kidnap & ransom News

UK Anti-Terrorism Proposal Would Clarify Insurance Law on Ransom Payments

The U.K. government will introduce anti-terrorism legislation this week requiring internet companies to provide user data to authorities. The bill, to be published on Nov. 26 and fast-tracked through Parliament so it becomes law before the general election in May, …

XL Group Launches K&R Coverage with Crisis Management Advisory Services

XL Group has launched a kidnap, ransom & extortion (KRE) crisis policy that features a new agreement with risk consultancy, Terra Firma Risk Management LLP. Through the agreement, XL Group’s new KRE coverage is accompanied by response capabilities and crisis …

Schinnerer Updates Kidnap, Ransom, Extortion Coverage Endorsement

Victor O. Schinnerer & Co., an underwriting manager, has enhanced its kidnap, ransom and extortion insurance coverage with an updated endorsement, the “Schinnerer Enhanced Endorsement.” Effective immediately, the Schinnerer Enhanced Endorsement broadens the definition of kidnap, ransom, and insured persons, …

Lockton: Companies Overlooking Most Crucial Part of Kidnap & Ransom Insurance

The ransom and extortion industry’s danger zone has expanded well beyond Central and South America, yet companies tend to downplay the importance of a kidnap & ransom insurance policy, according to a new report by Lockton. The report, authored by …

Schinnerer Adds Crime, Kidnap, Ransom Coverage to Non-Profit Program

Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. has added crime and kidnap, ransom, and extortion coverages to its suite of offerings for non-profits. The new coverages round out the program’s existing offering of directors & officers liability (D&O), employment practices liability (EPLI), …

IMB Reports Piracy Falls in 2012, But Seas off East and West Africa Still Dangerous

The latest report on global piracy from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Maritime Bureau (IMB) notes that it has “reached a five-year low, with 297 ships attacked in 2012, compared with 439 in 2011.” The IMB, which has …

Willis Intelligence Specialist Warns of Continued Somali Pirate Threat

Tim Holt, Head of Intelligence at Special Contingency Risks (SCR), part of the Willis Group, has warned that the piracy threat in Somalia is unlikely to abate for the following reasons: • “Piracy is the second largest generator of income …

Marine Insurers Backing Armed Guards as Piracy Threat Grows

More ship insurers are backing the use of private armed guards on merchant vessels at sea to combat Somali piracy as attacks and the resulting costs are set to rise in coming weeks, industry officials said on Tuesday. Pirate attacks …

Aon Report Concludes Piracy Threat Spreading to East Africa Coast

Aon Risk Solutions, the risk management business of Aon Corp., has issued its first in depth report analyzing the threat posed by pirates. It points out that with the end of the monsoon season pirate activity usually increases. It also …

Chartis Partners with Crisis Management Firm for Kidnap, Ransom Cases

Chartis will enter into a contractual agreement with NYA International Limited (NYA), a kidnap and extortion response consultancy. Beginning December 1, 2011, NYA will be responsible for providing kidnap, extortion, malicious product tampering and maritime piracy consultancy services to the …