RENO, Nev., Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Hiscox USA and EMPLOYERS(R), America's small business insurance specialist(R), have joined forces to provide small businesses a simplified approach to purchasing workers' compensation insurance as part of the Hiscox Small Business Insurance offering available online at www.hiscoxusa.com/small-business-insurance/ and over the phone with licensed advisors. As the U.S. market's first direct-to-small business, online insurance that offers quotes and sales in real-time, Hiscox Small Business Insurance enables small businesses to consolidate their buying decisions for commercial insurance products, including general and professional liability, and workers' compensation insurance from a trusted source. A business owners policy (BOP) will also be available by the end of the year.

The Hiscox Small Business Insurance offering is designed to address the unique needs of the small-office/home-office (SOHO) market comprised of small professional services businesses with 10 employees or less in knowledge-based industries such as information technology, business and management consulting, and marketing services.

"At EMPLOYERS, we continuously strive to innovate the way we deliver value-added workers' compensation insurance to small businesses and joining with Hiscox reinforces that commitment," said Douglas D. Dirks, President and Chief Executive Officer of EMPLOYERS. "Hiscox is already a proven leader in providing integrated business insurance products direct online to small businesses in the United Kingdom, and we are pleased to work with Hiscox to help replicate that success in the United States."

Since the 2005 U.K. launch of the Hiscox Small Business Insurance product, the business has grown more than 200 percent annually to cover 38,000 small businesses in 2010. Based on Hiscox market research, professional service businesses with 10 employees or less are seeking workers' compensation insurance in addition to other coverage lines and are interested in consolidating business insurance policies from one source. The integrated Hiscox Small Business Insurance offering, including workers' compensation coverage from EMPLOYERS, provides small businesses with an online process to receive policy quotes and make online purchases.

"Small business owners have been underserved by insurers," said Kevin Kerridge, Head of US Direct, Hiscox USA. "Hiscox's experience insuring knowledge-based professions means we understand the risks they face and are able to tailor policies to meet their needs. Our ability to offer workers' compensation coverage through EMPLOYERS allows small businesses to fulfill all of their insurance needs in one location with the convenience of 24/7 access to our service."

Customized quotes are immediately available online at http://www.hiscoxusa.com/small-business-insurance/ or by calling 1-888-202-3007 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM -10:00 PM EST).

About Employers Holdings, Inc.

Employers Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Reno, Nevada and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EIG). EMPLOYERS is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers' compensation insurance and services focused on select small businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries. The company, through its subsidiaries, operates coast to coast. Insurance is offered by Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, and Employers Assurance Company, all rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Additional information can be found at: http://www.employers.com.

About Hiscox in the U.S.

Hiscox, the international specialist insurer, is headquartered in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: HSX). There are three main underwriting parts of the Group - Hiscox London Market, Hiscox UK and Europe and Hiscox International. Hiscox International includes operations in Bermuda, Guernsey and the USA. Hiscox ASM Ltd, Hiscox Underwriting Ltd and Hiscox Syndicates Ltd are authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority. The ability of syndicates at Lloyd's to do business in the USA and its territories is restricted as they are not US-based insurers.

Hiscox Inc., a Delaware corporation headquartered in New York, d/b/a Hiscox Insurance Agency in CA, is a licensed insurance intermediary for admitted and surplus lines business. Hiscox Inc. underwrites on behalf of, and places business with, Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., other domestic insurers, and syndicates at Lloyd's (www.lloyds.com). Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. is a Chicago, IL domiciled insurer which is admitted or licensed to do business in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Inquiries as to insurance, products or services, other than those offered by Hiscox Small Business Insurance, should be directed to an insurance agent or broker licensed to conduct business in the relevant U.S. state. For further information about an insurer's ability to do business in the USA and US territories please contact a licensed agent or broker for advice.

This communication provides general information on Hiscox's products and services only and, except with regard to Hiscox Small Business Insurance, is not intended to be, and does not constitute, a solicitation of business by syndicates at Lloyd's from or in respect of the USA or U.S. territories. The information contained herein is not a part of an insurance policy, and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

About Hiscox Small Business Insurance

Hiscox is the first company in the U.S. to offer insurance coverage for professional services businesses with 10 employees or less direct and online. We provide professional liability, general liability and business owners insurance. We also offer workers' compensation insurance provided by EMPLOYERS(R). Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. is rated 'A' (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.

Quote and buy customized coverageonline at hiscoxusa.com/small-business-insurance/ or by calling a Hiscox licensed advisor at (888) 202-3007 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM -10:00 PM EST).

Copyright© 2010 EMPLOYERS. All rights reserved. EMPLOYERS(R) and America's small business insurance specialist(R) are registered trademarks of Employers Insurance Company of Nevada.

SOURCE Employers Holdings, Inc.