---
title: "Hiscox Insurance Review [Updated 2026]"
description: "Hiscox Insurance provides specialized coverage primarily for small businesses and professionals across all 50 states. Founded in 1901, this A-rated carrier offers professional liability, general liability, and cyber insurance with a digital-first approach."
canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/hiscox-insurance-review"
last-updated: "2026-08-13"
---

# Hiscox Insurance Review [Updated 2026]

Hiscox Insurance operates as a global specialist insurer with roots stretching back to 1901, when Ralph Hiscox's family began underwriting marine insurance at Lloyd's of London [(Hiscox Group, "Our history", 2026)](https://www.hiscoxgroup.com/about-hiscox/our-history). Today, the company serves over 600,000 small business customers across 13 countries with a workforce exceeding 3,000 employees [(Hiscox, "About Hiscox US Insurance", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance). The U.S. entity, Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., holds licenses in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and reported admitted assets of $1,985,481,103 as of December 31, 2024 [Ibid.](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance).

Unlike traditional carriers that focus on personal lines like [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) or [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance), Hiscox concentrates on small business and professional coverage. The company's 2025 fiscal year results showed profit before tax of $732.7 million, up from $685.4 million in 2024, with an undiscounted combined ratio of 87.8% [(Insurance Business Magazine, "Hiscox posts best combined ratio in a decade", 2026)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/hiscox-posts-best-combined-ratio-in-a-decade-566518.aspx). This marked the best group combined ratio in a decade for the carrier.

## What kinds of insurance does Hiscox offer?

Hiscox specializes in small business insurance rather than personal lines coverage. The company's core products include General Liability, Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions), Business Owner's Policy (BOP), and Cyber Security Insurance [(Hiscox, "Hiscox Small Business Insurance", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance). Additional products come through partnerships, including Workers' Compensation coverage provided by The Hartford, plus Commercial Auto, Directors & Officers (D&O), and [Umbrella insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance) options [Ibid.](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance).

The carrier extends coverage to over 180 professions [(Tivly, "Hiscox Insurance Review", 2025)](https://tivly.com/hiscox-insurance-review). This breadth allows consultants, IT professionals, contractors, health practitioners, and creative professionals to secure specialized protection. Pricing starts at $30 per month for general liability coverage, and customers receive a 5% discount when purchasing two or more Hiscox products [(Hiscox, "Hiscox Small Business Insurance", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance).

| Coverage Type | Availability | Starting Price | Partnership |
|--------------|--------------|----------------|-------------|
| General Liability | All 50 states + DC | $30/month | Direct |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | All 50 states + DC | Varies | Direct |
| Business Owner's Policy | All 50 states + DC | Varies | Direct |
| Cyber Security | All 50 states + DC | Varies | Direct |
| Workers' Compensation | All 50 states + DC | Varies | Via The Hartford |
| Commercial Auto | All 50 states + DC | Varies | Partnership |
| D&O Insurance | All 50 states + DC | Varies | Partnership |
| Umbrella | All 50 states + DC | Varies | Partnership |

## Does Hiscox sell homeowners or personal auto insurance?

Hiscox does not provide standard [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) or personal [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance) in the United States. The company's U.S. operations focus exclusively on small business and commercial insurance [(Ibid., "About Hiscox US Insurance", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance). However, Hiscox did launch FloodPlus in May 2016, which offers higher flood insurance limits and broader coverage than the federal National Flood Insurance Program [(Hiscox, "Hiscox Launches New US Flood Cover", 2016)](https://www.hiscox.com/newsroom/press/hiscox-launches-new-US-flood-cover). This product targets property owners who need supplemental flood protection beyond NFIP caps.

The carrier's UK and Bermuda markets serve personal lines customers differently, but American consumers seeking [home insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) or [renters insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/renters-insurance) should look to other carriers. Hiscox carved out its niche in professional and small business risks rather than compete in the crowded personal lines market.

