As one of the world’s leading independent providers of kidnap and ransom insurance, Lockton has the resources and expertise required to deliver informed and effective solutions that safeguards your family, employees or business from criminal activity.
Protection when every second counts
In today's unpredictable world, safeguarding your family, employees, and business from evolving risks - such as kidnap, extortion, unlawful detention and other forms of special crime - is essential. Our Kidnap & Ransom (K&R) insurance provides comprehensive solutions covering ransom reimbursement, business interruption, PR costs, and vital expert aftercare. With incidents often crossing borders, our dedicated global crisis management team operates seamlessly worldwide, bringing leading expertise and resources directly to you.
Your crisis response, on demand
Every crisis demands immediate action. Our K&R insurance includes 24/7 access to expert crisis consultants who respond immediately to incidents - from evacuations to direct threats. With backgrounds in Special Forces and international security, they’re equipped to manage complex situations, de-escalate threats, and protect your people and operations.
The right cover, when you need it
We connect you with exclusive K&R insurers, ensuring you always get the most appropriate and responsive cover. Your confidentiality is our absolute priority. Should you ever need to make a claim, experienced consultants will work tirelessly and discreetly to resolve it as quickly and seamlessly as possible.
Key perils we cover
Kidnap for ransom
Protection for individuals kidnapped and held in exchange for payment. Our kidnap and ransom insurance includes ransom reimbursement, incident response, and expert negotiation support.
Extortion
Covers threats demanding payment under duress. Our policies support incident management, secure coverage, and reimbursement for paid ransoms or related costs.
Detention
Provides K&R insurance for unlawful or politically motivated detention. Includes crisis consultancy, legal support, and insurance coverage for ongoing disruptions or risks.
Hijack
Protection against aircraft, vehicle, or vessel hijacking, including emergency response services, loss mitigation, and expert-led negotiation and recovery.
Threat
Coverage for credible threats against personnel, assets, or data - including stalking and physical intimidation. Triggers fast incident response and crisis management.
Emergency Security Evacuation
Support for evacuating individuals from unstable or hostile environments. Includes travel coordination, crisis logistics, and ongoing risk management services.
Express Kidnap
Covers fast, short-term abductions for immediate cash ransom. Includes K&R insurance support, personal accident cover and post-incident care helping to reduce reputational risk.
Our services
Additional covered perils
Our comprehensive kidnap and ransom policies extend far beyond traditional kidnap and ransom scenarios, offering vital protection against a wider range of emerging and complex threats you might encounter. We also cover:
Assault
Business Interruption
Child Abduction
Stalking
Product Loss
Crisis management response
Maritime Piracy (including piracy boarding)
Cyber Extortion response consultancy fees and expenses
Crisis management response
As soon as an incident occurs, your crisis response consultants will act immediately to co-ordinate any response to an insured event. In the event of a kidnap, consultants are deployed where required – typically to the incident location and head office HQ. These highly trained responders will advise you throughout the entire incident process, no matter how long it takes. Their expertise is crucial for effectively managing all special crime situations.
Pre-incident training
Our policies include a risk mitigation allowance, empowering you to invest in vital pre-incident training and preparedness. Our response consultants will tailor this training to your specific needs, encompassing Crisis Management plan reviews, travel security briefings, simulated incidents, and desktop exercises, all designed to prepare you for potential special crime risks.
Our latest Kidnap & Ransom insights
Contact our Kidnap & Ransom team
Helen Sandford
Vice President, Head of Special Crime (Kidnap and Ransom)
helen.sandford@lockton.com
+44 20 7933 2346
Charlie Tear
Broker, Special Crime (Kidnap and Ransom)
charlie.tear@lockton.com
+44 799 071 5681
Evie Vincent
Broker, Special Crime (Kidnap and Ransom)
evie.vincent@lockton.com
+44 747 129 9007
Get in touch
Kidnap & Ransom FAQs
How does Kidnap & Ransom insurance work?
Kidnap & Ransom insurance steps in when a special crime event - like kidnapping or extortion - occurs. You’ll have access to expert crisis teams who advise on negotiations and logistics. The policy can cover ransom payments, lost income, travel, legal costs, and more. It’s typically kept confidential to help reduce the chance of being targeted.
Who can get Kidnap & Ransom cover?
K&R insurance is designed for individuals and organisations exposed to special crime risks. Common targets include natural resource companies, law firms, financial institutions, and NGOs. Individuals at risk may include c-suites, journalists, high-net-worth individuals, crypto executives, aid workers, and families travelling to higher-risk regions.
Does travel insurance cover abduction?
Standard travel insurance doesn’t usually cover special crime events like abduction or kidnapping. These serious risks require dedicated Kidnap & Ransom insurance, which is specifically designed to deal with incidents such as hostage situations or extortion, especially in higher-risk regions and for high-net-worth individuals.
Does K&R insurance cover global travel?
Yes. Lockton’s global crisis management solutions provide worldwide cover, including high-risk zones. Whether your team is travelling for business or humanitarian work, our K&R insurance ensures you're protected globally - with access to local response teams.
How do I make a claim if a crisis occurs?
If a crisis occurs, you can contact the 24/7 incident response team on your policy. The expert crisis consultants will mobilise immediately to manage the situation - from initial response to resolution - ensuring discretion, speed, and effectiveness throughout the process. Our dedicated claims team is also there to support you throughout the claim.