Keeping you safe from fraud and scams

If you call us (or we call you) we’ll always ask some security questions before we can access your policy. We’ll never ask you for your bank security details.

Remember that any unexpected contact saying you need to take urgent action, make a payment, download software, provide a PIN or give remote access is highly likely to be a scam.

'Phishing' is when criminals use scam messages to trick people into revealing personal information. Phishing emails can look just like the real thing, but there are a few giveaways you can look out for:

• Is the email address the same as the one you usually get emails from, or just similar?
• In fraudulent emails links can look genuine, but if you hover your mouse over the link it may reveal a different address.
• If the subject line uses phrases like ‘secure message’, ‘security alert’ or ‘system upgrade’, it could well be suspect.
• Look out for strange fonts, different text sizes or grammar and spelling mistakes.

If in doubt, don’t click on anything in the email. If you think you've clicked on or responded to a fraudulent email, please follow the advice on the National Cyber Security Centre (external link) website.

How to report a Hiscox phishing email
If you receive an email appearing to be from us that you think may be suspicious, don't click on any links or respond to it. Instead, forward it to us at [email protected] then mark as spam and delete it.

How to report an issue with the our website
Information security is extremely important to us. If you believe you have seen an error, weakness or flaw on a Hiscox website, please contact us at [email protected]

Here are some simple steps to help protect you and your personal data:

Keep your personal data safe
Be careful who you share your data with via email, phone or internet. Always think twice and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.

Secure your networks
Install trusted online security software and never allow third parties to remotely access your devices.

Check unknown phone numbers
If you’re called by a number you don’t recognise asking for information, check them out online and make sure it matches the company. You can also hang up and call the company’s publicly available number to verify.

Keep passwords and passcodes safe
Do not share passwords or passcodes with anyone. Don’t leave them written down or easily accessible on your devices.

Always dispose of your personal information
Shred any documents containing personal information once they’re no longer required.

Check when asked to transfer money or share bank details
Make sure any requests for payments come from the genuine company. If you’re unsure, give them a call to verify. Never transfer money to people you’ve met online, or who ask you to move money for ‘security reasons’. Also be very cautious with anyone who tells you you’ve come into money.

Whether it’s providing inaccurate information when taking out a policy or exaggerating a claim, this type of behaviour drives the cost of insurance up and can have serious consequences.

A claim could be refused, the policy voided, or the offender could be put on the Insurance Fraud Register (IFR) which would affect their ability to get insurance in the future. In addition, offenders may face fines or even prosecution.

People usually commit fraud for financial gain. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact us. There are lots of specialists who can help with money and debt advice, you can find them on our financial support page.

It’s important we work together to prevent fraud and stop criminals in their tracks. If you’d like to speak to us about an incident, please email [email protected]