Hiscox

Small business insurance from an established specialty insurer

Visit Hiscox β†’
Price band Quote only
Rough cost Premiums vary by trade, revenue, and state
Company size Solo to ~50 staff
Category Insurance

What Hiscox is

Hiscox underwrites small business general liability, professional liability, and business owners policies with online quoting and a long specialty insurance track record. It appeals to contractors who want digital convenience from a traditional carrier rather than a startup.

Best for

Small contractors wanting a traditional carrier with online convenience

Watch out

Appetite varies by trade and some higher-risk construction classes are excluded, so check eligibility early.

What it does well

  • Established specialty insurer with strong ratings
  • Online quoting and policy management
  • Professional liability available alongside general liability
  • Flexible payment options

Integrates with

Online policy portal

Integration lists change often and "integrates" can mean anything from a real two-way sync to a one-way push through Zapier. Ask the vendor which fields move, in which direction, and how often.

Before you commit

  • Match coverage to your actual exposure and contract requirements β€” a cheap policy with the wrong limits is a liability.
  • Instant certificate of insurance generation is worth real money when commercial clients ask for one.
  • Confirm whether tools and equipment are covered, and at replacement cost or actual cash value.
  • Lien rights run on hard statutory deadlines that vary by state. Calendar them the day you start a job.
  • Keep licence, insurance, and registration renewals in one place with a named owner, not in someone’s memory.

How to judge it in a trial

Run one real job through it end to end β€” not the demo data. Quote it, schedule it, do it, invoice it, take the payment. Then ask the only question that matters on day 400: did the people who have to use this every day find it faster than what they do now? Friction you notice in week one compounds forever, and tool-hopping costs more than any feature gap.

Compare

Alternatives to Hiscox

Other tools solving the same problem, for a similar kind of business.

NEXT Insurance

Quote only

Instant online trade insurance with same-day certificates

Solo to ~50 staff

Best for: Small contractors who need coverage and certificates quickly and cheaply

Simply Business

Quote only

Insurance comparison marketplace for trade businesses

Solo to ~100 staff

Best for: Contractors who want to compare multiple carriers without calling each one

Collect and monitor subcontractor insurance and documents

5+ subcontractors

Best for: Contractors who routinely hire subcontractors and need current documentation

Thimble

Pay per use

On-demand liability insurance by the job, day, or month

Solo and part-time

Best for: Part-time and occasional contractors, or one-off jobs requiring proof of coverage

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