---
title: "Hiscox vs Lockton General Liability Insurance"
description: "Hiscox underwrites and sells its own small-business policy online; Lockton designs custom casualty programs for large clients without naming an insurer."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/hiscox-vs-lockton/general-liability"
page-type: "line-comparison"
updated-at: "2026-09-23"
---

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# Hiscox vs Lockton General Liability Insurance

Hiscox underwrites and sells its own small-business policy online; Lockton designs custom casualty programs for large clients without naming an insurer.

## Research Scope and Use

Use this comparison to evaluate Hiscox and Lockton for General Liability Insurance against the same documented criteria. It identifies differences and questions to confirm; it does not select a winner for a particular business. Offering claims are what each provider publishes about this line unless marked otherwise. “Not found” describes the evidence reviewed, not proof that a feature is unavailable. Confirm the insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and cost in an actual quote.

## Summary

Hiscox underwrites its own admitted general liability policy through Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. and sells it directly online to small businesses. Lockton instead designs custom general liability program structures for global manufacturers, REITs and healthcare companies, without naming an insurer. [5](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/appetite_guide/Hiscox-NOW-Appetite-Guide.pdf "Hiscox US Agent Appetite Guide") [3](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance "About Hiscox US Insurance") [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product "US > General & Product Liability")

## What Is Hiscox?

Hiscox is a U.S. small-business insurance brand whose website is operated by Hiscox Inc., a Delaware producer that does business in California as Hiscox Insurance Agency. Eligible firms can quote general liability, professional liability, cyber and a business owner’s policy online; other advertised lines are often placed with partner insurers, so the issuing company on each quote still has to be checked. [1](https://www.hiscox.com/terms-of-use "Website Terms & Conditions of Use") [2](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/get-a-quote-for-your-small-business "Get A Small Business Insurance Quote") [3](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance "About Hiscox US Insurance")

[Hiscox profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/hiscox)

## What Is Lockton?

Lockton is a privately held insurance brokerage that arranges commercial risk, employee benefits and retirement programs. US pages describe a technology practice and intermediary placement with insurers, not Lockton as the policy’s insurer. [7](https://global.lockton.com/us/en "Lockton United States") [8](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/technology "Technology") [9](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/terms-of-business "US Terms of Business")

[Lockton profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/lockton)

## What Is General Liability Insurance?

General liability covers claims that your business injured someone, damaged their property or committed a specified personal or advertising offense. It does not insure your own building or equipment. [12](https://www.iii.org/article/commercial-general-liability-insurance "Commercial general liability insurance") [13](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm "Commercial Insurance Guide")

## Key Differences in General Liability Insurance

### Scale of Client Each Names

Lockton says it has a general liability solution for global manufacturers, business-to-business service providers, consumer products companies, REITs, contractors and healthcare companies. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product "US > General & Product Liability") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: General & Product Liability page as read 2026-09-23. Lists example industries served, not a complete eligibility matrix..)

Hiscox's stated audience sits at the opposite end from Lockton's: a small business applying directly online in one of 49 states or D.C., rather than a large enterprise with a custom-designed program. [4](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance "General Liability Insurance")

### A Named Underwriter vs. a Custom-Built Program

Hiscox names the entity behind its policy: its appetite guide points to Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. as the underwriter of admitted Hiscox NOW general liability policies. [5](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/appetite_guide/Hiscox-NOW-Appetite-Guide.pdf "Hiscox US Agent Appetite Guide") Lockton doesn't name a comparable underwriter; it says it designs custom program structures using insurers across the global market instead of selling one standard policy. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product "US > General & Product Liability")

### Buying Directly vs. Building a Program

Hiscox issues the policy by email as soon as an eligible online application is complete. [4](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance "General Liability Insurance") Lockton's process looks nothing like a self-service bind; its casualty pages say clients keep the same dedicated service team throughout the placement process. [11](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/casualty "Casualty Insurance")

### What Comes Bundled With the Line

Hiscox's general-liability page adds an electronic-data-liability provision for IT professions on top of its standard coverage. [4](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance "General Liability Insurance") Lockton groups its general liability brokerage with different companion lines instead: environmental impairment, medical malpractice, product recall and umbrella or excess liability. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product "US > General & Product Liability")

## What to Confirm in General Liability Insurance Quotes

- Confirm Hiscox's online eligibility for your state before assuming you can buy directly. [4](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance "General Liability Insurance")
- Ask Lockton which insurers it's approaching for your specific program and how the structure is customized. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product "US > General & Product Liability")
- Confirm whether your business fits Hiscox's small-business online catalogue or Lockton's enterprise-scale programs. [4](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance "General Liability Insurance") [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product "US > General & Product Liability")
- Ask Lockton whether adjacent casualty lines it bundles in change the general liability terms specifically. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product "US > General & Product Liability")

## Offering Details

| Criteria | Hiscox General Liability Insurance | Lockton General & Product Liability Insurance Brokerage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Role in This Line | Hiscox Inc., a Delaware-based licensed insurance intermediary, sells general liability directly online to small businesses as part of its Hiscox NOW admitted small-business catalogue. [3](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance "About Hiscox US Insurance") [4](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company-stated online small-business channel; broker-only sections of the Hiscox site are a separate, licensed-professional path not covered here..) | Lockton brokers general liability rather than underwriting it. It says it designs custom program structures for commercial clients using insurers across the global market. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product "US > General & Product Liability") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: General & Product Liability page as read 2026-09-23..) |
| Issuing Insurer | Hiscox's appetite guide and About Hiscox US page name Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. (NAIC 10200), a Chicago-based insurer, as the underwriter of admitted Hiscox NOW general liability policies. [5](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/appetite_guide/Hiscox-NOW-Appetite-Guide.pdf "Hiscox US Agent Appetite Guide") [3](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance "About Hiscox US Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Admitted small-business general liability as described in company materials; the exact contracting entity for a particular state or channel should be confirmed on the quote..) | Neither page names the insurers Lockton places general liability coverage with. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product "US > General & Product Liability") [11](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/casualty "Casualty Insurance") (Evidence: Not publicly disclosed; scope: General & Product Liability and Casualty pages checked 2026-09-23..) |
| Who It’s For | Hiscox says it is currently licensed to sell general liability online in 49 states and the District of Columbia, with coverage unavailable in Alaska; it directs buyers in states where it does not sell online to a specialist broker instead. [4](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company-stated jurisdiction for the online small-business catalogue; specific class or industry eligibility still depends on underwriting..) | Lockton says it has a general liability solution for global manufacturers, business-to-business service providers, consumer products companies, REITs, contractors and healthcare companies. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product "US > General & Product Liability") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: General & Product Liability page as read 2026-09-23. Lists example industries served, not a complete eligibility matrix..) |
| Coverage Features | Hiscox's general-liability product page adds an electronic-data-liability provision for IT and technology professions on top of its standard general-liability coverage. [4](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product-page description; specific wording, limits and exclusions are set by the issued policy and declarations..) | Lockton groups general liability brokerage with related casualty coverages it also places for the same clients: environmental impairment, medical malpractice, product recall and umbrella/excess liability, in addition to product liability itself. [10](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product "US > General & Product Liability") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: General & Product Liability page as read 2026-09-23. A capability list, not a specimen policy..) |
| Limits and Retentions | The general-liability page does not publish a standard limit amount; example California consultant pricing shown on the page is explicitly labeled illustrative rather than a quote. [4](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Not publicly disclosed; scope: Public product page as previously reviewed; actual limits, retentions and pricing are quote-specific..) | Not described in the reviewed sources. |
| Risk Services | Not described in the reviewed sources. | Lockton's casualty pages say clients keep the same dedicated service team throughout the placement process, which Lockton says helps it anticipate client needs and create accountability. [11](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/casualty "Casualty Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Casualty product page as read 2026-09-23..) |
| How to Apply | Hiscox says eligible buyers can apply for general liability online, with the policy issued by email and a certificate of insurance included in the welcome documents once the application is complete; buyers can also pay annually or monthly with no additional fees. [4](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance "General Liability Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company-described online application and billing options; eligibility and binding conditions require confirmation on the actual application..) | Not described in the reviewed sources. |
| Claims Support | Hiscox says general-liability policyholders can report a claim online 24/7, and describes assigning a specialized claims professional to validate coverage on reported claims. [4](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance "General Liability Insurance") [6](https://www.hiscox.com/manage-your-policy/claims-center "Start a Business Insurance Claim Online, by Phone or Mail") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company-described claims process; does not establish claim outcomes or turnaround time..) | Not described in the reviewed sources. |

