Our history

The Worshipful Company of Insurers, whose current Master is none other than Bronek Masojada, launches the Independent Women in Insurance Network.

Stuart Bridges is named CFO of the Year at the Insurance Insider Honours 2014. The Insider references Stuart’s length in the role, his testing under fire after 9/11, his strategic and financial contribution to the growth of Hiscox as well as his good relationships with investors, bankers and regulators.

Hiscox challenges the Government on the new flood insurance scheme – which currently excludes up to one in six households, making flood insurance prohibitively expensive for many.

Hiscox Dublin opens a new office. The new office is a reflection of the opportunity Hiscox sees in Ireland.

Hiscox has always been known for its distinctive and bold advertising and this is no different. We’ve used an innovative and sophisticated visual technique – 3D projection mapping, an advertising first – to bring to life a simple customer insight.

Hiscox acquires the direct-to-consumer online insurer DirectAsia.

Founded in Singapore in 2010 and launched into Hong Kong in 2012 and Thailand in 2013, its primary business is motor, one of the few non-discretionary insurances in Asia, with ancillary lines in travel, healthcare and life.

“DirectAsia is a challenger brand with real potential. It gives Hiscox a 21st century distribution platform in Asia that leapfrogs traditional routes to market. DirectAsia complements our direct-to-consumer businesses in Europe and the US, and in time, we will use it to distribute Hiscox products.” Bronek Masojada

Bronek was recognised for leading an outstanding business and providing leadership on issues that affect the whole market at the Insurance Times Awards.

“Being in such esteemed company, it is an honour to win this award, and in particular to be recognised by my peers. It has been a busy year for Hiscox and I am proud of the business we have written and the customers we have helped. But this award is not just a reflection of my work; I believe it recognises the work of the whole Hiscox team.” Bronek Masojada

Martin Boyce, Thin Air, 2013
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Edward Burtynsky, Xiaolangdi Dam #2, 2011
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Hiscox UK (personal lines) property claims team is awarded Outstanding Claims Team of the Year at the Insurance Times Claims Excellence Awards in May 2014.

The Hiscox London Market war, terrorism and political violence team win Underwriting Team of the Year at the Insurance Day Awards.

Hiscox launches The Hiscox Online Art Trade Report which examines how the buying habits of art collectors are evolving in an increasingly digitalised world.

To read the report in full click here.

Hiscox reveals the true resilience of small business owners – who are responding to challenging trading conditions with new products or increased efficiency. This is the message from findings of the fifth DNA of an Entrepreneur report, based on responses from 3,000 small business owners in the UK, US, Netherlands, Germany, France and Spain.

Robert receives this award to mark his contribution to Lloyd’s during Reconstruction and Renewal.

Lloyd’s Chairman John Nelson said: “Robert Hiscox is a truly deserving recipient of the Gold Medal for Service to Lloyd’s. He worked tirelessly to help drive through vital reforms that brought the Lloyd’s market back from the brink and set such a solid platform for the market’s current strong position.

Robert was a key voice in the lead up to Reconstruction and Renewal and was instrumental in the introduction of corporate capital to the market in 1994. He also chaired the Value Group which led to the introduction of value for syndicate capacity and the introduction of the capacity auctions.”

Video: Robert Hiscox talks to leading business and finance journalist, Anthony Hilton, on the importance of being brave and seizing the opportunities.

The Hiscox US Direct business breaks through 10,000 real customer reviews which are published warts and all on the home page of the small business website.

Hiscox Germany launches direct-to-consumer small business insurance, aimed at businesses in knowledge-based professions including IT, management and business consulting. The offering matches our existing offering in France and complements the German broker channel.

Thirty-five team members join us at the newly formed Customer Experience Centre in York – the service centre for our UK direct home insurance customers.

Hiscox launches a dedicated counter terrorism team, the first of its kind in the market to respond to business needs for increased assistance with security and expert guidance on managing terrorism, war or political violence risks, like those seen in the Middle East and Africa in 2014.

Hiscox reinsurance operations in Bermuda, London and Paris are merged to form a single reinsurance business – Hiscox Re. Jeremy Pinchin is appointed CEO and Mike Krefta, Chief Underwriting Officer and Joint Active Underwriter for Syndicate 33.

Hiscox Re is formed in response to changes in the reinsurance market place.

Changes to the Hiscox London Market business are announced. The business is split into two divisions; insurance and reinsurance. Paul Lawrence is appointed Chief Underwriting Officer of the Hiscox London Market insurance division.

Direct-to-consumer insurance is available for architects, engineers and design professionals.

“We’ve had some real successes with our UK business and see huge potential not only for further growth in the UK but also where we operate in Europe. Our focus on great underwriting, superb service and developing a powerful brand continues, but with this new structure and several key promotions I believe we will be even better positioned to face the challenges and realise the opportunities.” Steve Langan, December 2013.

Pierre-Olivier Desaulle remains Managing Director of Hiscox Europe, and we create two new divisions in the UK, one focused on brokers (led by Ross Dingwall) and the other for our direct customers (led by Kate Markham).

Robert Childs replaces Robert Hiscox as Chairman on 26 February 2013; Richard Watson now Chief Underwriting Officer.

Robert steps down as Chairman to become Honorary President in February and is succeeded by Robert Childs, who was previously our Chief Underwriting Officer.

Richard Watson becomes Chief Underwriter and is appointed to the Board in May. 

Ben Walter replaces Richard Watson as Chief Executive Officer, Hiscox USA.

“This is a well deserved accolade. Steve’s brilliance in marketing has helped us to be recognised as an international brand that customers can trust.” Bronek Masojada

“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been recognised in this way. Throughout my career, in posts throughout the world from Brazil to Italy and back to the UK, marketing has always been at the forefront for me and to be recognised in this way is a huge personal achievement.” Steve Langan, MD of Hiscox UK & Ireland.
 

We deal with record flood activity in the UK, Superstorm Sandy in the US, fine art thefts in Europe, fires in substantial properties across the world and the sinking of Costa Concordia. Hiscox UK receives 1,500 storm and flood claims with related claims paid of £14 million, nearly five times the previous year.