---
title: "At-Bay vs Hiscox: Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance"
description: "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."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/at-bay-vs-hiscox/professional-errors-omissions"
page-type: "line-comparison"
updated-at: "2026-09-25"
comparison-pair: "at-bay-vs-hiscox"
provider-a: "at-bay"
provider-b: "hiscox"
coverage-line: "professional-errors-omissions"
---

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[Human-readable page](https://spot.insure/compare/at-bay-vs-hiscox/professional-errors-omissions)

## Agent Guide

**What this page is:** Focused comparison of At-Bay and Hiscox for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance: what each provider publishes about this line, checked against the same criteria, with numbered sources.

**Use this page when:** Cite or fetch this for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance questions about At-Bay versus Hiscox. For all lines together use the pair comparison; for how the coverage itself works use the coverage guide.

**Questions this page answers:**
- At-Bay vs Hiscox for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance: how do they differ?
- Which is better for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance, At-Bay or Hiscox?
- What does At-Bay or Hiscox publish about Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance (limits, eligibility, claims, add-ons)?

**Key facts:**
- Line: Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance. Providers: At-Bay and Hiscox.
- Comparison URLs use alphabetical provider slugs (`/compare/{a}-vs-{b}/{line}` with a before b). A reversed pair redirects permanently to the alphabetical one.

**Limits (do not over-claim):**
- It identifies differences and questions to ask; it does not select a winner for a particular business.
- Insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and price are set in an actual quote and are not established here.

**Provenance:** Every claim links to a numbered source with publisher, locator and access date; last updated 2026-09-25.

**Related pages:**
- [At-Bay vs Hiscox](https://spot.insure/compare/at-bay-vs-hiscox) — all coverage lines for this pair
- [Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance guide](https://spot.insure/coverage/professional-errors-omissions) — how this coverage works
- [At-Bay profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/at-bay) — provider profile
- [Hiscox profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/hiscox) — provider profile

# 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.

Eligible businesses outside Alaska can buy Hiscox E&O online; At-Bay’s broker-submitted MPL has a published $5 million ceiling and listed policy provisions.

## At-Bay vs Hiscox Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance Summary

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](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance "Professional Liability Insurance for Small Businesses") [1](https://www.at-bay.com/insurance/mpl/ "MPL Insurance: Coverage Highlights & Appetite")

## 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](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance "Professional Liability Insurance for Small Businesses") [2](https://www.at-bay.com/licenses/ "Licenses")

### 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](https://www.at-bay.com/insurance/mpl/ "MPL Insurance: Coverage Highlights & Appetite") [6](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/pl-faq "What is Professional Liability Insurance?")

### 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](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/appetite_guide/Hiscox-NOW-Appetite-Guide.pdf "Hiscox US Agent Appetite Guide") [7](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance "About Hiscox US Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: 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](https://www.at-bay.com/insurance/mpl/ "MPL Insurance: Coverage Highlights & Appetite")

## 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](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance "Professional Liability Insurance for Small Businesses")
- Ask At-Bay which insurer will issue its policy and which state restrictions apply. [1](https://www.at-bay.com/insurance/mpl/ "MPL Insurance: Coverage Highlights & Appetite")
- Compare actual limits, retentions, exclusions and premium. [6](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/pl-faq "What is Professional Liability Insurance?") [1](https://www.at-bay.com/insurance/mpl/ "MPL Insurance: Coverage Highlights & Appetite")
- Ask how Hiscox’s claims-made policy treats claims reported after cancellation or a carrier change. [6](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/pl-faq "What is Professional Liability Insurance?")

