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Credit Insurance; and the Foreign Credit Insurance Association

Trade credit insurance minimizes the risk of non-payment due to financial, economic, or in some cases political uncertainties. FCIA Management Company Incorporated (FCIA) provides credit insurance that protects export sales, and in some cases domestic sales as well. Trade cedit insurance can be a cost-effective mechanism for transferring credit risk. Insurance [remiums are generally charged as a percentage of sales.  Trade credit insurance premium rates are based on a number of factors including country risk, customer risk, the length of payment terms, and the trade creditor's loss experience.

The Foreign Credit Insurance Association ("the Association") was formed in 1961 and was a pioneer in export credit insurance in the United States. Great American Insurance Company backs credit insurance policies issued by the Association and serviced by the FCIA.  The FCIA makes its products available through brokers as well as independent agents, many of whom are specialists in credit insurance and related financial products. FCIA products fall into the following four broad groups:

  1. Export Credit Insurance Policies that insure exporters of goods and services against risks of non-payment by buyers located in foreign countries.
  2. Domestic Credit Insurance Policies that insure sellers of goods and services against risks of non-payment by buyers in the U.S.A.
  3. Special Risks Insurance Policies that insure exporters and sellers of goods against certain credit or political risks, as well as special contract risks.
  4. Financial Institution Coverages Policies that insure financial institutions against select credit or political risks.

Coverage is available to U.S. businesses on their customers worldwide. For more information about FCIA, visit their website (http://www.fcia.com).

Edited by Michael C. Dennis.  Mr. Dennis is an author and consultant.  He can be reached by email at mcdennis13@yahoo.com