What is Export Insurance?

Export Insurance helps protect UK exporters against the risk of not being paid by an overseas buyer due to certain commercial or political events. UKEF provides this cover where the private market is unwilling or unable to do so.

How much does export insurance cost?

The cost of Export Insurance depends on the contract, buyer, market and risk profile. Premiums are assessed on a case‑by‑case basis in line with UKEF’s pricing framework.

Does this cover political risk in international markets?

Export Insurance can cover certain political risks as well as commercial risks. For example, if the export cannot be completed due to political events, such as new import restrictions or an outbreak of war.

What is the difference between Export Insurance and a Letter of Credit?

Export Insurance protects the exporter against the risk of non-payment by the buyer, while a Letter of Credit is a commitment by the buyer’s bank to pay the exporter, provided the exporter submits documents that comply with the Letter of Credit terms. They serve different purposes and may be used separately or together.

How do I apply for a policy online?

You can find out more and apply for a policy at the links above.

Export insurance

Protect your business from the risk of not getting paid.

A man and woman speaking in front of a tractor

How export insurance works

Export insurance protects your business against the risk of not getting paid by your international buyer. An export insurance policy can give you the confidence to trade internationally, knowing your business is protected against certain potential losses.

Our policies can help protect your cashflow and bonds. In some instances, the private market may be unable to offer cover – for example, for exports to certain high-risk countries or for small value exports. In these cases, UK Export Finance may be able to provide cover, so please get in touch to tell us about your export plans.

Manage trade risks

We offer two insurance products to help manage the risks of international trade:

- The Export Insurance Policy provides cover for up to 95% of potential losses due to particular events – including buyer insolvency or failure to pay you for goods or services delivered. There is no minimum or maximum value for an Export Insurance Policy.

- A Bond Insurance Policy provides protection against demands for payment under a bond or counter-guarantee, with cover for up to 100% of the contract’s value. It can protect you against losses incurred by unfair calls on the bond, or fair calls on the bond caused by certain political events.

What is Export Insurance?

Export Insurance helps protect UK exporters against the risk of not being paid by an overseas buyer due to certain commercial or political events. UKEF provides this cover where the private market is unwilling or unable to do so.
How much does export insurance cost?

The cost of Export Insurance depends on the contract, buyer, market and risk profile. Premiums are assessed on a case‑by‑case basis in line with UKEF’s pricing framework.
Does this cover political risk in international markets?

Export Insurance can cover certain political risks as well as commercial risks. For example, if the export cannot be completed due to political events, such as new import restrictions or an outbreak of war.
What is the difference between Export Insurance and a Letter of Credit?

Export Insurance protects the exporter against the risk of non-payment by the buyer, while a Letter of Credit is a commitment by the buyer’s bank to pay the exporter, provided the exporter submits documents that comply with the Letter of Credit terms. They serve different purposes and may be used separately or together.
How do I apply for a policy online?

You can find out more and apply for a policy at the links above.