Hiscox vs The Hartford
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top business insurance picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
Hiscox
Ranked #6 of 15 in this directory
Specialized professional liability insurance for small businesses
The Hartford
Ranked #1 of 15 in this directory
Business insurance backed by over 200 years of experience
Our pick: The Hartford. Our editors rank The Hartford higher overall in Business Insurance — but Hiscox can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Professional Liability | General Liability |
| Editorial rank | #6 of 15 | #1 of 15 |
Strengths
Hiscox
- ✓Deep specialization in professional liability for service businesses
- ✓Tailored policies for IT, consulting, marketing, and creative professionals
- ✓Strong financial ratings and claims-paying reputation
- ✓Online quotes available with same-day coverage binding
- ✓Flexible payment options including monthly billing
The Hartford
- ✓Over 200 years of insurance experience with strong financial ratings
- ✓AARP-endorsed small business insurance with dedicated agent support
- ✓Bundled BOP policies save money on liability and property coverage
- ✓Wide range of industry-specific coverage options
- ✓Online certificate of insurance available for instant proof
Watch out for
Hiscox
- !General liability and property coverage is less comprehensive than full-line carriers
- !Pricing can be higher than generalist competitors for some industries
- !Limited physical agent network for in-person consultations
The Hartford
- !Quotes often require a phone call to finalize pricing
- !Not the cheapest option for very small or low-risk businesses
- !Online self-service portal could be more modern
- !Limited availability for some high-risk industries
Best use cases
Hiscox
- →Get E&O coverage for a technology consulting firm before signing a major client contract
- →Add cyber liability to a professional liability policy for a marketing agency handling client data
- →Secure professional indemnity coverage required by a government contract for an IT services company
The Hartford
- →Get a Business Owner's Policy that bundles general liability and property coverage for a retail store
- →Add workers' compensation coverage as you hire your first employees
- →Request a certificate of insurance online to satisfy a client's vendor requirements
About each tool
Hiscox
Hiscox is a specialist insurer focused on professional liability (E&O) coverage for service-based businesses, consultants, and technology companies. The company has deep expertise in professional risks and offers tailored policies that address the specific exposures of knowledge workers. Online quotes and purchasing make it easy to get covered, and Hiscox's claims handling is known for being efficient and fair.
The Hartford
The Hartford is one of the largest and most established business insurance providers in the United States, offering a full suite of commercial coverage including general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, and property insurance. Their small business division is endorsed by AARP and provides dedicated agents who understand the needs of growing companies. The online quote process is straightforward, and bundled Business Owner's Policies (BOPs) offer significant savings.
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