News Releases

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 15, 2005--With the number of small- to medium-sized companies and organizations conducting business outside the United States rapidly growing -- and international trade in the U.S. now accounting for one-third of the Gross Domestic Product -- the need for U.S.-based organizations to minimize international business exposures has never been more critical. In response, ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operating division of The ACE Group of Companies, offers global insurance products and services designed to minimize the potential array of personal and financial risk to U.S.-based companies and organizations doing business on foreign soil. Recognizing that companies must respond quickly to overseas business opportunities, ACE offers real time access to its International Advantage(R) services through its website for quotes, rates and application submission at www.aceadvantage.com, where customers can also file claims, submit service requests, and contact ACE underwriters. The site also offers instant access to application downloads, product and coverage information, and international claims scenarios. 
 

Offered through ACE USA International & Specialty Group, a division of ACE USA, ACE International Advantage(R) covers exposures that occur when products are exported outside the U.S.; employees travel outside the U.S. (or are temporarily or permanently stationed in other countries); and products are sold or serviced outside the U.S.

"No longer is international business risk the sole concern of Fortune 1000 companies, and companies of every size must respond quickly when business opportunities arise, and we've designed our website so that agents and brokers can rate, quote and bind in a single visit," said Andrew MacKinnon, Senior Vice President, ACE USA International & Specialty Group. "Regardless of size and number of employees, companies that assume their domestic coverage is enough to protect them from overseas liabilities place their employees and their business's financial resources at risk," MacKinnon added.

Risks to employee safety are not limited to global hotspots like Iraq or Afghanistan. Mishaps that are handled with ease at home can snowball on foreign soil, where the language barrier and a lack of understanding of local customs and procedures can cause confusion and inhibit communication, and domestic policies do not provide adequate protection. Employers may be at risk when an employee becomes seriously ill, crashes a rental car, or is detained by foreign authorities. Every year, more than 1,000 executives are kidnapped while traveling outside the U.S. on business.

"When the world is your workplace, reducing global business risk is paramount. Insuring overseas exposures is the only focus of ACE International Advantage(R), and that singular focus is backed by the global network, financial resources, and depth of risk management, underwriting and claims management expertise of ACE USA. The ACE USA goal is to help our customers maximize their insurance investments, both domestically and beyond U.S. borders," said MacKinnon.

With a dedicated local presence spanning countries, regions and continents, ACE USA is equipped to help its customers clear these and other international business risk hurdles. Through its Executive Advantage Service(R) and in-country network of local professionals, ACE USA provides business travelers with 24/7 access to local representatives who understand the language, customs and legal and regulatory system, and can help diffuse the situation and curb potential exposures, including most of the cost of repatriation.

ACE's International Advantage(R) Package Policy addresses the full gamut of risks associated with doing business outside the U.S. in a single, easy-to-read package. Features* include:

-- Commercial General Liability: Provides a safety net if your company is taken to court in a foreign country.

-- Employers Responsibility: Provides voluntary compensation and related coverages that address accidents and illnesses abroad.

-- Executive Assistance(R) Services: Provides business travelers with 24/7 access to professionals who are thoroughly familiar with local customs, languages, and pertinent regulations. Covers most of the cost of repatriation when an employee is injured overseas.

-- Kidnap & Extortion: Covers the cost associated with kidnap, extortion and detention events if employees or their families are kidnapped, and provides valuable services of expert crisis management consultant.

For more information about ACE International Advantage(R) products or services, please call Alfred Bergbauer at 302-476-6612.

* The information provided is for illustrative purposes only and does not amend or alter in any way the terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the policy delivered. Please consult the policy for exact terms and conditions.

ACE USA is the U.S.-based retail operating division of The ACE Group of Companies, headed by ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE), and is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company and A+ (Strong) by Standard & Poor's. ACE USA, through its underwriting companies, provides insurance products and services throughout the U.S. Additional information on ACE USA and its products and services can be found at www.ace-ina.com. The ACE Group of Companies provides insurance and reinsurance for a diverse group of clients around the world.