Hiscox Guernsey

Hiscox PLC
03 April 2006

3 April 2006

                    Hiscox Guernsey awarded A.M. Best rating


A.M. Best Co. has awarded Hiscox Insurance Company (Guernsey) Limited ('Hiscox
Guernsey') a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook.

The A.M. Best rating was granted based on Hiscox Guernsey's 'excellent
risk-adjusted capitalisation, consistently strong financial performance and
strong business profile for the specialist classes written.'

Robert Hiscox, Chairman of Hiscox commented: 'Hiscox Guernsey has grown into a
major financial institution on the island. The successful regional expansion
provides a good balance to our Global Markets operation and we plan to further
grow our Hiscox Guernsey business.'

Hiscox Guernsey, part of Hiscox International, was formed in 1998. Kidnap and
Ransom protection and Fine Art insurance are the core products offered. For the
year ending 31 December 2005, Hiscox Guernsey generated a pre-tax profit of
£7.4m on gross written premiums of £43.7m.

In addition to Hiscox Guernsey, Hiscox International includes Hiscox USA and
Hiscox Bermuda.


                                      ENDS


For more information:

Hiscox plc

Robert Hiscox         Chairman                     020 7448 6011
Bronek Masojada       Chief Executive              020 7448 6012
Kylie O'Connor        Corporate Communications     020 7448 6656


Hiscox Guernsey

Steve Camm            Underwriting Director        01481704690
                      Hiscox Guernsey


The Maitland Consultancy

Suzanne Bartch                                     020 7379 5151


Notes to editors

About Hiscox

Hiscox plc is a specialist insurance group listed on the London Stock Exchange
where it has a market capitalisation of circa £980 million.  There are three
main underwriting parts of the Group - Hiscox Global Markets, Hiscox UK and
Europe, and Hiscox International.  Hiscox Global Markets underwrites mainly
internationally traded business in the London Market - generally large or
complex business which needs to be shared with other insurers or needs the
international licences of Lloyd's. Hiscox UK and Hiscox Europe offer a range of
specialist insurance for professionals and business customers, as well as high
net worth individuals. Hiscox International includes operations in Bermuda and
Guernsey and our new business in the USA.  www.hiscox.com



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange