Explicit mention of protecting work already done through retrospective cover
Source: AXA
you can buy insurance to protect work you've already done
Consultant
Claims AXA makes that competitors do not (1)
Claims competitors make that AXA does not (8)
Cyber and data breach cover with 24/7 expert support
Source: Direct Line
But, with our cyber cover, you can call the experts, 24/7
Business interruption cover including supplier/customer premises damage
Source: Direct Line
If your main supplier or customer's premises get damaged due to an insured event and they can't trade, we'll cover any loss of turnover for your business
Key person/essential employee cover up to £25,000
Source: Direct Line
If you, an owner, partner, director, trustee, or other essential employee of your business die or become seriously disabled as a result of an injury caused by accident and violent means, and are unable to continue working, we'll cover the incurred costs, up to £25,000
Legal expenses cover for disputes with suppliers or clients
Source: Direct Line
This covers the legal costs of providing specialist lawyers and taking action against many common legal problems, for instance disputes with suppliers or clients
Personal accident cover with weekly earnings replacement up to £500
Source: Direct Line
If someone in your business is unable to work due to a temporary injury, then after 7 days we'll pay their normal net weekly earnings up to £500 for up to 104 weeks
Portable equipment insurance specifically for consultants working on the move
Source: Hiscox
Whether your kit becomes lost, damaged, or even stolen, portable equipment insurance can cover the cost of swift repairs or replacements
Personal accident cover with weekly payment of £250
Source: Hiscox
This cover can assist by providing a weekly payment of £250 if you can't work for more than two weeks
Same-day document delivery and policy activation
Source: Simply Business
Get covered and all your documents the same day
Areas where AXA's language is weaker (8)
Speed of quote and purchase process
AXA says:
— nothing on this topic —Simply Business says:
Get tailored quotes in 7 minutes
Claims speed and efficiency
AXA says:
— nothing on this topic —Simply Business says:
Claims paid in 24 hours
Public liability cover range flexibility
AXA says:
Up to £5 million cover
Direct Line says:
From £1 million to £10 million
Professional indemnity cover minimum threshold
AXA says:
Up to £5 million cover
Simply Business says:
cover from £50,000 to £5 million
Specific consultant specialisms addressed
AXA says:
whether you work in lifestyle, advertising or building consultancy
Hiscox says:
IT consultants, Management consultants, Educational consultants, Environmental consultants, Recruitment consultants, Health and safety consultants, HR consultants
Customer support availability
AXA says:
— nothing on this topic —Simply Business says:
UK-based expert support, online and on the phone
Tangible claims success metrics
AXA says:
Based on 0 total reviews
Simply Business says:
£57 million in claims paid out in 2025
Temporary staff coverage detail
AXA says:
Temporary staff covered for up to 50 days a year and £250 compensation per day for court attendance for defence claims
Direct Line says:
In most cases, if you've taken all reasonable precautions to prevent such incidents but still face a claim for injury or damage, we can defend you. This includes covering any compensation payments and legal costs if necessary. However, even if you're found to not have taken reasonable precautions and are held liable for damage or injury, we'll still arrange for the claim to be paid
Differentiation suggestions (8)
Introduce cyber and data breach cover as a standard or optional add-on with 24/7 expert support line, positioning it as essential for consultants handling sensitive client information
Direct Line and Hiscox both emphasize cyber cover; AXA has no mention. This is increasingly table-stakes for professional services and a clear gap that consultants actively seek.
Develop and prominently feature business interruption cover, including supplier/customer premises damage scenarios, to address income protection beyond property damage
Direct Line offers detailed business interruption scenarios; AXA does not mention this. Consultants face real income risk if clients' premises are damaged, and this is a material gap.
Create a 'Consultant Specialisms' hub similar to Hiscox's (IT, HR, Management, Environmental, etc.) to demonstrate deep sector expertise and reduce friction in the quote journey
Hiscox's detailed specialisms build confidence and relevance; AXA's generic 'occupation look-up' feels less tailored. This would improve conversion and perceived fit.
Publish claims speed and volume metrics (e.g., '95% of claims paid within 24 hours' or annual claims payout figures) to match Simply Business's transparency and build trust
Simply Business and Direct Line both cite concrete claims metrics; AXA shows '0 total reviews' which undermines credibility. Transparency on claims performance is a key decision driver.
Expand public liability cover range to include £1m–£10m options (not just 'up to £5m') to match Direct Line's flexibility and accommodate smaller sole traders and larger teams
Direct Line's wider range (£1m–£10m) gives consultants more choice; AXA's single 'up to £5m' may be overkill for solopreneurs and insufficient for larger operations.
Add personal accident cover with weekly earnings replacement (£250–£500/week) as a standard or prominent optional extra, addressing income protection if the consultant is injured
Both Direct Line and Hiscox offer this; AXA does not. For self-employed consultants, loss of earning capacity is a material risk that competitors explicitly address.
Highlight same-day document delivery and policy activation in marketing materials to compete on speed and convenience with Simply Business
Simply Business emphasizes '7 minutes to quote' and 'documents the same day'; AXA makes no speed claims. Speed is a key friction point for SMEs and a differentiator.
Introduce legal expenses cover for disputes with suppliers and clients, positioning it as protection for the consultant's own business interests (not just liability defense)
Direct Line offers this; AXA does not. Consultants face contract disputes and supplier conflicts; this is a distinct and valuable add-on that competitors highlight.