News Releases

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2006--Against a global backdrop of geopolitical upheaval and uncertainty, the frequency and scope of security threats to U.S.-based organizations doing business in foreign markets continues to increase. According to ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operating division of the ACE Group of Companies, when U.S.-based businesses and organizations fail to identify, assess and respond to international security threats--employees, products and financial resources are vulnerable. 
 

"The global marketplace can be a place of enormous opportunity for U.S.-based businesses, as well as an extremely risky environment for doing business. As recent events have shown, businesses must be prepared to respond when their employees are stranded, hurt, kidnapped or threatened overseas," said William House, Senior Vice President, ACE Global Solutions.

According to Mr. House, organizations of every size and type, not just multinational conglomerates, must take a realistic approach to managing overseas risk. "Large, small, or someplace in between, it is critical for U.S.-based organizations doing business overseas to understand, assess and take steps to minimize security threats and other risks to their people, products and financial assets. Every organization--including U.S.-based non-profit and educational institutions operating worldwide--must be proactive to better minimize risks to employees working or traveling overseas, and be prepared to respond quickly and expertly when employees are threatened," he said.

Offered through ACE Global Solutions, a division of ACE USA, International Advantage(R) services and insurance coverages minimize exposures that occur when employees travel outside the U.S. (or are temporarily or permanently stationed in other countries); when products are exported outside the U.S.; and, when products are sold or services marketed outside the U.S.

ACE USA's International Advantage(R) Package Policy addresses the full range of risks associated with doing business outside the U.S. on a package basis. Features include:

-- Commercial General Liability: Provides worldwide jurisdiction for bodily injury and property damage for claims arising out of third-party suits if your company is taken to court in foreign country.

-- Employers Responsibility: Voluntary compensation and related coverages that address occupational injuries.

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

-- Kidnap & Extortion: Reimburses extortion and ransom payment if employees or their families are kidnapped outside the U.S.* Includes incident response services provided by Neil Young Associates, a world leader in the special risk market.

-- Commercial Property and Business Income: Optional - Available with package policy.

-- Commercial Auto Liability: Contingent automobile liability.

-- International AD&D and Medical - Employee: - $25,000 AD&D included with package; other limits & medical coverage optional with package policy.

* Can also be provided on a stand-alone basis.

For more information about the ACE International Advantage Policy and its range of products and services, please contact Bill House at (800) 204-0518 or william.house@ace-ina.com. The above is only a summary; please see the actual policies for terms and conditions. To review additional features and check submission requirements, please visit: www.aceadvantage.com.

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+ (Superior) 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.