Hiscox vs Thimble: which is better for a new business? (2026)
5.8/10
Hiscox
From $23/mo
Choose Hiscox if: Consultants and professionals needing professional liability coverage
Skip it if: You're in Alaska, want a mobile app, or need workers' comp from the same insurer.
Visit Hiscox7.3/10
Thimble
From $17/mo
Choose Thimble if: Gig and project workers needing coverage per job
Skip it if: You need phone support, Spanish help, or may cancel an annual policy early.
Visit ThimbleQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | Thimble (5.8 vs 7.3) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Thimble (From $23/mo vs From $17/mo) |
| Better public ratings | Thimble (1.4 vs 4.5 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Hiscox (Spanish support vs English only) |
Side by side
| Best for | Consultants and professionals needing professional liability coverage | Gig and project workers needing coverage per job |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You're in Alaska, want a mobile app, or need workers' comp from the same insurer. | You need phone support, Spanish help, or may cancel an annual policy early. |
| Free plan or trial | No | No |
| Spanish | Spanish support | English only |
| Support | Phone M-F 7am-10pm ET, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm ET | Chat and email M-F 9am-6pm ET; no phone |
| Mobile app | No | Yes |
| Public rating | 1.4/5 (Trustpilot, 958) | 4.2/5 (Trustpilot, 2,371) |
| Type | Direct insurer | Online agency (Arch-owned) selling own-brand policies |
| Published prices | GL from $30/mo | GL from $17/mo |
| Coverages | general liability, professional/E&O, BOP, cyber, workers' comp (via The Hartford), commercial auto, property, umbrella, inland marine | general liability, professional, BOP, tools/equipment, commercial property, workers' comp, cyber, commercial auto, event, surety bonds |
| Instant certificate | Yes, online with email and policy number | Yes, instant with unlimited copies |
| Monthly payments | Yes, no extra fee (PL: 2 months down) | Yes; annual GL also in 10 installments |
| Cancel anytime | By phone; refund terms not published | Monthly/on-demand: yes, prorated; annual: short-rate refund |
| States | 49 states + DC; not Alaska | All 50 states + DC |
| Insurer and rating | Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., AM Best A (Excellent) | GL: Markel Insurance Co. or National Specialty Insurance Co., both AM Best A (Excellent); BOP via Coterie |
| Time to quote | Fast online quote; same-day coverage | Quote in seconds, coverage in minutes |
| Who it's for | Consultants, IT, marketing, architects, beauty, fitness, real estate, contractors | 300+ professions: contractors, cleaners, landscapers, photographers, fitness, beauty, events |
| Claims | Online form, phone (7 days a week), or mail | Online form or account; handled by Markel, Sedgwick, or Reserv |
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Hiscox
- Professional liability from $22.50/mo and general liability from $30/mo.
- Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best.
- Phone agents 7 days: weekdays 7am–10pm ET, weekends 8am–5pm ET.
- Licensed Spanish-speaking agents by phone; instant certificates of insurance online.
- Not sold in Alaska; the online quote form is English-only.
- Trustpilot score is 1.4/5 across 958 reviews.
- Workers' comp comes from The Hartford; cancelling requires a phone call.
Thimble
- Buy coverage by the hour, day, month, or year with no commitment.
- General liability from $17/mo, underwritten by Markel (AM Best A).
- Instant certificate of insurance with unlimited copies after purchase.
- Cancel monthly or on-demand policies anytime for a prorated refund.
- No phone support; chat and email only, weekdays 9am–6pm ET.
- No Spanish website, app, or support found.
- Annual policies cancelled early get a reduced short-rate refund.
Also worth a look
Questions
Is Hiscox or Thimble cheaper?
Thimble starts lower: From $23/mo for Hiscox vs From $17/mo for Thimble. Compare the plan you'd actually use, including add-ons.
Which has better reviews?
Thimble, with 4.5/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
Hiscox: Spanish support. Thimble: English only.
Can I switch from one to the other later?
Yes, though switching mid-year takes some setup. Export your records before you cancel, and check for annual contracts or cancellation notice periods.
Facts from each company's own pages and public rating sites, checked Oct 4, 2026. How we rate.