biBERK vs Hiscox: Which Is Better for Small Business Insurance in 2026?
biBERK and Hiscox are two of the most-searched names in small business insurance. Both sell directly online, both target small businesses, and both show up when you search for general liability or professional liability quotes. But they’re built differently, and the right choice depends on what your business actually needs.
Here’s how they compare.
Quick Comparison
| biBERK | Hiscox | |
|---|---|---|
| Parent company | Berkshire Hathaway | Hiscox Ltd (international) |
| Founded | 2015 | 1901 |
| Business model | Direct-to-consumer | Direct-to-consumer |
| General liability | Yes, competitively priced | Yes |
| Professional liability | Yes, can be pricey for sole proprietors | Yes, strong offering |
| Cyber insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Workers’ comp | Yes | Yes |
| Financial strength | Excellent (Berkshire backing) | Strong |
| State availability | Not all products in all states | Broad |
| Online quoting | Yes, streamlined | Yes, digital-first |
Pricing
biBERK tends to win on general liability pricing. The company claims customers can save up to 20% by buying direct and cutting out the middleman. Many customers report affordable GL rates, which makes it popular with sole proprietors and very small businesses on tight budgets. However, biBERK’s professional liability pricing can run higher, especially for solo operators.
Hiscox pricing is competitive but less predictable. Some customers report reasonable initial quotes followed by significant premium increases at renewal, even with no claims. Hiscox does offer up to 5% off for bundling multiple policies, which helps if you buy more than one coverage from them.
Neither company publishes a standard rate card. Your actual price depends on your industry, revenue, location, and coverage limits. The only way to know is to get quotes from both, or compare them alongside other carriers.
Coverage Options
Hiscox has the broader shelf. Beyond general and professional liability, Hiscox offers cyber insurance, management liability, and a wider range of specialty coverages. If your business needs more than the basics, Hiscox is more likely to have it in-house.
biBERK’s lineup covers the core small business policies well (general liability, professional liability, workers’ comp, commercial auto, umbrella, BOP) but may not suit businesses needing specialized coverage. If you outgrow biBERK’s offerings, you’ll be shopping again.
Financial Strength
Both are solid. biBERK carries the Berkshire Hathaway name, which is about as strong a financial backer as exists in insurance. Hiscox is a long-established international insurer with strong financial ratings and significant assets. Financial stability is not a differentiator here. Either company can pay its claims.
Customer Experience
biBERK gets praise for its straightforward online process: quick quotes, easy certificate issuance, helpful reps. Some customers report friction with claims processing or policy changes, but the buying experience is consistently rated well.
Hiscox reviews are more mixed. The online platform is user-friendly, but customers report more variability in claims handling and customer service. Premium increases at renewal are a recurring complaint.
Availability
This is a real differentiator. biBERK doesn’t offer all products in all states, which can be a problem for multi-state businesses or those in states with limited biBERK availability. Check availability for your specific state and coverage before getting attached to a quote.
Hiscox has broader availability as an international carrier, though specific products still vary by jurisdiction.
Which Should You Choose?
Consider biBERK if: you’re a sole proprietor or very small business, general liability is your main need, you want the simplest possible online buying experience, and Berkshire Hathaway backing matters to you.
Consider Hiscox if: you need broader coverage options (especially cyber or management liability), you want bundling discounts, or biBERK doesn’t offer what you need in your state.
Consider neither yet if: you haven’t compared them against the rest of the market. Both are single carriers selling their own products. A marketplace comparison can surface options from carriers you haven’t considered, sometimes at better prices for your specific risk profile.
The Smarter Move: Compare Both (and More) at Once
Rather than getting a quote from biBERK, then a quote from Hiscox, then trying to compare them yourself, you can run one quote request and see options from multiple carriers side by side. Through BizSelectInsurance.com, powered by Bold Penguin, you may be matched with carriers including biBERK and Hiscox alongside other top-rated insurers.
For a deeper dive on each company, read our full reviews (biBERK review and Hiscox review).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is biBERK cheaper than Hiscox?
For general liability, biBERK is often cheaper, especially for sole proprietors. For professional liability and broader coverage packages, pricing varies enough that you need quotes from both to compare accurately.
Are biBERK and Hiscox financially stable?
Yes. biBERK is backed by Berkshire Hathaway. Hiscox is an established international insurer with strong financial ratings. Both are well-capitalized.
Can I get both biBERK and Hiscox quotes in one place?
Through a marketplace like Bold Penguin (via BizSelectInsurance.com), you may be matched with multiple carriers including biBERK and Hiscox, letting you compare them side by side with a single application.
Which is better for professional liability?
Hiscox generally has the stronger professional liability offering with broader coverage options. biBERK’s professional liability can be pricey for sole proprietors. But the best fit depends on your profession and risk profile.
