CR 00 40–KIDNAP/RANSOM AND EXTORTION COVERAGE FORM AND
CR 00 41–KIDNAP/RANSOM AND EXTORTION POLICY

(February 2026)

Introduction

Eligibility

Policy Makeup

CR 00 40–Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion Coverage Form

Insuring Agreements

Limit of Insurance

Deductible

Exclusions

Conditions

Definitions

INTRODUCTION

There are two ways to write kidnap, ransom, and extortion coverage: either through a separate policy or coverage form, or by attaching an endorsement to the ISO Commercial or Government Crime Coverage Forms or Policies. This analysis focuses solely on CR 00 40–Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion Coverage Form.

Related Article: CR 04 03–Extortion–Commercial Entities and CR 04 04–Extortion–Government Entities

Since they share similar formats, this analysis refers to CR 00 21–Commercial Crime Coverage Form (Loss Sustained Form) to help understanding.

Related Article: ISO Commercial Crime Coverage Forms and Policies Analysis

ELIGIBILITY

This coverage is available to any commercial entity and most state and local government units and entities. However, financial institutions are not eligible.

POLICY MAKEUP

The Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion Policy consists of two basic parts:

A policy containing the Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion Coverage Form must include the following four basic forms:

This form contains conditions common to all commercial lines of insurance. It is mandatory on most monoline or multi-line policies.

Related Article: IL 00 17–Common Policy Conditions Analysis

CR DS 06–KIDNAP/RANSOM AND EXTORTION COVERAGE PART DECLARATIONS

NOTE: The DS 07–Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion Policy Declarations is a combination of the DS 06 below and the DS 00–Common Declarations.

The declarations includes four insuring agreements and conditions specifically for Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion Coverage. Coverage can be written as Primary, Excess, Coindemity, or Concurrent.

Insuring Agreements, Limits of Insurance, and Deductibles

This section provides spaces to specify the limits of insurance and deductible amounts per occurrence for the following insuring agreements.

1.      Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion–Direct Loss

2.      Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion–Expenses Incurred

3.      Detention or Hijack

4.      In-transit Delivery of Property

Entering “Not Covered” next to an insuring agreement removes that agreement and any related references in the coverage form.

Spaces are also provided for entering Insuring Agreements endorsed to the policy, including the associated insurance limits and deductible amounts per occurrence.

Excluded Persons or Classes of Persons

This section provides space to enter the names of individuals or classes of people who are excluded from coverage.

Name and Address of Security Firm

This section is used to list the full name and address of the security firm responsible for negotiating with kidnappers to secure the release of any insured kidnapped individual.

Endorsements Forming Part of this Coverage When Issued

This section lists the endorsements issued at inception.

Cancellation of Prior Insurance by Us

This section provides space to list previous policy numbers for coverage that will be automatically canceled when this coverage takes effect.

Countersignature of Authorized Representative

This section includes fields for the countersigning authorized representative’s name, title, signature, and date of countersignature.

CR 00 40–KIDNAP/RANSOM AND EXTORTION COVERAGE FORM ANALYSIS

This analysis pertains to the 08 13 edition of this coverage form. Changes from the 08 07 edition are highlighted in bold. This analysis does not cover editorial or formatting changes that do not affect coverage.

The coverage provided by CR 00 41–Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion Policy is identical to that provided by CR 00 40. The only difference between the two is that CR 00 41 incorporates the conditions in the IL 00 17–Common Policy Condition, whereas CR 00 40 does not; therefore, the IL 00 17 must be attached to the CR 00 41 to complete the policy.

This policy contains provisions that restrict coverage. It is essential to carefully review the entire policy to understand the insured’s rights, responsibilities, and coverage details. Although the Rough Notes editors do not use these terms, note that throughout the policy, "you" and "your" mean the Named Insured listed in the Declarations. Similarly, "we," "us," and "our" refer to the Insurance Company. Additionally, any terms in quotation marks have specific meanings explained in the Definitions section.

INSURING AGREEMENTS

There are four insuring agreements. Coverage is limited to those agreements with a specified limit of insurance listed in the declarations. This coverage applies to any covered loss and related expenses, as defined in this coverage form, resulting from an occurrence. The occurrence must take place during the policy period and be reported to the insurance company either during the policy period or the extended reporting period.

Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion–Direct Loss

(08 13 edition)

This insuring agreement covers two types of property loss:

a.      If a ransom is paid as a direct result of the kidnapping or alleged kidnapping of an insured person, coverage applies for the money, monetary instruments, securities, services, or other tangible property used to pay the ransom.

b.      If an extortion threat is communicated to the insured, coverage applies for the money, monetary instruments, securities, services, or other tangible property used to respond to the extortion threat.

The threat of extortion communicated to the insured must involve threatening to do one of the following:

·         Physically harm a covered person.

·         Damage the covered premises or property.

·         Place a denial of service attack in the insured’s computer system.

·         Insert any malicious instruction, like a virus, into the insured’s computer system to destroy, damage, or corrupt its programs or electronic data.

·         Contaminate, pollute, or degrade the insured’s products or goods to a substandard level.

·         Obtain, then use, reveal, or share any of the following:

o   Confidential or proprietary information belonging to anyone.

NOTE: Confidential information is protected only if the named insured makes regular efforts not to disclose to any third party that such information exists.

o   Vulnerabilities in the insured’s computer system source code.  

Example: Baxter and his family have been making world-renowned pickles for over 30 years, and they keep their recipe secret. Baxter receives a note claiming that the recipe will be posted online unless he delivers $100,000 in negotiable securities to a secure location. The note also includes a copy of the recipe. Coverage applies because the recipe is proprietary information.

·         To place ransomware on the insured’s computer system that would allow an extortionist to compromise the named insured’s data and render it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. (08 13 edition)

Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion–Expenses Incurred

This insuring agreement covers the expenses of the named insured resulting directly from an alleged or actual kidnap or extortion threat, as specified in the Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion–Direct Loss Insuring Agreement.

Example: Baxter chooses to safeguard the secret pickle recipe by hiring a private investigator to deliver the demanded securities. The expense of the private investigator is covered.

Detention or Hijack

This Insuring Agreement covers the expenses of the named insured that are incurred directly due to an insured person's detention or hijacking.

Example: Phillip, driving a rental car and parked outside a New Orleans bank, becomes involved in a robbery when a gunman jumps into his vehicle and forces him to drive away. The ordeal concludes three days later with the gunman's death, the car's destruction, and Phillip hospitalized. Within the insurance limits, this coverage form pays for rental car costs, Phillip's hospital stay, counseling, lost wages, and various expenses to support his family.

In-transit Delivery of Property

This Insuring Agreement covers loss of the insured’s property while in a messenger’s care and custody in response to a kidnapping or extortion covered under the Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion–Direct Loss insuring agreement. The loss must involve theft, disappearance, confiscation, or destruction of the property during delivery to fulfill a kidnap/ransom request.

NOTE: The messenger can be any individual the named insured designates to take the property from its premises. The messenger does not need to be an insured person. The property may include money, monetary instruments, securities, services, or other tangible property.

Example: Baxter hires a private investigator to deliver the securities to the extortionist who threatened to reveal the family’s secret pickle recipe. During the delivery, police intervene and arrest the perpetrator. In the chaos, the briefcase opens, and the wind blows the contents away. The securities are covered up to the limit of insurance.

LIMIT OF INSURANCE

The insurance company will pay up to the Limit of Insurance specified on the Declarations. However, fees and costs for the security firm listed on the declarations are not included in this limit but are paid in addition to the Limit of Insurance shown on the Declarations for the Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion–Expenses Incurred and the Detention or Hijack Insuring Agreements.

However, if a security firm is employed at the time of the incident but not listed on the Declarations, the expenses incurred are included in the Limit of Insurance shown on the Declarations.

Example: A kidnapping occurs, and ABC Security becomes involved. They are listed on the Insured’s Declarations and incur $50,000 in expenses.

The Limits of Insurance are as follows:

Insuring Agreement

Limit of Insurance Per Occurrence

Kidnap/Ransom And Extortion – Direct Loss

$500,000

Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion – Expenses Incurred

$10,000

Detention or Hijack

$10,000

In Transit Delivery of Property

$50,000

The $50,000 in expenses is covered in full because ABC is listed on the Declarations, even though the limit of insurance for Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion – Expenses Incurred is only $10,000.

