Hiscox Q1 written premiums up 10.2% on strong retail performance

(Sharecast News) - Insurer Hiscox posted a 10.2% jump in first-quarter written premiums on Thursday as it pointed to accelerating momentum in the retail segment.

Group insurance contract written premiums (ICWP) rose to $1.72bn. ICWP in the retail insurance arm rose 15.1%, or 8% at constant currency, to $847.2m, in line with the company's full-year guidance.

Hiscox said the division was supported by lower rate volatility and driven by strong new business formation and increasing market penetration, as its product and distribution initiatives gain momentum.

The investment result for the first quarter was $34.1m, down from $114.1m in the same quarter a year earlier, or a year-to-date return of 0.4%, down from 1.4%.

Hiscox said the loss experience during the quarter was within expectations as a benign natural catastrophe environment offset the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.

Chief executive Aki Hussain said: "Hiscox is building on strong momentum delivered in 2025, through capturing diverse, high-quality growth opportunities across each of our businesses. Hiscox Retail growth accelerated to 8.0%, as initiatives to broaden distribution, increase penetration in specialist niches, and expand specialty expertise into new markets continue to gain strong momentum.

"In big-ticket, we are proactively managing the softening cycle, while achieving growth through new business initiatives and in selected existing lines where conditions are more favourable. With our sharp focus on profitable growth and good progress on the change programme objectives, the outlook for 2026 is positive."

At 0815 BST, the shares were up 4.9% at 1,626p.

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