When it comes to export trade credit insurance, the advantages of having a policy far outweigh the disadvantages
In fact, it could be argued that the only disadvantage of a trade credit insurance policy is its cost
However, with premiums typically costing around £3,500 for a turnover of a £1m, this quickly becomes insignificant the moment a key customer fails to pay.
Advantages of a trade credit insurance policy
Security of cash flow
Selling on credit is an inherently risky business. Unless you demand payment upfront, your customer could fail to pay you for the goods or services you provide. A trade credit insurance policy helps secure your cash flow by protecting you against non-payment. This could typically be as a result of cash flow difficulties experienced by your customer, or even certain political events. What’s more, you’ll benefit from our industry knowledge and gain access to up to date information such as payment behaviour in different geographies and sectors.
Improved access to finance
Your trade export credit insurance policy can be helpful when looking to access finance, as many banks and lending institutions look favourably on businesses whose cash flow is secure. Having a trade credit insurance policy could help you build a strong relationship between your business and your banks or lender.
Minimise bad debt
One of the best ways you can minimise the risk of bad debt is to insure your accounts receivable. Trade credit insurance covers you when you customers fail to pay and protects you from the domino effect that can take hold when a business goes under.
Improved customer relationships
When assessing the creditworthiness of a customer or potential customer, you have the opportunity to get to know them better and to build mutually beneficial relationships. This may include tweaking your credit terms to help make sure both businesses have liquidity.
Confidence to explore new markets
Export trade credit insurance is more than a backstop to protect your business from the risk of unpaid invoices. It is also a tool that can enable trade and help your business grow. You can benefit from the market knowledge and insights of our underwriters and test new products, or explore new sectors or geographies while keeping your exposure to a risk to a minimum. Although credit insurance is not a risk transfer, as our underwriters cannot insure any trade they consider too risky, any refused credit limits will, in itself, help you identify the best areas in which to invest in trade and nurture business growth.
Disadvantages of a trade credit insurance policy
It will come as no surprise to learn that we at Atradius don’t believe there are any disadvantages to a trade credit insurance policy. That is not to say we don’t recognise there are limitations. For example, there will be occasions where we feel the risk is too great and will be unable to offer insurance for a buyer. However, we don’t just take these decisions in isolation. Our key underwriters are experts in their fields and will explain their decision to you. If they feel there is a high risk that your prospective customer will struggle to pay you, you can choose to act on that information and possibly seek out a safer buyer to sell your goods or services to. Rather than being a negative, this will save you money and hassle in the long run.