DEDUCTIBLE

The insurance company will not pay for a loss resulting directly from an occurrence unless the amount of loss exceeds the deductible amount on the Declarations. Once the loss exceeds the deductible, the insurer will then pay the covered loss up to the insurance limit specified in the Declarations.

Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion – Expenses Incurred and Detention or Hijack Insuring Agreements are not subject to a deductible.

EXCLUSIONS

Applying to All Insuring Agreements

a.      Acts Committed By You or Any Insured Person

Coverage does not apply if the kidnap/ransom or extortion threat results from a dishonest, fraudulent, or criminal act committed by the insured or any insured person.

b.      Surrender of Property

Coverage does not include loss or expenses from surrendering property in either of the following situations:

·         Inside the premises, unless it was initially brought in after receiving the ransom or extortion demand specifically to pay it.

NOTE: This distinguishes this coverage from standard robbery coverage.

Example: A man enters a jewelry store and demands all the jewelry, threatening to detonate the bomb attached to his waist. This situation qualifies as a robbery because jewelry is present on the premises. However, this coverage form does not provide insurance for this scenario. Coverage may be available under a Jewelers Block Coverage Form or Policy.

·         Outside the premises when the surrender occurs because there is a threat to physically injure a person who is not a messenger but who is in control of such property.

Exclusions applicable to the Detention or Hijack Insuring Agreement:

a.      Political or Military Activity

There is no coverage for expenses incurred by an insured person when they participate in the operation of a security or military force or engage in political activities.

b.      Travel Documents

Coverage does not apply to expenses resulting from the insured or an insured person failing to properly obtain or maintain necessary travel documents. Examples of travel documents include passports, visas, permits, and similar documents.

c.      Violation of Laws of Foreign Countries

Coverage does not extend to expenses incurred if an insured person is detained abroad because of actual or alleged violations of that country’s laws.

However, coverage is provided if the detention stems from intentionally false, fraudulent, or malicious accusations made solely to pursue political, propaganda, or coercive motives, or if it harms the insured or an insured person.

Example: Harry’s company operates in a South American country. It was highly regarded under the previous government, but now the current administration views it as an adversary. As Harry plans to leave, airport security claims to have found marijuana in his luggage, leading to his detention. Harry firmly protests his innocence, emphasizing that there is no evidence linking him to any illegal drugs. This coverage covers the costs needed to secure Harry’s release.

CONDITIONS

Confidentiality

The insured and each insured individual must make every reasonable effort to keep the existence of this insurance confidential.

NOTE: This coverage form likely includes this condition to prevent the insured from becoming a kidnap or extortion target.

Other Conditions

These conditions are in addition to the Common Policy Conditions.

The word “loss” as used in any Condition below, also includes expenses.

a.      Additional Premises or Employees

(08 13 edition)

When the insured adds employees and/or premises during the policy term, coverage automatically applies without an additional premium charge during that policy term. The only exception is if the new premises or employees result from a consolidation, merger, purchase, or acquisition.

NOTE: See the section on consolidation, merger, or acquisition conditions below for details on the exception.

The named insured is not required to notify the insurance company of the additional premises and/or employees.

b.      Concealment, Misrepresentation, or Fraud

Any fraudulent act committed by the insured invalidates coverage. Coverage is also void if the insured intentionally conceals or misrepresents a material fact related to the insurance, particularly in the following areas:

·         The insurance policy itself.

·         Insured persons covered by this insurance.

·         Covered property.

·         The insured's interest in covered property.

·         A claim filed under this insurance.

c.      Consolidation–Merger or Acquisition

Coverage applies for 90 days to newly acquired entities, premises, assets, or liabilities of another entity, and to its employees. The coverage is automatic, but the insurance company must be promptly notified in writing of the acquisition. No coverage is provided after 90 days unless notice has been received and the insurance company has provided written consent.

An additional premium might be charged, and only losses occurring AFTER the date of the consolidation, merger, or acquisition are covered.

d.      Cooperation

The insured must cooperate with the insurance company on all matters related to the insurance, as outlined in the policy's terms and conditions.

