Positive Outlook Following European Storms

Hiscox PLC
29 December 1999


                               HISCOX PLC

                Hiscox Positive Following European Storms


The board of Hiscox has noted recent press speculation on the impact  of
the  'European storm of the century' on its performance.  As of December
27th  Hiscox's  European offices had been notified of approximately  300
claims.   Net of reinsurance, these claims are not expected  to  have  a
material impact on the financial performance of the group.

Commenting on the storms, Robert Hiscox, Chairman of Hiscox plc said:

'We  have  had  a foreseeable amount of claims from the  'storm  of  the
century', properly covered by reinsurance, and have responded rapidly to
them  to  prove  our  commitment to our clients.  Our  book  of  quality
business  has  been growing rapidly in mainland Europe, and  this  event
should  hit  the industry hard enough to have a positive impact  on  the
rates charged by our competitors, and may shake some of the looser  ones
out of the class.  We will increase our drive for the business.'

Contact:

Robert Hiscox/Bronek Masojada, Hiscox plc                   0171 448 6000
                                                         
Colin La Fontaine Jackson, Charterhouse Securities Limited  0171 248 4000