## Full Comparison

- [Hiscox vs Lockton](https://spot.insure/compare/hiscox-vs-lockton): all coverage lines, business roles, service and claims.
- [What Is General Liability Insurance?](https://spot.insure/coverage/general-liability): General liability insurance helps with covered claims for injuries to other people, damage to their property and specified advertising offenses.
- [Hiscox vs Lockton Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/hiscox-vs-lockton/cyber)
- [Hiscox vs Lockton Workers’ Compensation Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/hiscox-vs-lockton/workers-compensation)
- [Alliance Risk vs Hiscox General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-hiscox/general-liability)
- [Alliance Risk vs Lockton General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-lockton/general-liability)
- [Amelia Risk vs Hiscox General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/amelia-risk-vs-hiscox/general-liability)
- [Amelia Risk vs Lockton General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/amelia-risk-vs-lockton/general-liability)
- [Beazley vs Hiscox General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/beazley-vs-hiscox/general-liability)
- [Beazley vs Lockton General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/beazley-vs-lockton/general-liability)

## Sources

### Hiscox

1. [Website Terms & Conditions of Use](https://www.hiscox.com/terms-of-use). Hiscox; Last modified May 28, 2024; Hiscox Inc. as Delaware corporation headquartered in Atlanta, d/b/a Hiscox Insurance Agency in CA, licensed intermediary for admitted and surplus-lines business with Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., other domestic insurers, and Lloyd’s syndicates; small-business online path distinguished from broker-only site sections. Accessed 2026-09-16.
2. [Get A Small Business Insurance Quote](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/get-a-quote-for-your-small-business). Hiscox; States that Hiscox offers general liability, professional liability, cyber security and business owner’s policies online; zip-code quote field; licensed-agent hours Monday–Friday 7 a.m.–10 p.m. ET and Saturday–Sunday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET. Accessed 2026-09-16.
3. [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 and Lloyd’s coverholder for Syndicates 33 and 3624; surplus-lines placements through licensed surplus-lines brokers; A.M. Best rating statement. Accessed 2026-09-16.
4. [General Liability Insurance](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability-insurance). Hiscox; Online quote; 49-state and D.C. availability with Alaska excluded; broker-referral if not sold online; payment annually or monthly with no additional fees; online 24/7 claim reporting; policy issued via email and certificate in welcome documents; electronic data liability for IT professions; coverage subject to underwriting. Accessed 2026-09-16.
5. [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.; footer underwriting disclosure. Accessed 2026-09-16.
6. [Start a Business Insurance Claim Online, by Phone or Mail](https://www.hiscox.com/manage-your-policy/claims-center). Hiscox; Online claim filing; specialized claims professional assignment; coverage validation. Accessed 2026-09-16.

### Lockton

7. [Lockton United States](https://global.lockton.com/us/en). Lockton; Opening description of independent insurance brokerage for risk, benefits and retirement; Ask an Expert link to contact-us. Accessed 2026-09-16.
8. [Technology](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/technology). Lockton; Industry introduction; cyber liability heading; dedicated technology team; listed services including claims advocacy, contract review, directors and officers liability, and international program design; 24/7 service model. Accessed 2026-09-16.
9. [US Terms of Business](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/terms-of-business). Lockton; Opening entity definition; Surplus Lines; Use of a Particular Insurer; Compensation Disclosure; servicing, claims handling and renewal language in Confidentiality section; Intermediaries. Accessed 2026-09-16.
10. [US > General & Product Liability](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/general-product). Lockton; Tailored solutions intro; industries named (global manufacturer, business-to-business service provider, consumer products company, REIT, contractor, healthcare company); liability solutions list (environmental impairment, medical malpractice, global risk, product liability, professional liability/indemnity, product recall, umbrella liability and excess). Accessed 2026-09-23.
11. [Casualty Insurance](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/casualty). Lockton; Casualty Insurance Solutions list: Auto, Cargo, General & Product Liability, Umbrella & Excess Liability, Workers' Compensation; dedicated service team paragraph. Accessed 2026-09-23.

### General Liability Insurance Guide

12. [Commercial general liability insurance](https://www.iii.org/article/commercial-general-liability-insurance). Insurance Information Institute; Coverage A; Coverage B; Coverage C; Purchasing commercial general liability insurance. Accessed 2026-09-16.
13. [Commercial Insurance Guide](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm). California Department of Insurance; Commercial General Liability; Commercial Automobile; What Should I Expect from a Broker-Agent?; How Are Commercial Policies Rated?. Accessed 2026-09-16.

Updated 2026-09-23. 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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