Hiscox Opens Small Business Insurance Online Store

The carrier began the initiative in response to trends among its target market.

New York-based Hiscox USA is making small business insurance products available directly to consumers via an online quote-and-buy store.

Available in 21 states and the District of Columbia, the online offering is backed by advisors based at the Hiscox Small Business Insurance Customer Service Center in Virginia Beach, Va. The target market is companies with 10 employees or less in knowledge-based professions such as IT, management and business consulting and marketing, according to Hiscox. The company cited research that found this target audience searching for the products online.

Launch products include professional liability, general liability and workers' compensation. A business owners policy combining general liability with business property coverage, will also be available by the end of the year.

"Small business owners… are looking for clear information on risks and how to get the right cover," Kevin Kerridge, head of US direct for Hiscox USA, says in a statement. "Our real-time online quote and buy system… brings the convenience of 24/7 access to our service."

Nathan Golia is senior editor of Insurance & Technology. He joined the publication in 2010 as associate editor and covers all aspects of the nexus between insurance and information technology, including mobility, distribution, core systems, customer interaction, and risk ... View Full Bio