Kidnapping Insurance

[elcolombiano]

I am worried about getting kidnapped in Colombia. Are there any insurance companies that carry a policy for this?

[Pete E]

... in response to Kidnapping Insurance, posted by elcolombiano on Oct 27, 2002

Im think the insurance prices are high because of the people who would buy are more at risk,like american employees of oil companys who opperate in the outlying areas.Also if someone like this is kidnapped the ransome would be high because they are looking for the companys to pay.
I think the best insurance is to be smart,be carefull where you go and don't give off the impression you are worth kidnapping.I think most kidnap victims are wealthy Colombians who the rebels know have money.
Also having insurance may get you out later vs earlier.You hand them your kidnap insurance card and they smell money.Better to tell them you are a poor Americano who could just barely afford his plane ticket and has no family or friends who would pay for your return.
Also,as said by others,if you stay in town its very very unlikely you will be kidnapped.I would worry more about urban criminals,but they will most likely be satisfied with the money you have on you.I think the most dangerous are the street punks,teenagers who carry guns and will kill you without much thought.My brother in law's mother was killed by them while out for an early morning walk in Cali.

Pete

[outwest77]

... in response to Kidnapping Insurance, posted by elcolombiano on Oct 27, 2002

if you think its that dangerous that you would have that good a chance to get kidnapped, why would you go., Its like my relatives saying im in danger in the phils, sure, there are muslim terrorists there, but, there are terrorists in the u.s.a too. the filipinos refuse to fly on US airlines now since 9/11, they prefer older, more unreliable Philippines Airlines, they are in more danger flying that airline itself than they are from terrorists, Perception is everything, dont believe the hype , how many guys on this board have gone down and say its dangerous in colombia? not many, sure there are dangers everywhere , but just watch your back stay in the cities and you will be fine,

[Throw]

... in response to Kidnapping Insurance, posted by elcolombiano on Oct 27, 2002

yes the insuarnce does exist.  It is expensive, very expensive.  Depending on coverage in the 5,000-20,000k range for a one year premium.  No one sells a policy like travel life insurace for $15 or $20 dollars, short term that you pick up at the airport.  

If you get kidnapped the kidnappers want sizeable money.  Your premium will reflect that.  Plus all the negotiating money that is spent to get you released....

[LatinIntro]

... in response to Kidnapping Insurance, posted by elcolombiano on Oct 27, 2002

I don't know of any insurance companies that do this, but you will be pleased to know that according to a recent security briefing from the US Embassy in Bogota, there has not been one single american kidnapped in any major city Colombia for many years. They also mentioned that the majority of the kidnappings take place out of the cities. This was said in a briefing to american families working and living in Bogota.

Nelson

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Kidnapping Insurance, posted by LatinIntro on Oct 28, 2002

In the cities perhaps but there have indeed been rural kidnappings of gringos. One that comes to mind is that guy who was traveling from Bogota to Medellin on his motorcycle about a year ago who became the guest of the ELN. He had a webpage recounting his adventures in which he titled him self "The Striking Viking". Not to mention the three American "indiginistas" who were kidnapped and killed by the FARC.

[NW Jim]

... in response to Kidnapping Insurance, posted by elcolombiano on Oct 27, 2002

The veterans here will tell you that it's not necessary so long as you stay in safe areas, and use common sense. However if you're interested it's called K & R Insurance.(Kidnap & Recovery) Here's one link: http://www.svbap.com/eng/services/krinsurance.htm