Personal accident rates for contractors in Iraq have started to decrease, despite recent kidnappings, political risk brokers said.

One Lloyd's broker said rates for personal accident cover in Iraq had dropped by around 10% since June.

He added that insurers were reluctant to insure employees of companies with poor security measures in place.

"There are fewer security guards being killed and kidnappers are now going for softer targets," the broker said.

"But before underwriting a risk, insurers are asking what is the security like? If it's not a reputable security company, you can forget about getting the cover."

Three employees of a construction firm were recently snatched from their home in Baghdad. One has been killed.