General Liability
CBIC vs. Hiscox: Contractor GL — Which Carrier Pays When It Counts?
Hiscox is a well-known name in small-business insurance, with strong brand recognition and a polished online experience. CBIC (Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company) is the carrier that independent agents who specialize in contractor coverage consistently recommend. Here's why the agents who know this market best choose CBIC.
Bright Coast Insurance is an appointed agent for CBIC (Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company). We can quote and bind your policy today.
The Carriers
CBIC (Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company) vs. Hiscox: A Side-by-Side Look
CBIC (Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company)
Our PickA+ Superior — Admitted Contractor GL Specialist
CBIC is an admitted specialty carrier rated A+ Superior by AM Best, with a 45-year track record of insuring contractors exclusively. Their underwriting is built around construction risk — they understand the difference between a general contractor and a subcontractor, between completed operations exposure and ongoing operations, and between a $1M/$2M limit and the actual coverage a Florida contractor needs to stay compliant with GC requirements. CBIC's policy forms are designed for construction, not adapted from a generic small-business template.
- A+ Superior AM Best rating — highest tier of financial strength
- Admitted carrier in Florida — FIGA protection for policyholders
- Contractor-exclusive focus since 1979
- Broad completed operations coverage — critical for construction defect claims
- Subcontractor additional insured endorsements available
- Blanket waiver of subrogation available
- No professional services exclusions that affect trade contractors
Hiscox
Hiscox is a Lloyd's of London-affiliated specialty insurer with a strong presence in professional liability and small-business GL. They write contractor GL, but their primary expertise is in professional services — technology, consulting, and design firms. Their contractor GL policies can carry exclusions that matter in construction: subsidence, earth movement, and certain completed operations scenarios. Hiscox is also a non-admitted carrier in many states, which affects how claims disputes are handled and what consumer protections apply. For a software consultant or a marketing agency, Hiscox is an excellent choice. For a Florida contractor who needs construction-specific coverage, the fit is less precise.
Feature Comparison
CBIC (Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company) vs. Hiscox: Feature by Feature
| Feature | CBIC (Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company) | Hiscox |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best Rating | A+ Superior | A (Excellent) |
| Admitted in Florida | Yes | Varies by product |
| Contractor specialty | Yes — exclusive focus | Partial — broad industries |
| Completed operations coverage | Broad | May have exclusions |
| Subcontractor additional insured | Yes | Limited |
| Blanket waiver of subrogation | Available | Limited |
| Construction defect coverage | Broad | Narrower |
| Primary focus | Contractors only | Professional services + SMB |
| FIGA protection (FL) | Yes — admitted | No — non-admitted products |
Our Verdict
Why CBIC Is the Right GL Carrier for Florida Contractors
Hiscox is a fine choice for a graphic design firm or a software consultant. For a Florida contractor who needs to meet GC insurance requirements, pass a certificate review, and have genuine protection against construction defect and completed operations claims, CBIC's contractor-specific policy form is the superior product.
The admitted vs. non-admitted distinction matters significantly in Florida. Admitted carriers are regulated by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and backed by the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA) — meaning if the carrier becomes insolvent, FIGA covers your claims up to statutory limits. Non-admitted carrier policies don't carry that protection. For a long-tail line like GL where completed operations claims can surface years after a project is finished, this matters.
CBIC's A+ Superior rating also outpaces Hiscox's A rating — a meaningful difference when you're evaluating a carrier's ability to pay large construction defect claims. For Florida contractors who need real protection, not just a certificate to satisfy a contract requirement, CBIC is the professional choice.
Common Questions
CBIC (Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company) vs. Hiscox: FAQ
Is Hiscox admitted in Florida?
Hiscox offers both admitted and non-admitted products depending on the line of coverage. Some of their small-business GL products are non-admitted (surplus lines) in Florida, which means they are not backed by the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association. CBIC is an admitted carrier in Florida.
What is the difference between CBIC and Hiscox for contractor GL?
CBIC focuses exclusively on contractors and has done so since 1979. Their policy forms, underwriting, and claims handling are all built around construction risk. Hiscox's primary expertise is in professional services, and their contractor GL policies may carry exclusions — particularly around completed operations and earth movement — that are less relevant for professional services firms but critical for contractors.
Does CBIC cover subcontractors in Florida?
Yes. CBIC writes GL for both general contractors and subcontractors across a wide range of trades. Their policy includes provisions for subcontractor work and can be endorsed to add general contractors as additional insureds.
What is completed operations coverage and why does it matter?
Completed operations coverage protects you against claims that arise after a project is finished — for example, a homeowner who claims your electrical work caused a fire six months after you completed the job. This is one of the most important coverages for contractors and one where policy form differences between carriers like CBIC and Hiscox can be significant.
Can I get CBIC GL and workers' comp from the same agency?
Yes. Bright Coast Insurance is appointed with both CBIC (for GL) and Frank Winston Crum Insurance (for workers' comp), both of which specialize in contractor coverage. We can quote and bind both lines and manage your certificates from a single point of contact.
Get a Contractor GL Quote Through CBIC
Bright Coast Insurance is an appointed CBIC agent serving Florida contractors. We'll quote your general liability with full contractor-specific coverage and deliver your certificate the same day.
Bright Coast Insurance · FL License #L103957 · (239) 475-0361