
Trade credit insurance cost can be affected by several factors. The industry, company size, and credit limit all play a role in determining the premium.
A company's industry is a significant factor in determining trade credit insurance cost, with higher-risk industries like construction and manufacturing typically having higher premiums.
The size of the company also impacts the cost, with larger companies often paying more due to their increased exposure to risk.
Credit limits also contribute to the premium, with higher limits resulting in higher costs.
Understanding Trade Credit Insurance
Trade credit insurance is a type of risk insurance that covers the risk of non-payment by your customers. It's calculated as a percentage of your overall invoices/accounts receivable.
Short term export credit insurance rates are usually hovering around 0.1-0.3 cents per dollar. This means if your company has a total annual revenue of around $50 million AUD, you could expect to pay somewhere between $30k-$100k in insurance premiums to cover your accounts receivable.
Calculating Trade Credit Insurance Cost
Calculating trade credit insurance cost can be a complex task, but understanding the factors that influence it can help you make informed decisions. The cost of your trade credit insurance policy will vary depending on the annual revenue to be protected.
Your bad debt history is another crucial factor that can affect the cost of your trade credit insurance. Companies with a history of bad debts may be considered higher-risk, leading to higher premiums.
Conducting due diligence is the best way to estimate the cost of your trade credit insurance. This involves gathering relevant information about your business, including your revenue, credit history, and credit management systems.
The total cash flow and outstanding invoices also play a significant role in determining the cost of your trade credit insurance. The more credit you extend, the higher the premium will be.
Countries of operation can also impact the cost of your trade credit insurance. Companies operating in developed countries may face fewer political risks, resulting in lower premiums.
For another approach, see: Credit Life Insurance Companies
The creditworthiness of your clients is another factor that can influence the cost of your trade credit insurance. Companies with poor credit management and a history of late payments may increase the cost of your policy.
Here are some common factors that can affect the cost of your trade credit insurance:
- Total cash flow and outstanding invoices
- Countries of operation
- Creditworthiness of clients
- Percentage of compensation
The percentage of compensation is also a critical factor in determining the cost of your trade credit insurance. Insuring a higher percentage of the transaction value can result in higher premiums.
The value of the transaction is another factor that can impact the cost of your trade credit insurance. Insuring larger transactions can be costly, as the insurance company may incur significant losses if your customer defaults on the debt.
Trade Credit Insurance Benefits
Trade credit insurance benefits are numerous and can have a significant impact on your business's financial stability. By mitigating the risks associated with non-payment, you can protect your cash flow and focus on growth.
According to the article, trade credit insurance can cover up to 90% of a debt, providing a significant financial safety net. This can be a huge relief for businesses, especially small ones, that may not have the resources to absorb losses.
Having trade credit insurance can also give you more control over your business, allowing you to take on more customers and expand your operations without worrying about non-payment. This can lead to increased revenue and profitability.
Trade credit insurance can also help you negotiate better payment terms with your customers, as they know you have a safety net in place. This can lead to improved cash flow and reduced financial stress.
By reducing the risk of non-payment, trade credit insurance can also help you qualify for lower interest rates on loans and other forms of financing. This can save you thousands of dollars in interest payments over time.
Managing Trade Credit Insurance

Having a good trade history is not the only factor in determining trade credit insurance cost, but it's certainly an important one. A poor trade history can be mitigated by market outlook and future demand for your products and services.
Banks are more lenient with companies that have secured receivables, making it easier to get favorable credit options and negotiate good borrowing terms.
You can save time and focus on your business by letting your insurance company handle collecting payments from partners who haven't paid their invoices.
Having your finances underpinned by trade credit insurance gives you the freedom to offer more flexible payment terms, which can be a big plus for your partners and suppliers.
Atradius GO and Export Rates
Atradius GO is a policy designed for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with domestic trade exposure up to $200,000.
If you're considering Atradius GO, keep in mind that it's only for domestic trade, not international trade.

The cost of export credit insurance policies can be influenced by several factors, including the total cash flow and outstanding invoices, countries of operation, creditworthiness of clients, and the percentage of compensation.
Companies extending credit to a few large clients with high credit limits can expect to pay more for their policy.
Atradius GO's focus on domestic trade only may make it a more affordable option for SMEs with limited international trade exposure.
The cost of export credit insurance can also be affected by the countries of operation, with companies working in developing countries facing higher risks and potentially higher premiums.
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What Affects My Export Rates?
Your export credit insurance rates can be influenced by several factors. The more credit you extend, the higher your policy will cost.
The countries in which you operate play a significant role in determining your export credit insurance rates. Developed countries like America or Australia pose fewer political risks, which can lead to lower insurance costs.

Your clients' creditworthiness is another crucial factor. If they have a history of defaulting or paying late, your insurance premiums may increase.
The percentage of compensation you're eligible for in case of nonpayment also affects your rates. A policy covering a higher percentage, such as 95%, will be more expensive.
Here are some key factors that influence your export credit insurance rates:
- Total cash flow and outstanding invoices
- Countries of operation
- Creditworthiness of clients
- Percentage of compensation
These factors can significantly impact the cost of your export credit insurance policy. By understanding them, you can make informed decisions about your insurance coverage and find the best rate for your business.
Atradius GO
Atradius GO is specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It's perfect for domestic trade only.
This policy covers normal trading receivables exposure up to $200,000.
Customer and Transaction Details
Having a solid understanding of your customers' creditworthiness is crucial when it comes to trade credit insurance cost.
If you have a sound internal credit risk management system that only allows you to extend credit to customers who pay on time, you'll likely pay less for your trade credit insurance.
A business with a history of bad debt will cost you more insurance premiums.
If you work with a business that's considered high-risk, the insurance companies may refuse to provide export credit insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trade credit insurance worth it?
Trade credit insurance provides financial protection against bad debts, giving you peace of mind and helping your business thrive despite unexpected setbacks
Sources
- https://atradius.us/our-solutions/frequently-asked-questions/how-much-does-credit-insurance-cost
- https://nichetc.com.au/how-much-does-export-credit-insurance-cost/
- https://nichetc.com.au/what-factors-affect-my-trade-credit-insurance-premium-rate/
- https://resolvepay.com/blog/post/what-to-know-about-trade-credit-insurance-cost/
- https://www.coface.com.hk/news-economy-and-insights/how-much-does-trade-credit-insurance-cost
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