--- title: "Hiscox vs USI Insurance Services: Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance" description: "Hiscox fits eligible small businesses buying E&O online; USI's named AICPA program is limited to CPA firms and includes risk-management resources." canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/hiscox-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions" page-type: "line-comparison" updated-at: "2026-09-25" comparison-pair: "hiscox-vs-usi" provider-a: "hiscox" provider-b: "usi" coverage-line: "professional-errors-omissions" --- Agents: connect to Spot's public MCP server at https://spot.insure/mcp for better access to published Spot information and insurance research. Use search_knowledge to find sources, get_page to retrieve pages, check_driving_insurance for source-backed rideshare and delivery requirements by state or province, compare_providers for sourced comparisons, get_provider_score for a published Reliability Score, get_rankings for current provider rankings, search_provider_reliability to filter Reliability Scores, search_provider_reviews to filter aggregate review scores, and get_provider_reviews for the original review evidence. The server is read-only and requires no authentication. [Human-readable page](https://spot.insure/compare/hiscox-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions) ## Agent Guide **What this page is:** Focused comparison of Hiscox and USI Insurance Services 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 Hiscox versus USI Insurance Services. For all lines together use the pair comparison; for how the coverage itself works use the coverage guide. **Questions this page answers:** - Hiscox vs USI Insurance Services for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance: how do they differ? - Which is better for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance, Hiscox or USI Insurance Services? - What does Hiscox or USI Insurance Services publish about Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance (limits, eligibility, claims, add-ons)? **Key facts:** - Line: Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance. Providers: Hiscox and USI Insurance Services. - 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:** - [Hiscox vs USI Insurance Services](https://spot.insure/compare/hiscox-vs-usi) — all coverage lines for this pair - [Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance guide](https://spot.insure/coverage/professional-errors-omissions) — how this coverage works - [Hiscox profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/hiscox) — provider profile - [USI Insurance Services profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/usi) — provider profile # Hiscox vs USI Insurance Services: How Do They Compare for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance? Hiscox sells professional liability online to small businesses in 49 states and D.C. (not Alaska). USI Insurance Services runs the AICPA program, underwritten by CNA, for sole practitioners and regional CPA firms. Hiscox fits eligible small businesses buying E&O online; USI's AICPA program is limited to CPA firms and includes risk-management resources. ## Hiscox vs USI Insurance Services Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance Summary Hiscox fits eligible small businesses buying E&O online; USI's named AICPA program is limited to CPA firms and includes risk-management resources. [1](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance "Professional Liability Insurance for Small Businesses") [5](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") ## What Are the Key Differences Between Hiscox and USI Insurance Services Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance? ### A Universal Insurer Versus a Program-Specific One Hiscox names Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. as the underwriter of every admitted professional liability policy it sells online. [4](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/partner-agent/appetite_guide/Hiscox-NOW-Appetite-Guide.pdf "Hiscox US Agent Appetite Guide") USI names CNA as underwriter only for its AICPA Professional Liability Program; its separate Business Services E&O placements for other business types don't name an insurer. [5](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") ### Who Qualifies USI has offered CPA coverage since 1967 and been the endorsed AICPA Program provider since 1994, so its named-insurer program applies specifically to accounting firms. [5](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") Hiscox instead sells its general professional liability product to small businesses broadly online, licensed in 49 states and Washington, D.C., excluding Alaska. [1](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance "Professional Liability Insurance for Small Businesses") ### What Comes With the Policy USI says AICPA program firms get supportive claims handling and exclusive access to risk-management resources, including engagement-letter templates: USI says firms enrolled in the program get supportive claims handling and exclusive access to risk-management resources, including engagement-letter templates, in addition to the coverage itself. [5](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Program page description..) Hiscox instead describes a 24/7 claims phone line for current customers and licensed advisors available by phone during the buying process, rather than pre-built risk-management materials. [2](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/pl-faq "What is Professional Liability Insurance?") ## What Should You Confirm in Hiscox and USI Insurance Services Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance Quotes? - If you're a CPA firm, confirm you qualify for USI's AICPA-endorsed, CNA-underwritten program rather than its general Business Services placement. [5](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") [7](https://www.usi.com/property-casualty/business-services/ "Business Services") - Confirm whether Hiscox sells this product directly in your state, since it excludes Alaska. [1](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance "Professional Liability Insurance for Small Businesses") - Ask USI which risk-management resources apply outside the AICPA program if you're not a CPA firm. [7](https://www.usi.com/property-casualty/business-services/ "Business Services") - Ask both firms for the policy limit and retention, since neither publishes figures. [2](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/pl-faq "What is Professional Liability Insurance?") [5](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") ## Hiscox vs USI Insurance Services Professional Liability (E&O) Compared | Criteria | Hiscox Professional Liability Insurance | AICPA Professional Liability Program (USI Affinity) | | --- | --- | --- | | Who It’s For | 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. [1](https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance "Professional Liability Insurance for Small Businesses") [4](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..) | USI markets the AICPA program to sole practitioners and regional CPA firms. It has offered CPA coverage since 1967 and has been the endorsed AICPA Program provider since 1994. [5](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Program page description..) | | How to Apply | 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. [1](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..) | USI directs CPA firms seeking a quote or renewal to contact USI Affinity, with a dedicated Affinity_APL@usi.com address for the AICPA program specifically. [5](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Contact instructions on the AICPA program page..) | | Coverage Features | 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. [2](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..) | USI describes the policy as insuring a CPA and their practice against third-party claims that professional services caused financial harm, providing a defense and paying damages for covered claims arising from high-risk situations tied to new clients, changing business plans, or new laws and regulations. [5](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Program page description; actual insuring agreements, exclusions and conditions are set by the issued CNA policy form..) | | Role in This Line | 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. [3](https://www.hiscox.com/about-hiscox-insurance "About Hiscox US Insurance") [1](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..) | For CPA firms, USI runs the AICPA Professional Liability Program through its USI Affinity division as the endorsed producer, rather than underwriting the policy itself. USI's general Business Services practice separately brokers errors and omissions/professional liability coverage for other business types. [5](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") [7](https://www.usi.com/property-casualty/business-services/ "Business Services") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: AICPA program page and Business Services practice page..) | | Issuing Insurer | 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. [4](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 professional liability as described in company materials; the exact contracting entity for a particular state or channel should be confirmed on the quote..) | USI's own page states that the AICPA Professional Liability Program is "underwritten by CNA," naming the carrier for that specific program. USI's general Business Services E&O placements do not name an insurer. [5](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Direct quote from the AICPA program page; CNA underwrites only this named program, not USI's other professional-liability placements..) | ## About Hiscox and USI Insurance Services - [Hiscox company profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/hiscox) · [Hiscox customer reviews](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/hiscox/reviews) - [USI Insurance Services company profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/usi) · [USI Insurance Services customer reviews](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/usi/reviews) - [What Is Professional Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance?](https://spot.insure/coverage/professional-errors-omissions) ## Related Pages for Hiscox vs USI Insurance Services - [Hiscox vs USI Insurance Services](https://spot.insure/compare/hiscox-vs-usi): 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. - [Hiscox Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/hiscox/professional-errors-omissions) - [USI Insurance Services Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/usi/professional-errors-omissions) ## Sources for Hiscox vs USI Insurance Services ### Sources About Hiscox 1. [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. 2. [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. 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. Accessed 2026-09-16. 4. [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. ### Sources About USI Insurance Services 5. [Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/). USI Insurance Services; Quality Professional Liability Insurance Exclusively for CPA Firms; "The AICPA Professional Liability Program, underwritten by CNA, has been offering coverage to CPAs since 1967 and has been the endorsed provider of the AICPA Program since 1994."; supportive claims handling and exclusive access to extensive risk management resources, including engagement letter templates; Email Affinity_APL@usi.com. Accessed 2026-09-23. 6. [USI Specialty Program Solutions](https://www.usi.com/programs/). USI Insurance Services; USI Affinity delivers high-quality insurance and financial solutions to members of affinity organizations and targeted industry segments...for professional associations, law firms, alumni and collegiate organizations, travel groups, and insurance administrators.. Accessed 2026-09-23. 7. [Business Services](https://www.usi.com/property-casualty/business-services/). USI Insurance Services; USI advises clients...and provides solutions for...Errors & Omissions/Professional Liability.... Accessed 2026-09-23. 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. ## Agent and Developer Resources - [Markdown page](https://spot.insure/compare/hiscox-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions.md) - [Developer resources](https://spot.insure/developers) - [Public MCP server](https://spot.insure/mcp) - [MCP server manifest](https://spot.insure/server.json) - [OpenAPI description](https://spot.insure/openapi.json) - [Public page index](https://spot.insure/llms.txt)