War, Terrorism, Insurance Brokers and Consumers

Brokers have a duty to their clients specifically regarding the War on Terrorism. Our Government alerts citizens on a frequent basis as to changing conditions that can affect our safety and well-being. Such notices are not always read or heard by many citizens. As a service to our Brokers and their clients, we offer the contents of this issue of the Communicator.

News Release

Life, Disability and Medical Coverage May Now Include NCB For War

Valencia, California, Petersen International Underwriters announced today that they have completed negotiations with their personal accident insurance facility to include Nuclear, Chemical and Biological (NCB) coverage for war. Personal Accident Plans available through Petersen International Underwriters
including Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability and International Medical have always had the option to cover war, but only with an exclusion for NCB.

Mark Petersen, VP Marketing indicated this is a major breakthrough for the market. Until this week, civilian defense contractors, communication technicians, software engineers, NCB experts, oil well firefighters, journalists, and humanitarian relief workers who have been traveling to the Middle East with efforts of supporting U.S. troops have not been covered for this peril. Coverage is available on a 12-month term basis with premiums payable on a monthly mode, providing an excellent solution to the problem of logistics as employees are typically rotated in and out in four to six week assignments.

Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
March 19, 2003

This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to an increased potential for anti-American violence, including terrorist actions against U.S. citizens, as a result of the military action in Iraq. The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of Americans overseas. American citizens are reminded that it is more important than ever to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Worldwide Caution supersedes that issued on February 6, 2003 and expires on July 20, 2003.

As a result of military action in Iraq, there is a potential for retaliatory actions to be taken against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Public demonstrations carry the potential for precipitating violence directed at American citizens, symbols associated with the United States or other U.S. and western interests.

The threat to U.S. citizens includes the risk of attacks by terrorist groups. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings or kidnappings. Possible threats include conventional weapons such as explosive devices or non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. U.S. citizens should increase their security awareness at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert so me have drawn down their dependents and/or personnel. These facilities may temporarily close and / or suspend public services from time to time for security reasons. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. Monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can get up -to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at l 317-472-2328.

The above State Department Warning was issued 3/19/03

We stand by to help brokers serve their clients. Kidnap/Ransom and Detention Insurance, International Life, Disability, Medical and Life Insurance are available with War and Terrorism Coverage. Terrorism Coverage has had a total exclusion for Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) events. This is now broadened so that NBC is now covered under conditions of war.

Petersen International Underwriters insures many of the news crews and media personnel working in hostile countries and the war zones. We are also daily insuring business people, engineers, firefighters, munitions experts, divers, communications technicians, and any one having permission and authority to go to those parts of the world where the perils of war and terrorism exist. We are proud to be of service to people needing these particular coverages.