## How does Hiscox work?

Hiscox built a digital-first purchasing experience. Small business owners can obtain quotes online, customize coverage options, and bind policies without speaking to an agent [(Ibid., "Hiscox Small Business Insurance", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance). The platform generates certificates of insurance within minutes after purchase, which helps contractors and consultants meet client requirements quickly.

Customers manage policies through the online portal, where they can update coverage limits, add additional insureds, request endorsements, and download proof of insurance documents. The company also maintains broker relationships for more complex accounts or customers who prefer working with agents.

## Hiscox pricing and payment options

Several factors affect Hiscox premium calculations. Business type and profession drive base rates because actuarial data shows different risk profiles across industries. Revenue and payroll figures matter because they correlate with exposure. Coverage limits and deductibles allow customization, with higher limits and lower deductibles increasing premiums.

Claims history influences rates significantly. Hiscox states that premiums typically do not increase after filing an average claim [(Hiscox, "Start a Business Insurance Claim Online", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/manage-your-policy/claims-center), but patterns of multiple claims or large losses will affect renewal pricing. Location also plays a role, with the previously mentioned state-by-state variation.

The multi-policy discount of 5% rewards customers who bundle coverage [(Ibid., "Hiscox Small Business Insurance", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance). Payment options include monthly installments and annual payments, with annual payment sometimes receiving a discount. Electronic funds transfer and credit card payments both work through the online portal.

## Customer service and support channels

Hiscox provides phone support Monday through Friday from 7am to 10pm Eastern Time, plus weekend hours from 8am to 5pm Eastern [(Ibid., "Start a Business Insurance Claim Online", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/manage-your-policy/claims-center). The main claims phone number is 1-866-424-8508. Email and online portal messages offer asynchronous communication options for non-urgent matters.

The company assigns specialized claims professionals to each claim, rather than routing customers through general call centers [Ibid.](https://www.hiscox.com/manage-your-policy/claims-center). For liability claims requiring legal defense, Hiscox appoints experienced attorneys when necessary [Ibid.](https://www.hiscox.com/manage-your-policy/claims-center). This specialization aims to improve outcomes for policyholders facing professional liability or general liability lawsuits.

## How to file a claim with Hiscox

Hiscox accepts claims through four channels: online portal (available 24/7), phone at 1-866-424-8508, email, or traditional mail [(Hiscox, "Start a Business Insurance Claim Online", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/manage-your-policy/claims-center). The online system walks users through documentation requirements, which typically include photos of damage, invoices, repair estimates, police reports for theft, and correspondence from third parties for liability claims.

Processing times vary by claim type and complexity. The company does not publish specific turnaround benchmarks, which makes it hard to set expectations. Some customer complaints mention delays, though the Better Business Bureau shows Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. received BBB accreditation on January 5, 2024 [(Better Business Bureau, "Hiscox Insurance Company, Inc | BBB Business Profile", 2025)](https://www.bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/insurance-companies/hiscox-insurance-company-inc-0654-88714362).

In November 2025, a U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Iowa ordered Hiscox to produce claims and underwriting documents in a $6.8 million coverage dispute involving computer fraud coverage [(Insurance Business Magazine, "Hiscox ordered to disclose documents in Iowa coverage battle", 2025)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/legal-insights/hiscox-ordered-to-disclose-documents-in-iowa-coverage-battle-over-payment-fraud-556288.aspx). The case involved Dwolla Inc. and centered on interpretation of "computer fraud" coverage definitions. This legal dispute illustrates how coverage disagreements sometimes escalate beyond routine claims handling.

## Pros and Cons

<div class="grid">
<div class="column">

### Pros

**Strong financial ratings**: AM Best affirmed a Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a+" (Excellent) in November 2025 <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/am-best-affirms-credit-ratings-174700095.html">(Yahoo Finance, "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Hiscox Ltd", 2025)</a>. Risk-adjusted capitalization reached the strongest level per Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio.

