record that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs can review if a dispute arises later.
- Draft an email to [email protected] titled "Cancellation Request - Policy [Your Policy Number]".
- Include the exact text: "I formally request cancellation of my Simply Business policy number [XXXXX] effective [date], as discussed with [representative's name if provided] by telephone on [today's date] at [time]. Cancellation confirmation number is [XXXXX]."
- Attach screenshots of your policy details and renewal notice.
- Send the email and keep a copy of the sent message in a dedicated folder.
- Do not delete this email or your sent folder.
- Screenshot the email showing the "Sent" status, date, and time.
- Note the date and time you sent this email.
- This timestamp proves you cancelled before your renewal date.
- Save this information in your "Simply Business Cancellation" folder.
Monitor your account for the cancellation confirmation
After you request cancellation, Simply Business must send you a written confirmation. This confirmation should state your cancellation effective date and confirm that no further charges will be applied after that date.
- Wait for a cancellation confirmation email from Simply Business within 5 to 7 business days.
- This email should arrive at the address associated with your policy account.
- If you do not receive it within one week, send a follow-up email to [email protected] asking for confirmation.
- When the confirmation arrives, read it carefully to verify the cancellation date is correct.
- If the cancellation date shown is after your renewal date, contact support immediately to request an earlier date.
- Screenshot this confirmation email and save it.
- Keep this confirmation email permanently.
- Do not archive it or delete it, even after one year.
- If Simply Business charges you again and claims no cancellation request was received, this email proves otherwise.
What happens after you cancel your Simply Business policy
Cancellation is not instant. There is a transition period during which you need to ensure your coverage ends cleanly and you are not charged again.
Confirm no further charges appear
Your cancellation is not complete until you see evidence that charges have stopped. Monitor your bank account and credit card closely for the next 90 days.
On your renewal date, check your bank statement to confirm that Simply Business did not process another charge. If a charge does appear after your cancellation confirmation email, contact [email protected] immediately with the subject line "Unauthorized charge after cancellation - Policy [Your Policy Number]". Include your cancellation confirmation email as evidence.
If Simply Business refuses to refund the unauthorised charge, lodge a complaint with your bank or credit card company. Most Malaysian banks and card issuers offer dispute resolution services for unauthorised charges. This is faster than waiting for Simply Business to respond.
Switch to alternative insurance if needed
If you cancelled because you are switching insurers, ensure your new policy is active before your Simply Business coverage ends. There should be no gap in coverage. Yafee recommends obtaining written confirmation from your new insurer that your policy is in force and provides the same scope of coverage as your Simply Business policy.
Do not rely on verbal assurance. Get confirmation in writing with the effective date, policy number, and coverage limits clearly stated.
Refund policy and what to expect
Simply Business' refund position depends on your policy type and how far into your annual term you are.
When you are entitled to a refund
If you paid for annual coverage in advance and cancel before the end of that year, you may be entitled to a pro-rata refund for the unused portion. In accordance with the Consumer Protection Act 1999, you should receive back the proportion of your premium that corresponds to the period after your cancellation date.
For example, if you paid RM1,200 for 12 months of annual coverage and cancelled after 3 months, a pro-rata refund would be RM900 (9 months unused). However, Simply Business may deduct a cancellation fee or administrative charge, depending on the terms you agreed to.
How to request a refund
Do not assume a refund is automatic. When you call to cancel, explicitly ask: "Am I entitled to a refund for the unused portion of my premium?" Note the representative's response and the reasoning they give.
If they say a refund applies, ask for the refund amount in writing and the timeline for processing. If they say no refund applies, ask them to explain which clause of your policy contract prevents it. Request the specific policy language in writing.
If Simply Business owes you a refund, it must process this within 30 days of your cancellation effective date. If it does not, or if you believe the refund amount is incorrect, you can escalate this to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs as a breach of the Consumer Protection Act 1999.
Pricing breakdown and renewal costs
Understanding what you are paying helps you decide whether cancellation is the right move.
| Coverage type |
Approximate monthly cost (RM) |
Annual total (RM) |
Best for |
| General Liability |
98 |
1,176 |
Most small businesses |
| Professional Liability |
122 |
1,464 |
Consultants, advisors |
| Business Owner's Policy |
159 |
1,908 |
Multiple coverage needs |
| Workers' Compensation |
184 |
2,208 |
Businesses with employees |
These are indicative costs based on available examples. Your actual premium depends on your industry, business size, claims history, and other underwriting factors. When you receive your renewal notice, the cost may be higher if your business profile has changed or if Simply Business has raised its rates.
Common mistakes people make when cancelling
Cancellation is straightforward if you follow the steps above. You are not alone if you have found the process confusing with a foreign insurer, and Yafee has compiled the most common pitfalls so you can avoid them.
Cancelling by email without phone confirmation
Some people email a cancellation request to [email protected] and assume they have cancelled. Email alone is not sufficient because you cannot prove the company received it. Simply Business can claim the email went to spam, was lost, or did not include enough information to identify your policy.
Always cancel by phone first, then send a follow-up email as confirmation. The phone call creates a record of your voice and the date and time, which is harder for the company to dispute later.
Cancelling after the renewal date
If you submit your cancellation request after your renewal date, the next year's premium has already been charged to your account. You now have a full year of coverage you did not want and a much larger refund to pursue.
Mark your renewal date in your calendar or phone with a reminder set for 45 days before. Cancel well before this date, not after. In accordance with your policy terms, cancellation takes effect when Simply Business receives your notice, not when you want it to take effect retroactively.
Not saving proof of your cancellation request
Screenshots, confirmation numbers, emails, and call logs are your only defence if a dispute arises. If you cancel but do not keep any evidence, Simply Business can claim it never received your request, and you will struggle to prove otherwise.
Save everything from the moment you call: the representative's name, the date, the time, the confirmation number, the cancellation effective date, and the names of anyone you spoke with. Do the same for emails. Store these files in a folder you can access for at least two years after cancellation.
Assuming the cancellation is final without confirming it
Do not assume that your cancellation is processed just because you received an acknowledgement email. Follow up 10 days before your renewal date to confirm that your policy is showing as cancelled in the system. Contact Simply Business again and ask for written confirmation that your policy will not renew.
If Simply Business refuses to cancel your policy or continues to charge you after cancellation, you have formal complaint channels.
Direct contact with Simply Business
Phone: +1 (855) 869-5183 (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Central Time US)
Email: [email protected]
Help Centre: www.simplybusiness.com/help-center/
Escalation to malaysia's consumer protection authority
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP)
Address: Aras 1-6, Blok D, Kompleks Pertama, Jalan Datin Halimah, 50614 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3 8000 8000
Website: www.kpdnhep.gov.my
Email: [email protected]
Lodge a complaint with the Ministry if Simply Business violates the Consumer Protection Act 1999 by refusing to cancel, continuing to charge after cancellation, or failing to refund unused premiums. The Ministry can compel the company to make things right.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling Simply Business requires three actions: phone the company with your policy details, send a follow-up email, and save all confirmation documents. Your cancellation is effective when Simply Business receives your notice and before your next renewal date. The Consumer Protection Act 1999 protects your right to cancel, and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs enforces this right if the company refuses.
Yafee has helped thousands of Malaysian consumers cancel international insurance services and other subscriptions by following this exact procedure. The steps are simple, but the documentation is critical. Do not skip any of them.
Act now if your renewal date is approaching. Do not wait until after the charge has been applied. Yafee recommends keeping our cancellation guide as a reference and checking your bank statement on your renewal date to confirm that Simply Business has honoured your request. If you encounter any resistance from the company, your documentation and this guide will support your complaint to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.