Ransom On The Rise (NAPSA)—Bidnagping for ransom is a growth industry. In Colombia, two victims a day are snatched for multi-milhon-dollar ransoms. High-risk countries include Mexico, Eeuadar, Vene- zuela, and the Philippines. Although North American executives and their families are populary targets, only 60% of Fortune 500s and fewer small companies carry kidnap & ransom (K&R) insurance coverage. The commercial insurance experts at Assurex International recommend any employer sending employees into high-risk countries purchase K&R insurance. Americans with K&R insurance are four times more likely to survive a kidnapping than noninsured travelers. in 67% of cases, ransomis paid. The average paymentis $2 million. K&R insurance typically covers ransom and extortion payments, security consultants and negotiators, theft of ransom money, deaths of victims mid-res- cue, transportation, and payments to informants. Keep the dream of foreign travel from becoming a nightmare with these tips. * Remember K&R insurance is far less expensive than a ransom payment or the cost of a human life. Don’t think you're immune because you’re not rich. Middle- class executives and their families are commontargets. To learn more, visit Assurex online at www.assurex.com.
