Trade Credit

Companies that sell products or services on credit terms are deemed as providing trade credit. This is applicable to both international and domestic sales where the buyer is part of the risk of doing business. In essence, Trade Credit Insurance protects you from non-payment from the buyer. This can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including both commercial or political events. Disruptive political events such as wars, embargoes and currency inconvertibility can also lead to non-payment on overseas transactions.

In simple terms, trade credit provides coverage when a customer either becomes insolvent or does not pay its debts after a certain period (which is set out in the insurance policy). Essentially it protects against the following:

• Unforeseen credit losses in accounts receivable
• Insolvency 
• Protracted default
• Political risks (government moratorium, contract frustration, discharge of debt, war, transfer, public buyer default)

There are a number of factors that insurers take into account when determining the price of a Trade Credit policy. The factors are as follows:

Turnover: The most important element in determining the price. 

Trading history: Although a poor trade history does not necessarily increase the cost, should your track record with partners, suppliers and receivables history be exemplary, it can lead to lower premiums.  

Market outlook: Market outlook and future demand can depict future stability. A stable outlook is less risky, which may help minimize the cost of a trade credit policy.

Sector: The overall market volatility, seasonality and outside market influences in the industry you do business with will be considered when determining premium.

Credit terms: Both the amount of credit extended and the repayment terms will play a part in determining the price of the policy. A compelling benefit a Trade Credit policy possesses is that Trade Credit agencies will provide expert analysis in terms of how different amounts of credit impact your overall exposure.

Customer ratings: Your main customers will be evaluated based on their credit-worthiness and trade history. This evaluation is based on publicly available information and thus is probed in incognito.

Countries: The state of the infrastructure, politics and international conflicts in the nations in which your customers are located can influence the policy pricing.

Policy structure: Different organizations have different needs and therefore the construction of each policy is tailored to those requirements. Coverage is based on modules or building blocks, and these modules have varying levels of risk which affects the price of the policy.