The sexual molestation liability (SML) product will also cover related legal costs and damages or settlements resulting from claims made during the policy term. In addition, SML clients will benefit from the services of global specialist risk consultancy, Control Risks, who provide both pre-incident review and post-incident support.
London: Global specialist insurer Hiscox has launched its new sexual molestation liability (SML) cover – expanding its existing range of casualty products.
Hiscox’s launch of SML cover is designed to offer protection for a wide range of possible claims and liabilities involving sexual misconduct, molestation or abuse against employees. It is available to large organisations globally across a wide range of industries including health and social care, leisure and financial services.
The SML product will also cover related legal costs and damages or settlements resulting from claims made during the policy term. In addition, SML clients will benefit from the services of global specialist risk consultancy, Control Risks, who provide both pre-incident review and post-incident support.
Uniquely, once the terms and pricing of the SML policy are established with a potential client, Control Risks will review the strength of the organisation’s risk management and compliance programmes to identify any gaps and make recommendations for improvements.
The client can present these findings to Hiscox as independent confirmation that they match Hiscox’s requirements and risk tolerance before they bind cover. If those requirements are not met, the organisation has an opportunity to make internal improvements before cover is reconsidered.
Colin Buchanan, Hiscox London Market’s Casualty Divisional Director, commented: “Expanding into sexual molestation liability broadens out our existing liability offering and responds to an increasing demand for this type of cover from clients and brokers. We look forward to welcoming Harriet to the team, whose background in underwriting liability products will establish Hiscox as a go-to market for sexual molestation liability protection.”
The insurer has also announced the appointment of Harriet Turner to its London Market business to lead SML business.
Harriet will join Hiscox from Beazley, where she has held a range of underwriting and strategy positions. This includes working as part of the Chief Underwriting Officer’s office, and underwriting classes of business including employment practices liability, private D&O and fiduciary.
Harriet takes up her role within the Hiscox London Market General Liability team in September 2025 and will be based in London.