Pros
Hiscox is quite unlike any other insurance company. I was so excited to join based on my interview, the values, and the mission the company seemed to have. Some of the managers certainly are very different, some of them are inspirational and innovative, while others are much more traditional. Hiscox does seem to have an eye on the future, and isn't afraid to pursue that. For example, Direct business insurance is definitely the way forward, and they're the first ones to get into that space.
Cons
Compensation is well below market, but that was far from my biggest issue with this company. I felt that I was continually made promises by HR, by management, etc. that were not kept. Learning opportunities were extremely limited and by the end of my first year I was bored, stagnant, and apathetic about my work. I feel strongly that I was not supported in achieving my goals or developing, and I did not feel as though I was a member of a team. That kind of sense really wears you down over time. I felt the performance review process was poorly designed. Direct reports are not asked to give feedback about their managers, and it was unclear how to make your concerns known. The open office floor plan seems hip but in reality it's a huge distraction. You end up having recruiters pacing the floor negotiating salary or people loudly conversing directly behind you while you're on the phone. The reality is that while Hiscox seems different at first, and you can be inspired by the values or the direction senior management wants to take the company, it's really no different. Don't kid yourself that it is.