Related Court Case: Breached Policy Provisions Justify Denial of Coverage

e.      Due Diligence

The insured and each insured individual must make reasonable efforts to prevent or minimize any covered loss.

f.        Duties in the Event of an Occurrence

(08 13 edition)

Before surrendering any property to a ransom demand or an extortion threat, the insured must take certain steps if an incident occurs that could lead to a covered loss. These actions include:

·         Determine that an actual occurrence involving kidnapping, detention, hijacking, or an extortion threat took place.

·         Notify all of the following if there is a kidnapping or extortion threat:

o   The security firm listed on the declarations immediately.

o   An associate.

o   Local law enforcement authorities.

o   The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

·         Authorize payments in response to extortion threats or ransom demands.

·         Inform the insurance company promptly.

·         Provide a detailed, sworn proof of loss to the insurance company within 120 days.

NOTE: This duration exceeds that of most policies because resolving a kidnap/ransom or extortion demand can take an exceptionally long time.

·         Cooperate with the insurance company as it investigates and/or settles claims.

·         Provide the insurance company with all relevant records related to the claim for review.

·         When requested by the insurance company, the insured should agree to be examined under oath and provide a signed statement of their answers.

·         When an organization or individual responsible for the loss is identified, the insured must secure all rights of recovery against them. They must not impede the insurance company’s ability to exercise those rights.

g.      Extended Reporting Period

Losses must be sustained before the policy expiration date. The insured must report them to the insurance company or the scheduled security firm during the policy period or within 30 days after the policy is cancelled.

NOTE: There is no additional extended loss discovery period.

Example: Jessica, an employee of South American Arts, Inc., is traveling in Columbia to find new artisans. She often goes days without contact while exploring remote villages. Her boss becomes worried after not hearing from her for over 30 days. He reaches out to contacts he has in the area.

When 45 days pass with no communication, he involves a security firm, worried that she might have been kidnapped. The firm quickly locates her. It turns out she has been kidnapped, but disagreements among her captors over her worth delayed a ransom demand. The firm successfully resolves the situation and ensures Jessica's safe return to South American Arts.

Thanks to the security firm's efforts, Jessica was rescued without paying any ransom. However, their services cost $150,000. Unfortunately for South American Arts, Inc., the insurance expired the day after Jessica was kidnapped, and the kidnapping was not reported within the 30-day reporting window, so there is no coverage for the cost. 

h.      Joint Insured

·         If multiple named insureds are listed on the Declarations, the first named insured represents all other insureds for insurance matters. However, if the first named insured is excluded, deleted, or otherwise not covered, the next-named insured assumes that role. They then become the first named insured and are responsible for paying premiums and receiving all communications from the insurance company, such as cancellation notices.

·         Any insured, or its partner, member, official, or officer, might have knowledge or information relevant to the coverage provided by this insurance. In such cases, all insured individuals are deemed to have that knowledge. This is crucial because the first named insured might not fully own the other insureds on the policy. These could be partnerships or corporations involving significant external interests.

·         If the insurance for one of the joint insureds is canceled, that insured must report a loss within 30 days of the cancellation date.

NOTE: This time period matches the extended reporting period for the coverage part.           

Example: Celebrity Ink, along with Popular Celebrities and My Favorite Celebrity, are joint insured parties. The reporters from Celebrity Ink have taken bold steps in their work.

The insurance company assesses the risk as too high for the premium paid and informs the joint insureds that they will cancel the entire policy or just Celebrity Ink. The other two insured parties agree that Celebrity Ink should be canceled.

Unbeknownst to everyone, one of Celebrity Ink’s reporters had been kidnapped and was being held for ransom. Coverage applies because the ransom demand was received by the insurance company 15 days after the cancellation date.

·         The insurance limit is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay, regardless of whether one or multiple insureds suffer a loss. This means a separate limit does not apply to each insured.

Example: Polly Kravens from Popular Celebrities and James Levin from My Favorite Celebrity are kidnapped during a business trip. The maximum payout for this kidnapping is the limit of insurance on the declarations.

·         The insurance company pays the first named insured for any loss incurred by any insured. This payment releases the insurance company from further liability for that loss.

Example: The insurance company covers the costs for Popular Celebrities to free Polly and James. Popular Celebrities does not inform My Favorite Celebrity. If My Favorite Celebrity seeks reimbursement, they must negotiate directly with Popular Celebrities, not their insurance company, because of this condition.

i.        Legal Action Against Us

The named insured may not bring any legal action against the insurance company with respect to a specific loss until all of the following conditions are met:

·         The insured has complied with all of this insurance’s terms

·         At least 90 days have passed since a proof of loss was filed with the insurance company

·         The lawsuit is initiated within two years of the date the insured reported the loss.

Laws might prevent any or all of the above from applying. In such cases, the particular condition is modified to meet the minimum limitation period set by that law.

j.        Liberalization

The insurance company may adopt a revision that broadens the coverage offered by this policy without increasing the premium. If this change is made at least 45 days before or during the policy period, the broadened coverage applies to this insurance.

k.      Other Insurance

If the insured has other valid and collectible insurance that covers the same loss as this policy, the insurance company’s obligations are limited in the following way:

·         Primary Insurance

When this policy is designated as the primary, and:

o   If the other insurance has the same terms and conditions as this policy, then this insurance will pay its portion of the covered loss based on the ratio of its limit to the total limits of all such insurance covering the loss.

o   If the other insurance does not have the same terms and conditions, then this insurance is considered excess. It will pay only after the loss exceeds the other insurance limit(s) (regardless of whether it can be collected) and deductible or this insurance’s deductible listed on the Declarations, whichever is higher.

Payment for any loss is exclusively governed by the terms and conditions of this insurance.

·         Excess Insurance

o   This insurance may be excess over other insurance policies. In such cases, it will only pay the amount of loss that exceeds the limits of the other insurance (whether or not they are collectible), plus that insurance's deductible. Any loss paid by this insurance will be subject to this policy’s terms and conditions, not those of the other insurance.

o   If a loss is covered by this insurance and it includes a deductible, we will subtract the total of all other insurance coverages and any associated deductible from the Deductible Amount listed in the Declarations.

l.        Ownership of Property; Interests Covered

(08 13 edition)

This insurance policy covers only the specific types of property listed below:

·         Property the insured owns or leases.

·         Property the insured holds, regardless of the capacity under which it holds it.

NOTE: The 08 13 edition deletes the words “whether or not you are legally liable for the loss of such property” and adds it in the next item.

·         Property the named insured is legally liable for, but only if that liability existed before the loss occurred.

NOTE: This insurance is only for the benefit of the insured. No third party organization or individual has any rights under this policy. Claims must be submitted by the named insured, who will then manage any payment arrangements with the third party involved.  

m.    Recoveries

Recoveries may be made by the insured or the insurance company, and the party recovering must notify the other party. The recovering party is reimbursed for its expenses from the recovered amount, and the remaining balance is distributed in this order as follows:

1.      The insured receives the portion of the loss that goes beyond what the insurance company paid.

2.      The insurance company receives the amount of loss it paid.

3.      The insured receives the amount of the deductible they paid.

4.      The insured receives any remaining amount to cover expenses this insurance did not cover.

Recoveries do not include recoveries from insurance, suretyship, reinsurance, security, or indemnity that benefit the insurance company, nor do they include the recovery of original securities if duplicates have already been issued.

n.      Surrender of Personal Assets

Payments or expenses made due to ransom or extortion on behalf of an insured person who is not the named insured are considered the property and expenses of the named insured. This applies only if the demand stems from the insured person's connection to the named insured.

Example: Penelope is kidnapped while in Mexico. Her family is notified and immediately pays the ransom. Penelope was in Mexico on business for her employer, World Tours, Inc. The ransom that Penelope’s family paid is considered a payment by World Tours, Inc. As a result, it is compensable under World Tours’ Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion coverage.

o.      Territory

The event can occur anywhere in the world unless the territory is changed on the declarations.

NOTE: The CR DS 06–Kidnap/Ransom and Extortion Policy Coverage Part Declarations does not include a section to modify the territory, and there is no endorsement available to do so. 

p.      Transfer of Your Rights of Recovery Against Others to Us

The named insured must transfer all rights to recover to the insurance company for any loss it has suffered and that the insurance company has paid. It must also take all necessary steps to protect those rights and avoid any actions after the loss that could affect them.  

