Kidnap and ransom have spread throughout the world as a lucrative business for perpetrators. An estimated $1.5 billion is paid out in ransom to kidnappers every year.
Kidnap & ransom (K&R) insurance can be purchased by individuals and families, corporations, financial institutions, missionary groups, and educational institutions. It provides coverage for extortion, detention, hijacking, and kidnapping.
How Does Kidnap and Ransom Insurance Work?
This coverage is designed to protect against the loss of funds paid out in ransom in a kidnapping. It does not pay the ransom to the kidnapper directly, but rather reimburses you for the money you were forced to pay the kidnapper, which means you would need to have the assets to pay the ransom prior to filing for reimbursement.
This type of insurance can be purchased for virtually any location. However, it is most commonly purchased for areas in which a kidnapping is more likely to occur, such as Mexico, Columbia, Haiti, Nigeria, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and some areas of Russia.
Who Needs K&R Insurance?
Kidnap and ransom coverage is often included in a corporate insurance portfolio, particularly for companies with employees who frequently travel abroad. The amount of coverage that can be purchased is limited to the value of the insured’s assets, which must be a minimum of $250,000.
Individuals can obtain K&R insurance as a stand-alone policy. This coverage is often purchased by sports stars, politicians, musicians, celebrities, and the affluent, but the cost may be prohibitive for many other individuals.
When a company employee, family member, or high-profile individual is traveling abroad, kidnap and ransom insurance is a wise investment. An agent at Reese Insurance Group in Illinois and Wisconsin can advise and assist you with kidnap and ransom coverage, as well as all of your other business insurance needs.
