Kidnap and ransom insurance provider HCC Specialty has signed an agreement with Unity Resources Group (Unity) to offer crisis response services to its policyholders worldwide.

Under the agreement, Unity along with its partner iJET International, will provide HCC's policyholders with access to a wide range of timely and topical global intelligence material, including country and city reports.

Delivered through a kidnap and ransom portal in multiple languages, the services are expected to enable policyholders to proactively manage risk and also ensure informed decision-making.

The protection package will be provided on all new and renewal policies incepting on or after 01 January 2013, and include round the clock access to Unity's risk advisors, response consultants and intelligence analysts across the globe.

Unity replaces HCC's current crisis response provider, Kroll, which has decided to phase out its crisis response unit, but will continue to provide response to in-force policyholders with policies incepting on or before 31 December 2012.

HCC Specialty underwrites specialty insurance products, such as high-limit disability, events, promotion protection, professional liability, crisis management, public risk, primary casualty, excess casualty, DIC and niche portfolio programs.