At-Bay vs 
Hiscox: How Do They Compare for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance?
Hiscox sells E&O online directly to small businesses in 49 states and DC (not Alaska); At-Bay's MPL page is directed at licensed insurance professionals rather than direct retail buyers, with limits up to $5 million.
Hiscox offers online E&O purchase in 49 states and Washington, D.C.; At-Bay uses broker submissions and publishes an MPL limit ceiling of $5 million. 5,1
What Are the Key Differences Between At-Bay and Hiscox Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance?
Buy Online or Through a Broker
Hiscox sells professional liability directly online to small businesses in 49 states and Washington, D.C., excluding Alaska; buyers elsewhere may need a specialist broker. At-Bay directs MPL through a submitting agent rather than an end-business online purchase. If direct online buying matters, Hiscox describes the clearer route. 5 2
State, Limit and Policy Fit
At-Bay offers primary MPL with limits up to $5 million for businesses of all revenue sizes, subject to state restrictions. Hiscox publishes a state list but leaves limits and retentions to the quote. Check state eligibility first, then compare the actual terms each company offers. 1 6
Identify the Insurer
Hiscox names the underwriting company for its admitted policies:
Hiscox's appetite guide and About Hiscox US page name Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. (NAIC 10200) as the underwriter of admitted Hiscox NOW professional-liability policies. 8,7Company-reported. Admitted small-business professional liability as described in company materials; the exact contracting entity for a particular state or channel should be confirmed on the quote.
At-Bay’s current product page does not name the insurer for a new MPL policy. Ask both to identify the company on your declarations and confirm which claims-made terms apply. 1
What Should You Confirm in At-Bay and Hiscox Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance Quotes?
- Confirm Hiscox can sell online in your state or identify a specialist broker. 5
- Ask At-Bay which insurer will issue its policy and which state restrictions apply. 1
- Compare actual limits, retentions, exclusions and premium. 6 1
- Ask how Hiscox’s claims-made policy treats claims reported after cancellation or a carrier change. 6
At-Bay vs Hiscox Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance Compared
At-Bay vs Hiscox: Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance: documented features by provider
| Criteria | At-Bay Miscellaneous Professional Liability (MPL) Insurance | Hiscox Professional Liability Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Who It’s For | At-Bay says it provides primary MPL for businesses of all revenue sizes with limits up to $5 million, subject to state restrictions and eligibility requirements detailed in a separate MPL appetite guide. 1Company-reported. Current MPL appetite paragraph; the linked appetite guide's specific eligibility requirements were not independently opened for this record. | Hiscox says professional liability is licensed for sale in 49 states and Washington, D.C., excluding Alaska, and that if it does not sell the product online in a buyer's state, a specialist broker may be able to help instead. 5,8Company-reported. Company-stated jurisdiction for the online small-business catalogue; the appetite guide's technology classes (IT consultants, software development) illustrate typical buyers but do not guarantee acceptance for any one applicant. |
| How to Apply | At-Bay directs MPL submissions to underwriting by email or through automatic quotes on its Broker Platform, which At-Bay describes as a workflow of creating a quote, customizing limits and retentions, and binding the policy. 1,4Company-reported. Current submission instructions and the general broker-platform workflow description; MPL-specific automation details were not separately confirmed. | Hiscox says eligible buyers can quote and buy professional liability online, with licensed advisors available by phone during posted hours for questions during the process. 5Company-reported. Company-described online application; eligibility and binding conditions require confirmation on the actual application. |
| Coverage Features | At-Bay lists MPL coverage highlights including automatic coverage for acquired subsidiaries, claims-made-and-reported coverage, coverage for independent contractors, disciplinary-proceedings defense, a duty-to-defend contract, personal-injury coverage (including emotional distress), punitive damages where insurable, a professional-services definition written for each insured, and an 80/20 hammer clause. 1Company-reported. Product-page coverage-highlights list; an 80/20 hammer clause is a settlement provision where the insurer pays 80% and the insured pays 20% of costs after the insured declines a recommended settlement. The issued policy and declarations control actual wording, limits and exclusions. | Hiscox describes professional liability as a claims-made policy, meaning a claim is covered only if it is made (and typically reported) while the policy is active, rather than an occurrence policy covering incidents regardless of when the claim surfaces. 6Company-reported. Product FAQ description; exact triggers, retroactive dates, exclusions and wording are set by the issued policy. |
| Role in This Line | At-Bay markets MPL as one of its own named insurance products, sold through its disclosed producer, At-Bay Insurance Services LLC, with the product page directed at "properly licensed insurance professionals" submitting business rather than at direct retail buyers. 1,2Company-reported. Current MPL product page and license disclosures; this describes the distribution channel, not who bears the underwriting risk. | Hiscox Inc., a licensed insurance intermediary, sells professional liability (errors and omissions) coverage directly online to small businesses as part of its Hiscox NOW admitted small-business catalogue. 7,5Company-reported. Company-stated online small-business channel. |
