Hiscox appoints lead for new sexual molestation liability cover

Hiscox has appointed Harriet Turner to its London market business as the lead for its new sexual molestation liability (SML) cover.

Turner is taking up her role within the general liability team in September 2025 and will be based in London. 

Hiscox’s 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 new hire makes the move from Beazley, where she has held a range of underwriting and strategy positions, including working as part of the chief underwriting officer’s office. 

Colin Buchanan, Hisocx’s London market casualty divisional director, said: “Expanding into SML 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 Turner to the team, whose background in underwriting liability products will establish Hiscox as a go-to market for SML protection.”

Other product features

The SML product will cover related legal costs and damages or settlements resulting from claims made during the policy term.

Clients will also have access to services from global specialist risk consultancy Control Risks, which provide both pre-incident review and post-incident support.

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.

However, if those requirements are not met, the organisation has an opportunity to make internal improvements before cover is reconsidered.