NOTE: The named insured can usually waive rights of subrogation in writing before a loss with most property coverage forms and policies, but this coverage form does not include that option.

q.      Valuation–Settlement

(08 13 edition)

The following determines the valuation of losses based on the coverage provided by this insurance.

(1) Money

Money is valued at its face value. Foreign currency can be exchanged for either the same country’s face value or the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars. The equivalent is determined by the exchange rate listed in The Wall Street Journal on the day of surrender.

(2) Securities

Securities are valued at their closing price on the day they were surrendered. The insurance company has two options.

·         Either pay the market value of the securities or replace them in kind.

o   If replaced, the named insured must sign over to the insurance company all rights to the lost securities.

·         Pay for any lost securities bond required to issue duplicates.

o   The insurance company’s responsibility is limited to covering either the market value of the securities on the day the loss is discovered or the insurance limit, whichever is less.

3) Property Other than Money and Securities

Property loss, excluding money and securities, is valued at replacement cost without depreciation. The insurance payout is limited to the lesser of the following:

·         The limit of insurance for the lost property on the declarations.

·         The expense of replacing the property with similar property used for the same purpose.

·         The cost the named insured incurred to repair or replace the property.

The insurance company will not pay any loss or damage based on replacement cost until the property has been actually repaired or replaced. The repair or replacement should be completed as quickly as reasonably possible. If the lost property is not replaced, the insurance company will pay only the actual cash value. 

At the named insured’s option, the insurance company pays for loss or damage to such property in the currency of the country where the loss or damage was sustained, or its equivalent in U.S. dollars. The equivalent value is based on the exchange rate or value published in The Wall Street Journal on the day the property was surrendered.

Any property paid for or replaced by the insurance company becomes its property.

DEFINITIONS

Computer program

A set of related electronic instructions that govern the functions and operations of computers or their connected devices. A computer program allows these devices to receive, process, store, or transmit electronic data.

Computer system

Any of the following, if they collect, transmit, process, store, or retrieve electronic data:

·         Computers

·         Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

·         Handheld or portable devices

·         Electronic storage devices

·         Associated peripheral components

·         Applications and systems software

·         Related communications networks

Detention

This involves detaining an insured person under duress. The detention must be carried out by someone with explicit or implicit approval from a government or its authority. It can also be committed by someone with approval from an insurgent group, party, or organization.

NOTE: Detention does not include kidnapping.

Electronic Data

Facts, images, sounds, and other information meeting all of the following criteria:

o   Floppy disks

o   Tapes

o   Divers

o   Data processing devices

o   Media

·         Used with electronically controlled devices like a computer.

·         Stored on, created on, transmitted to or from, or used with computer software, including software used with computer peripherals.

Employee

Any natural person:

·         who is employed by the insured, earns a salary, wage, or commission from the insured, and is subject to the insured's right to control or direct their services.

NOTE: The difference between employees and independent contractors can be vague and somewhat fluid. Recent employment cases have examined long-term independent contracts to determine whether individuals are truly independent or de facto employees. Each situation is different and requires expert legal advice to determine whether these individuals should be considered employees.

·         who is temporarily provided to the named insured as a substitute for a permanent employee listed above, but only if the replaced employee is on leave. These individuals may also be used to manage short-term workload demands. They are considered employees if they work under the control or direction of the named insured while performing services.

NOTE: Coverage for these employees is enhanced in the 08 13 edition because they remain employees even when they take property off premises. This was not the case in the 08 07 edition.

·         who is leased to the named insured through a written agreement with a leasing firm. These individuals must carry out duties connected to the operations of the insured’s business, but this does not include temporary employees.

·         who are former employees, directors, partners, members, managers, representatives, or trustees with whom the named insured consults while providing services for the insured.

·         who is an intern or guest student pursuing studies or duties.

NOTE: Coverage for these employees is enhanced in the 08 13 edition because they remain employees even when they take property off premises. This was not the case in the 08 07 edition.

·         who are employees of merged or consolidated entities are included if the merger or consolidation took place before the current policy's effective date.

Employee is not a broker, agent, commission merchant, factor, consignee, independent contractor, or similar party, and any others not specifically described above as employees.

