Hiscox USA Expands General Liability Coverage for Small Businesses

NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hiscox USA today announced the expansion of its small business general liability insurance, now available direct and online to professional services businesses with 10 employees or less in California, Massachusetts, Maryland and New Jersey, in addition to 19 other states and the District of Columbia.

The availability of Hiscox general liability insurance in these additional markets will allow more small businesses, including start-ups, to protect themselves against common risks including claims that they damaged client offices and equipment or injured or slandered others.  Small businesses are projected to incur $152 billion in tort liability costs in 2011 alone(1), and Hiscox Small Business Insurance provides the protection they need against covered claims and frivolous lawsuits. The general liability insurance offering is in addition to the lines of coverage currently available direct and online in those states, which include professional liability insurance (E&O) and workers' compensation insurance, through EMPLOYERS® (in MD and CA).

Designed specifically for the small and home-office market, Hiscox Small Business Insurance is customized for a range of knowledge-based professions including IT, management consulting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and marketing. Tailored general liability coverage starts at less than $30 a month, making it an affordable and efficient way for small businesses to get coverage compared to more traditional channels. Home-based businesses can receive discounts of up to 10% on Hiscox general liability insurance, reflecting their reduced risks. There are no deductibles for claims covered under these policies and coverage protects small businesses for work from direct staff, in addition to temporary staff and subcontractors.

Since the offering launched in November, small business owners in 23 states and across 23 different industries have protected their businesses with Hiscox Small Business Insurance. In addition, a business owners policy (BOP) will also be available in the second quarter of 2011. This policy combines general liability insurance with coverage for business property, for example buildings, office contents and loss of electronic data.

"Hiscox's general liability insurance offering can be customized to meet the needs of small businesses in different industries," said Kevin Kerridge, Head of US Direct, Hiscox USA. "The continued expansion of Hiscox's offering provides small businesses across the country with affordable, direct coverage that protects them from common risk exposures."

Hiscox's online offering is backed by trained licensed advisors based at the Hiscox Small Business Insurance Customer Service Center in Virginia Beach, VA. The service center is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM EST.

To learn more about Hiscox Small Business Insurance, visit http://www.hiscoxusa.com/small-business-insurance/ or speak with a Hiscox licensed advisor at (888) 202-3007 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM EST).

Notes to Editors

(1) Source: U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform , July 2010

About Hiscox in the U.S.

Hiscox, the international specialist insurer, is headquartered in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: HSX). There are three main underwriting parts of the Group – Hiscox London Market, Hiscox UK and Europe and Hiscox International. Hiscox International includes operations in Bermuda, Guernsey and the USA. Hiscox ASM Ltd, Hiscox Underwriting Ltd and Hiscox Syndicates Ltd are authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority. The ability of syndicates at Lloyd's to do business in the USA and its territories is restricted as they are not US-based insurers.

Hiscox Inc., a Delaware corporation headquartered in New York, d/b/a Hiscox Insurance Agency in CA, is a licensed insurance intermediary for admitted and surplus lines business. Hiscox Inc. underwrites on behalf of, and places business with, Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., other domestic insurers, and syndicates at Lloyd's (www.lloyds.com). Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. is a Chicago, IL domiciled insurer which is admitted or licensed to do business in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Inquiries as to insurance, products or services, other than those offered by Hiscox Small Business Insurance, should be directed to an insurance agent or broker licensed to conduct business in the relevant U.S. state. For further information about an insurer's ability to do business in the USA and US territories please contact a licensed agent or broker for advice.

This communication provides general information on Hiscox's products and services only and, except with regard to Hiscox Small Business Insurance, is not intended to be, and does not constitute, a solicitation of business by syndicates at Lloyd's from or in respect of the USA or U.S. territories. The information contained herein is not a part of an insurance policy, and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

About Hiscox Small Business Insurance

Hiscox is the first company in the U.S. to offer insurance coverage for professional services businesses with 10 employees or less direct, online, and in real-time. We provide professional liability, general liability and business owners insurance, underwritten by Hiscox Insurance Company Inc.  We also offer workers' compensation insurance provided by EMPLOYERS®.  Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. is rated 'A' (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.

Quote and buy customized coverage online at hiscoxusa.com/small-business-insurance or by calling a Hiscox licensed advisor at (888) 202-3007 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM -10:00 PM EST).

About Employers Holdings, Inc.

Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EIG) is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers' compensation insurance and services focused on select small businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries. The company, through its subsidiaries, operates coast to coast. Insurance is offered by Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, and Employers Assurance Company, all rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Additional information can be found at: http://www.employers.com.

Disclaimer

Coverages are subject to underwriting and may not be available in all states.  As of December 31, 2009, Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. had admitted assets of $63,021,985 and policyholders surplus of $52,782,927. Total liabilities were $10,239,058 (inclusive of $4,731,628 in reserves) and paid up capital stock was $4,200,000.

SOURCE Hiscox USA