Turner to lead Hiscox’s newly launched SML cover

Harriet Turner has joined Hiscox’s London Market business to lead the insurer’s new sexual molestation liability (SML) cover.

Turner is joining Hiscox from Beazley, where she held various roles in underwriting and strategy, including positions within the Chief Underwriting Officer’s office.

Her underwriting expertise spans employment practices liability, private D&O, and fiduciary classes of business.

Starting September 2025, the executive will join Hiscox London Market’s General Liability team, based in London.

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.”

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 will be globally accessible to large organisations across diverse sectors such as healthcare, social care, leisure, and financial services.

Hiscox explains: “The SML product will also cover related legal costs and damages or settlements resulting from claims made during the policy term. Additionally, 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.”

Adding: “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.”