Expenses

All of the following fees and costs are considered expenses:

·         When the security company listed on the declarations is hired to conduct negotiations or secure an insured person's release, including verifying the authenticity and seriousness of an extortion threat.

·         independent negotiators

·         interpreters and/or independent public relations consultants

·         Security guards hired to protect the insured property or an insured person, but only if the security firm on the declarations recommends hiring them.

·         travel and accommodations the insured or an insured person incurs

·         Salary, commissions, and other financial benefits paid by the insured to an insured person, but they are limited to the pay rate in effect at the time of the person's kidnapping, detention, or hijacking. These payments cease on the earliest of the following dates:

o   30 days following the insured individual's release, should he or she not have yet resumed working.

o   Discovering the insured person has passed away.

o   120 days have passed since the last credible evidence indicating the insured person is still alive after an abduction.

o   Five years following the abduction of the insured person.

·         Hospitalization and medical services, including psychiatric care and cosmetic or plastic surgery, are covered only if the costs are incurred within 24 months of the insured person’s release.

·         independent forensic analysts

·         Interest costs incurred by the named insured for loans obtained from a financial institution to pay extortion threats or ransom demands.

·         An insured person’s personal financial losses resulting from their inability to manage personal financial matters due to kidnap, detention, or hijack.

·         Reward money paid by the insured for information that results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a covered loss.

·         Court costs and attorney fees the named insured paid to defend itself in a lawsuit filed by the insured person’s spouse or beneficiary, directly due to kidnap, detention, or hijack.

·          Any other reasonable expenses the insured incurs, provided they have the insurance company’s written consent.

The following do not qualify as expenses:

·         Costs the insured spends to recall or destroy products or goods due to an extortion threat to contaminate, pollute, or make them substandard.

·         Loss of earnings and all other costs the insured incurs due to business interruption.

Guest

This refers to any individual who visits the insured’s premises or the residence of a director, trustee, partner, member, manager, or employee, for business or social purposes. This also covers visits to the insured's residence if the insured is a sole proprietor. Additionally, a person is regarded as a guest if they travel in a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft with any insured person for business or social purposes.

Hijack

Holding an insured person under duress while they are traveling in a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft. This does not include kidnapping.

Informant

Someone who provides information that cannot be obtained through any other means, in exchange for a reward offered by the named insured. An informant cannot be an insured person.

Insured person

Any of the following, as long as they are a natural person:

Kidnap

Abducting an insured person to solicit money or other compensation in exchange for their release. The abduction must be involuntary.

Manager

(08 13 edition)

A natural person who is a director of a limited liability company.

NOTE: Manager is not the typical employee with supervisory duties; that person is regarded as an employee.

Member

(08 13 edition)

An owner of a limited liability company represented through their ownership interest. A member can also act as a manager if they are a natural person. 

Messenger

A natural person whom the insured designates to care for and handle property outside the premises.

Occurrence

Either of the following:

There is a very important limitation to this definition. If a kidnapping, extortion threat, detention, or hijacking involves a series of acts, and any of those acts occur prior to the effective date of this policy, the insurance company will not cover that loss.  

Premises

A building that the named insured occupies and where business is carried out. The residence of any insured person is also a premises.

Property

Money, monetary instruments, and securities are considered property. Additionally, services and tangible property also qualify as property. Since the term 'services' is not explicitly defined, the scope of what constitutes services could be broad. 

Ransomware

(08 13 edition)

A type of software that encrypts electronic data within a computer system, making it inaccessible to the system owner. The owner must then pay a ransom to the attacker to decrypt the data and restore access.

Relative

The insured person definition states that a relative living in the same household is an insured. This includes immediate family members such as a spouse, child, stepchild, legally adopted child, and foster child. It also covers the spouse of a married child and grandchildren. Additionally, it encompasses siblings, parents, adoptive parents, stepparents, and grandparents. In-laws are also considered relatives, meaning brother-in-law, sister-in-law, parent-in-law, and grandparent-in-law are included and qualify as insured persons.

NOTE: Relatives, as previously defined, are those connected to the insured person either through biological ties or legal relationships. Therefore, a significant other would not be considered a relative, even if they have been cohabiting for a long time. Similarly, children of that significant other would also not qualify, regardless of the emotional bonds or attachments understandings.