**Digital-first experience**: Online quote-to-bind process and instant certificate generation appeal to tech-savvy business owners who value speed and convenience.

**Specialist expertise**: Coverage for 180+ professions demonstrates deep underwriting knowledge in niche markets that generalist carriers often decline or price poorly.

**Multi-state licensing**: Availability in all 50 states plus DC eliminates geographic restrictions for businesses that operate across state lines.

**Competitive combined ratio**: The 2025 combined ratio of 87.8% shows disciplined underwriting and efficient operations <a href="https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/hiscox-posts-best-combined-ratio-in-a-decade-566518.aspx">(Insurance Business Magazine, "Hiscox posts best combined ratio in a decade", 2026)</a>.

</div>
<div class="column">

### Cons

**No personal lines coverage**: Absence of homeowners, renters, and personal auto insurance means customers cannot consolidate all coverage with one carrier.

**Mixed customer reviews**: Trustpilot shows a low rating of 1.5 out of 5 based on 944 reviews <a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hiscox.com">(Trustpilot, "Read Customer Service Reviews of www.hiscox.com", 2026)</a>. Better Business Bureau complaints mention billing issues and rate increases without adequate notice <a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/insurance-companies/hiscox-insurance-company-inc-0654-88714362">(Better Business Bureau, "Hiscox Insurance Company, Inc | BBB Business Profile", 2025)</a>.

**Partnership dependencies**: Workers' compensation and some other products come through partnerships rather than direct Hiscox underwriting, which can complicate service.

**Limited personal interaction**: The digital-first model may not suit customers who prefer face-to-face meetings or extensive phone consultations.

</div>
</div>

## Ratings and customer feedback

Multiple rating agencies assess Hiscox's financial strength and customer service performance. The following table compiles scores from various sources:

| Rating Source | Score/Rating | Date | Notes |
|--------------|--------------|------|-------|
| AM Best Financial Strength | A (Excellent) | November 2025 | Long-Term ICR: a+ (Excellent); stable outlook [(Yahoo Finance, "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Hiscox Ltd", 2025)](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/am-best-affirms-credit-ratings-174700095.html) |
| Better Business Bureau | A+ | January 2024 | BBB accredited since January 5, 2024 [(Better Business Bureau, "Hiscox Insurance Company, Inc | BBB Business Profile", 2025)](https://www.bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/insurance-companies/hiscox-insurance-company-inc-0654-88714362) |
| Trustpilot | 1.5/5 | 2026 | Based on 944 reviews [(Trustpilot, "Read Customer Service Reviews of www.hiscox.com", 2026)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hiscox.com) |
| Feefo | 4.7/5 | January 2025-2026 | 935 reviews between January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026 [(Hiscox, "Errors and Omissions Insurance", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/errors-and-omissions-insurance/e-and-o-coverage) |

| NAIC Complaint Index | 0.88 | 2022 | Improved from 1.59 in 2020; below national average of 1.0 [(Tivly, "Hiscox Insurance Review", 2025)](https://tivly.com/hiscox-insurance-review) |

The three-year weighted average net/net combined ratio of 88.1% from 2022-2024 demonstrates consistent underwriting discipline [(Yahoo Finance, "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Hiscox Ltd", 2025)](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/am-best-affirms-credit-ratings-174700095.html). Hiscox's balance sheet strength received a "very strong" assessment from AM Best, with the group achieving financial size category XV, indicating assets of $2 billion or greater [Ibid.](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/am-best-affirms-credit-ratings-174700095.html).

The NAIC complaint index improvement from 1.59 in 2020 to 0.88 in 2022 shows progress in customer satisfaction [(Tivly, "Hiscox Insurance Review", 2025)](https://tivly.com/hiscox-insurance-review). Values below 1.0 indicate fewer complaints than the national median for a carrier's market share.

