Hiscox UK - London

Arwyn Bailey

I used to be an IFA and I have always been very cautious of General insurance. When I was on holiday in Chile, many years ago, an expensive zoom lens broke in use. I tried claiming on the travel insurance. There were all sorts of caveats. I was unable to claim. I tried household insurance. As it occurred overseas, there was no cover.

Earlier this year I received a renewal notice on my business insurance. It was being increased by a third!

I have held business insurance for nigh on 30 years. Not once have I claimed on any insurance. I have deemed it not to be worthwhile.

Due to the increases in premium I went to a broker whom I know.

He shopped around and arrived at three companies.

I discounted one company as being too expensive. One of the remaining two companies was so intrusive in their questioning. They would ask for information. I supplied it, quite readily. They came back with more questions, I supplied that information. They came back a third time.

I said to the broker that if this company is going to be this fussy on an application, having given an indicative price only, then they will be problematic in a claim scenario.

I asked him to go ahead with Hiscox, partly upon his own experience when his clients have claimed.

I did not expect to make a claim, it just so happens that I have had to make my first two claims on accidental damage to equipment ever.

On both occasions the process has been seamless. There have been no intrusive questions.

I realise that this is not a huge amount in the grand scheme of things, but, to a small business like mine it is the difference between borrowing a stash of money to replace expensive lenses, going bust, or, carrying on with my business with successful claims.

I have used specialist insurers in the past, for my own profession, who were selling their services at a trade show. Every year they wanted to know the exact value of equipment; turn over, to the penny, on each individual area of my business; company accounts submitted etc... I fully understand the need to measure risk as actuaries, within a company, but, the issue with that company was that they were not the insurers. They were passing on the risk to a variety of companies.

I understand how risk and premiums work. I advised upon this on life and illness cover for almost twenty years. My son-in-law has a degree in actuarial science.

Hiscox is the very first company, in my experience of thirty years, that has offered any kind of high level of service. Their level of customer service is exceptional.

Thank you to Scarlett Allen who is dealing with the current claim, and to Hannah Rogers for dealing with the first claim. for your prompt replies and client service.

I have experienced this high level of service twice, therefore it is no accident and it must be embedded within this company.

It is one of the best decisions that I have ever made to choose Hiscox Group as my business insurance provider.

Francesca Baccarella

I haven't had to claim anything yet (touch wood) but signing up with Hiscox was very pleasant and easy. When I phoned them to add to my policy they didn't take long to answer the phone and the customer services was really friendly.

Hannah Cott

I wouldn't normally review an insurance provider, but from my limited experience as someone who is self-employed, Hiscox provides a good service and are easy to contact when anything needs changing on the policy. They have extended hours so you can contact them outside of normal working hours and they talk it through with you without using jargon or judging you. They're a recognised company and their prices seem reasonable. I haven't had experience of making a claim but they seem to have a quick turnaround so I have no doubt they would be helpful.

Zain Khan

Disgusted. Took out money from my account without asking me. The policy is not even mine. Policy holder has a different billing address. And the business is unwilling to refund me the money or to even speak to me in the phone as I'm not the policy holder. Thieves, stay well clear.of them. Sent 5 emails none came back with response. How much more richer will you get from stealing £240 from , goes to show the worth of the business. Stay away from these beggars they will steal your money and ignore you.

David Winston

I am a long-term, loyal customer and just received a renewal quote for building and contents insurance. Premium has gone up from £524 to £837, so an increase of 60% having made no claims in the past year. Rang them to investigate and they gave me some flannel along the lines that they’ve recalibrated the way they assess properties for premium calculation purposes and this is what they’ve come up with. It either suggests they were getting it seriously wrong under their old method, or it’s the usual story of screwing the loyal customer in favour of picking up new customers by offering (initially) attractive premiums. It’s a real shame as, whilst they were never the cheapest in terms of premium, they were generally good to deal with and helpful on the rare occasions I had to deal with them. Now it’s plain they are just as greedy and money grabbing as the rest.

Angel Angelov (AngelExperiences)

The view from the new Hiscox office in 22BISHOPSGATE building.

Ameet Patel

Rejected business interruption despite my policy being valid and clearly stating We were covered. What a scam! And then doubled my renewal quote changing the conditions in the business interruption section! If it wasn’t covered then why change it on renewal?

RayTarantino

Ridiculously overpriced and slow customer support, After one full year with no claim bonus I asked for a decrease but as response they decided to increase my premium for no reason whatsoever. I cancelled after paying every month in advance and their “refund policy” results in me having to pay them more for a period of time I’m not covered. WOW! Never again!!!!