Kidnap & Ransom Insurance

Specialist risk insurance broker providing Kidnap & Ransom insurance.

A speciality crime coverage that protects against financial losses that arise when an insured is threatened with kidnap, extortion or illegal detention domestically or abroad.

Will provide financial protection and crisis management in the event of kidnap, hijack, extortion and wrongful detention.

Is particularly important to individuals and companies who travel to, or work in, high-risk countries and extreme environments. Those who are financially secure are particularly at risk.

By taking out Kidnap and Ransom Insurance, you have access to quick and practical crisis and financial support in threatening, dangerous situations, giving you peace of mind.

Award Winning In-House Claims Team
Lloyds of London Commercial Broker
Independent Broker Since 2001

Discover What We Have to Offer

SJL Insurance Services provides fast, effective support in hostile situations, including crisis management and financial assistance to help resolve threats quickly and protect those involved.

We insure businesses of any size, in any sector, anywhere in the world. Our tailored policies ensure you only pay for the cover you need, backed by expert advice informed by global risk insight. You’ll also benefit from a dedicated account and claims manager.

Some policies are available as all heads of cover, including ransom reimbursement, loss of ransom in transit, response consultant costs, additional expenses, personal accident, and legal liability cover.

To find out more, call +44 (0)1905 27775 or email [email protected].

Extortion

Where a ransom is demanded by an individual or group who threaten to carry out one of a set list of crimes against the company if said ransom is not paid – all heads of cover.

Illegal Detention

The holding under duress for more than 6 consecutive hours by an individual or group of an insured person )other than as part of a kidnap, hijack, disappearance investigation, or hostage crisis) – all heads of cover.

Piracy

While this is under the same definition as Hijack, Piracy is a term is more commonly used regarding marine cargo.

Ransom

Cash, goods or services paid or to be paid by you or on your behalf to meet a demand made as part of a kidnap or extortion event.

Hijack

The illegal detention, other than kidnap, of an insured person while travelling on any form of public or private transportation – all heads of cover.

Business Interruption

Reimbursement cover for loss of a company’s reasonably forecasted income which was not earned as a direct result of a covered incident.

Product Recall Expenses

Cover for recalling products as a result of ransom demands.

Kidnap

The actual, attempted or alleged illegal taking and detention of any insured person by an individual or group demanding that a ransom is paid by you before they will release the insured person.

Cyber Extortion Business Interruption

Cover for if the business is interrupted through cyber extortion, this may also be covered within a Cyber Insurance policy.

Tiger Kidnapping

An event where an individual or group hold any person hostage and also make a (typically non-financial) demand against you that must be met in return for the release of the hostage – all heads of cover, lower limits.

Disappearance

Response consultant costs following the complete and unexpected loss of contact with an insured person for a period of more than 36 consecutive hours, commencing from the last confirmed contact with the insured person.

Child Abduction

Response consultant costs and additional expenses cover following the actual or alleged abduction of a child from the custody or care of the insured, and whilst on a company premises.

WHY DO I NEED KIDNAP AND RANSOM INSURANCE?

Kidnap and Ransom Insurance might not seem necessary, but if you travel for work or work in a location with a reputation for violence, kidnap and extortion, it can be a very real threat.

SJL Insurance Services can support you and your business should you come into trouble, through extensive knowledge, expertise, crisis management and financial protection.

These situations can be incredibly traumatic, dangerous and threatening to both people and the financial security of your business.

Kidnap and Ransom Insurance can help protect individuals and businesses from:

Extortion
Business Interruption
Child Abduction
Tiger Kidnapping and Disappearance
Cyber Extortion business interruption
Product Recall Expenses
Kidnap
Ransom
Hijack
Piracy
Illegal detention

If you are concerned at the risk of kidnap, extortion and wrongful detention and are due to travel to a high-risk country, speak to our experts today.

WHAT PERILS DOES A KIDNAP AND RANSOM POLICY COVER?

Kidnap and ransom insurance policies typically include the following features and benefits:

The reimbursement of financial losses associated with a kidnap for ransom, extortion, illegal detention, hostage situations and hijacking incidents – both domestically and abroad
Risk mitigation and security strategies for individuals and corporations
For international risks, most policies will include safe travel advice and training

Some insurance carriers also offer insurance coverage extensions like:

Emergency evacuation or repatriation
Business interruption
Child abduction
Tiger kidnapping and disappearance
Cyber extortion business interruption
Product recall expenses

Insureds are advised to consult with their brokers to determine their risk profile and exactly what coverages they might need.

WHO IS KIDNAP AND RANSOM INSURANCE FOR?

Kidnap and Ransom Insurance is most applicable for those who work in high-risk locations as part of their job or travel. Those who travel to, or work in, environments that can be hostile are most likely to be targeted, especially those who are known for being financially secure.

Businesses and individuals who typically require Kidnap and Ransom Insurance include:

High net worth individuals
Sports, media, entertainment personalities
Oil and gas companies
Mining and extractive industries
Construction companies
Pharmaceutical companies
Telecommunication companies
Financial institutions
Security companies

WHICH COUNTRIES ARE HIGH RISK FOR KIDNAP AND RANSOM?

The key areas for kidnapping are Central and South America, Mexico and Africa, but there are a number of places deemed high-risk if you travel for business or work in as an expat.

There are a number of countries that you should consider additional security for when travelling to, but the following are considered the most high-risk locations. If you are travelling to or working in any of these countries, then Kidnap and Ransom Insurance is highly recommended.

Venezuela
Nigeria
Ethiopia
DRC
Columbia
Iraq
Afghanistan
The Philippines
India
Brazil
Haiti
Mexico

If you’re not sure if Kidnap and Ransom Insurance is required for somewhere you are travelling to, speak to our experts who can advise you on the cover you need.

HOW MUCH DOES KIDNAP AND RANSOM INSURANCE COST?

At SJL Insurance Services, we build bespoke policies to suit the needs of the individual business. The level of cover required, the country and or location of travel, and plus the security risks and security provided in the country will determine the cost of your policy.

Our teams at SJL will work with you to build a tailored kidnap and ransom insurance policy that suits your requirements. To find out what cover you might need, contact us today to speak to an expert.

Kidnap and Random Insruance Frequently Asked Questions

What is kidnap and ransom insurance?

Kidnap and ransom insurance is specialist cover designed to protect individuals and businesses against financial losses and security risks linked to kidnap, extortion, hijack, wrongful detention, and hostage situations. Policies also provide access to crisis response experts and specialist support services.

Who needs kidnap and ransom insurance?

Kidnap and ransom insurance is suitable for businesses and individuals operating in high-risk locations or industries. This can include executives, journalists, contractors, aid workers, security companies, oil and gas businesses, mining firms, and organisations with employees travelling internationally.

What does kidnap and ransom insurance typically cover?

Policies can include cover for ransom payments, extortion, illegal detention, hijacking, business interruption, legal costs, medical expenses, crisis response consultancy, and emergency evacuation depending on the level of protection required.

Why is specialist kidnap and ransom insurance important?

Standard business insurance policies often exclude or restrict cover for kidnapping, extortion, terrorism, and hostile environments. Specialist kidnap and ransom insurance helps businesses and individuals access financial protection and expert crisis management support during dangerous situations.

Does kidnap and ransom insurance include crisis response support?

Yes. Many policies provide immediate access to experienced crisis management consultants and security specialists who can assist with negotiations, incident response, travel advice, and risk mitigation during a kidnapping or extortion event.

Which countries are considered high-risk for kidnap and ransom?

High-risk regions can include parts of Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and areas affected by political instability or organised crime. Countries frequently associated with elevated kidnapping risks include Venezuela, Nigeria, Mexico, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Can kidnap and ransom insurance cover employees travelling overseas?

Yes. Many businesses arrange kidnap and ransom insurance for employees, executives, contractors, and consultants travelling or working abroad. Cover may include emergency evacuation, medical support, security advice, and crisis management assistance.

Does kidnap and ransom insurance cover cyber extortion?

Some specialist policies can include protection against cyber extortion, ransomware demands, and online threats. This can help businesses recover costs associated with cyber incidents, business interruption, and specialist response services.

How much does kidnap and ransom insurance cost?

The cost of kidnap and ransom insurance depends on factors such as destination countries, industry sector, number of employees travelling, security measures in place, level of cover required, and the overall risk profile of the organisation or individual.

Why is tailored kidnap and ransom insurance important for businesses?

Every organisation faces different security risks depending on where employees travel and operate. Tailored kidnap and ransom insurance helps businesses secure appropriate protection, crisis response support, and financial cover suited to their operational risks and international activities.

Get a Kidnap & Ransom Insurance quote for the cover you need,
and have peace of mind knowing that you're protected.