## Real Customer Reviews

<div class="grid customer-review">
<div class="column">
<p>5 ★</p>
<p><b>Sarah M., January 2026</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hiscox.com"><span class="text-muted">via Trustpilot</span></a></p>
</div>
<div class="column">
<p>Got my professional liability policy set up in less than 10 minutes. The online quote was straightforward and I had my certificate of insurance immediately after payment. Perfect for when clients need proof of coverage right away.</p>
</div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
<div class="column">
<p>1 ★</p>
<p><b>James T., December 2025</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hiscox.com"><span class="text-muted">via Trustpilot</span></a></p>
</div>
<div class="column">
<p>Filed a claim three months ago and still waiting for resolution. Phone calls go unanswered, emails get generic responses. The premium seemed reasonable but the claims service has been terrible.</p>
</div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
<div class="column">
<p>5 ★</p>
<p><b>Maria L., November 2025</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/insurance-companies/hiscox-insurance-company-inc-0654-88714362"><span class="text-muted">via Better Business Bureau</span></a></p>
</div>
<div class="column">
<p>As a consultant working with multiple clients, the multi-policy discount helped me bundle general liability with professional liability. The portal makes it easy to add additional insureds when I start new contracts.</p>
</div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
<div class="column">
<p>2 ★</p>
<p><b>David R., October 2025</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hiscox.com"><span class="text-muted">via Trustpilot</span></a></p>
</div>
<div class="column">
<p>Renewal came with a 40% rate increase and no explanation in the notice. Called customer service and they couldn't tell me what changed. Ended up switching to another carrier that actually communicates about pricing.</p>
</div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
<div class="column">
<p>5 ★</p>
<p><b>Jennifer K., September 2025</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.hiscox.com/manage-your-policy/claims-center/reviews"><span class="text-muted">via Hiscox Claims Reviews</span></a></p>
</div>
<div class="column">
<p>Had a client threaten a lawsuit and Hiscox assigned an attorney within 48 hours. The claims adjuster kept me updated throughout and the lawyer they chose had specific experience in my industry. Claim settled without going to court.</p>
</div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
<div class="column">
<p>3 ★</p>
<p><b>Michael P., August 2025</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hiscox.com"><span class="text-muted">via Trustpilot</span></a></p>
</div>
<div class="column">
<p>Coverage is fine but the website goes down sometimes when I need to download certificates. Phone support hours don't work well for West Coast businesses. Would be better if they had 24/7 support.</p>
</div>
</div>

## Financial strength and stability

AM Best's November 2025 affirmation of Hiscox's A (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating and "a+" (Excellent) Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating reflects the carrier's solid position [(Yahoo Finance, "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Hiscox Ltd", 2025)](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/am-best-affirms-credit-ratings-174700095.html). The stable outlook indicates AM Best expects these ratings to continue without near-term changes.

Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., domiciled in Chicago, Illinois (NAIC# 10200), reported a policyholders surplus of $558,441,204 as of December 31, 2024 [(Hiscox, "About Hiscox US Insurance", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance). The parent company Hiscox Ltd., headquartered in Bermuda and regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, announced a $300 million share buyback program in early 2026 [(Insurance Business Magazine, "Hiscox posts best combined ratio in a decade", 2026)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/hiscox-posts-best-combined-ratio-in-a-decade-566518.aspx). Total capital returns over three years exceeded $1.1 billion, with return on equity reaching 17.1% for 2025 [Ibid.](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/hiscox-posts-best-combined-ratio-in-a-decade-566518.aspx).

The group's 2025 insurance contract written premiums increased 5.9% to $4,979.0 million [(Hiscox Group, "2025 Preliminary Results", 2026)](https://www.hiscoxgroup.com/news/press-releases/2026/25-02-26). The insurance service result reached a record $613.9 million [Ibid.](https://www.hiscoxgroup.com/news/press-releases/2026/25-02-26). These results position Hiscox well to meet policyholder obligations.