## At-Bay vs Hiscox Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance Compared

| 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. [1](https://www.at-bay.com/insurance/mpl/ "MPL Insurance: Coverage Highlights & Appetite") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: 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](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance "Professional Liability Insurance for Small Businesses") [8](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/appetite_guide/Hiscox-NOW-Appetite-Guide.pdf "Hiscox US Agent Appetite Guide") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: 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](https://www.at-bay.com/insurance/mpl/ "MPL Insurance: Coverage Highlights & Appetite") [4](https://www.at-bay.com/brokers/platform/ "Broker Platform") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: 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. [5](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance "Professional Liability Insurance for Small Businesses") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: 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. [1](https://www.at-bay.com/insurance/mpl/ "MPL Insurance: Coverage Highlights & Appetite") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: 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. [6](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/pl-faq "What is Professional Liability Insurance?") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: 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](https://www.at-bay.com/insurance/mpl/ "MPL Insurance: Coverage Highlights & Appetite") [2](https://www.at-bay.com/licenses/ "Licenses") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: 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](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance "About Hiscox US Insurance") [5](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance "Professional Liability Insurance for Small Businesses") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company-stated online small-business channel..) |

## About At-Bay and Hiscox and Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance

- [At-Bay company profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/at-bay) · [At-Bay customer reviews](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/at-bay/reviews)
- [Hiscox company profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/hiscox) · [Hiscox customer reviews](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/hiscox/reviews)
- [What Is Professional Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance?](https://spot.insure/coverage/professional-errors-omissions)

## Related Pages for At-Bay vs Hiscox Professional Liability (E&O)

- [At-Bay vs Hiscox](https://spot.insure/compare/at-bay-vs-hiscox): all coverage lines, business roles, service and claims.
- [What Is Professional Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance?](https://spot.insure/coverage/professional-errors-omissions): Professional liability can help pay covered defense costs and losses when a client says your advice or service caused financial harm; check services and reporting terms.
- [At-Bay Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/at-bay/professional-errors-omissions)
- [Hiscox Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/hiscox/professional-errors-omissions)

## Sources for At-Bay vs Hiscox Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance

### Sources About At-Bay

1. [MPL Insurance: Coverage Highlights & Appetite](https://www.at-bay.com/insurance/mpl/). At-Bay; MPL Coverage Highlights list; MPL Appetite paragraph; Send us your submissions; "material on this page is intended for use solely by properly licensed insurance professionals". Accessed 2026-09-23.
2. [Licenses](https://www.at-bay.com/licenses/). At-Bay; Producer introduction; agency and surplus-lines footer naming At-Bay Insurance Services LLC. Accessed 2026-09-16.
3. [At-Bay Doubles Miscellaneous Professional Liability Appetite](https://www.at-bay.com/press_releases/at-bay-doubles-mpl/). At-Bay; September 28, 2023 release: final paragraph before Media Contacts. Accessed 2026-09-16.
4. [Broker Platform](https://www.at-bay.com/brokers/platform/). At-Bay; How it works: Create a quote, Customize your quote, Bind your policy, Manage renewals; FAQs. Accessed 2026-09-16.

### Sources About Hiscox

5. [Professional Liability Insurance for Small Businesses](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance). Hiscox; Professional liability/E&O product; licensed in 49 states and Washington, D.C. (Alaska excluded); specialist-broker assistance if not licensed in a state; licensed-advisor hours. Accessed 2026-09-16.
6. [What is Professional Liability Insurance?](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/pl-faq). Hiscox; Claims-made description; current-customer claim number described as open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Accessed 2026-09-16.
7. [About Hiscox US Insurance](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance). Hiscox; Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. NAIC 10200 as Chicago, IL domiciled insurer admitted or licensed in all 50 states and D.C.; Hiscox Inc. as general agent. Accessed 2026-09-16.
8. [Hiscox US Agent Appetite Guide](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/appetite_guide/Hiscox-NOW-Appetite-Guide.pdf). Hiscox; Hiscox NOW admitted GL, PL, cyber and BOP underwritten by Hiscox Insurance Company Inc.; technology classes including IT consultants and software development. Accessed 2026-09-16.

Updated 2026-09-25. Spot, a product of Tools for Enlightenment, publishes this research and works in the commercial insurance market. The comparison applies the same criteria to both providers. [Editorial policy](https://spot.insure/editorial-policy). To suggest a correction, [contact Spot](https://spot.insure/contact) with the page URL and supporting source.

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