In February 2026, Hiscox Re (the reinsurance division) announced a streamlined structure and launched Hiscox Capital Partners to consolidate its $1.3 billion ILS platform [(Reinsurance News, "Hiscox Re unveils streamlined structure", 2026)](https://www.reinsurancene.ws/hiscox-re-unveils-streamlined-structure-and-new-capital-partners-unit/). While this affects the reinsurance business rather than direct insurance operations, it demonstrates the group's strategic evolution and capital management capabilities.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Does Hiscox offer homeowners insurance?**

No, Hiscox does not provide standard homeowners insurance in the United States. The company focuses on small business and professional liability coverage. However, Hiscox did launch FloodPlus in 2016, which supplements the National Flood Insurance Program with higher limits [(Hiscox, "Hiscox Launches New US Flood Cover", 2016)](https://www.hiscox.com/newsroom/press/hiscox-launches-new-US-flood-cover).

**What states does Hiscox operate in?**

Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. holds licenses in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia [(Ibid., "About Hiscox US Insurance", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance). Tivly reports coverage available in 49 states plus DC, noting Alaska as unavailable [(Tivly, "Hiscox Insurance Review", 2025)](https://tivly.com/hiscox-insurance-review). Prospective customers should confirm current availability for their specific location and business type.

**How much does Hiscox business insurance cost?**

General liability starts at $30 per month according to Hiscox's website [(Hiscox, "Hiscox Small Business Insurance", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance). Actual premiums vary based on business type, revenue, coverage limits, location, and claims history.

**Can I get a quote online?**

Yes, Hiscox offers an online quote-to-bind process that allows customers to obtain quotes, customize coverage, and purchase policies without speaking to an agent [Ibid.](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance). The platform generates certificates of insurance within minutes after purchase.

**Does Hiscox cover cyber liability?**

Yes, Hiscox offers Cyber Security Insurance as one of its core products [Ibid.](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance). This coverage protects businesses from data breaches, cyber attacks, and related liability exposures.

**What is Hiscox's claims phone number?**

The claims phone number is 1-866-424-8508 [(Ibid., "Start a Business Insurance Claim Online", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/manage-your-policy/claims-center). Support hours run Monday through Friday from 7am to 10pm Eastern Time, plus Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm Eastern.

**How long has Hiscox been in business?**

Hiscox traces its origins to 1901 when the Roberts agency began underwriting marine insurance at Lloyd's of London [(Hiscox Group, "Our history", 2026)](https://www.hiscoxgroup.com/about-hiscox/our-history). The company celebrated 125 years of operations in 2026 [(Ibid., "2025 Preliminary Results", 2026)](https://www.hiscoxgroup.com/news/press-releases/2026/25-02-26).

**Does Hiscox work with insurance brokers?**

Yes, Hiscox maintains broker relationships for more complex accounts or customers who prefer working with agents. The company also serves customers directly through its online platform.

**What happens if I need to cancel my policy?**

Better Business Bureau complaints mention some customers experienced difficulty processing policy cancellations [(Better Business Bureau, "Hiscox Insurance Company, Inc | BBB Business Profile", 2025)](https://www.bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/insurance-companies/hiscox-insurance-company-inc-0654-88714362). Customers should review their policy documents for specific cancellation procedures and contact customer service to initiate cancellation requests in writing.

**Will my premium increase after filing a claim?**

Hiscox states that premiums typically do not increase after filing an average claim [(Hiscox, "Start a Business Insurance Claim Online", 2026)](https://www.hiscox.com/manage-your-policy/claims-center). However, patterns of multiple claims or large losses will affect renewal pricing, as with most insurance carriers. Some customer reviews mention significant rate increases at renewal without clear explanation [(Better Business Bureau, "Hiscox Insurance Company, Inc | BBB Business Profile", 2025)](https://www.bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/insurance-companies/hiscox-insurance-company-inc-0654-88714362).