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Top-Up policy

What is a Top-Up credit insurance policy?

A Top-Up policy is a complementary form of credit insurance. It allows a company to increase the level of coverage initially granted by its credit insurer.

In other words, when the standard credit limit is considered insufficient to secure a commercial relationship, the Top-Up policy enhances the credit limit in order to provide stronger protection against non-payment.

How does a Top-Up policy work?

Step 1

The primary credit insurer sets a credit limit for a given customer.

Step 2

If the company wants to secure a higher exposure, it can take out a Top-Up policy.

Step 3

This additional policy provides supplementary coverage to reach the desired credit protection level. The Top-Up does not replace the main policy but enhances it, and is applied only to selected strategic customers.

Benefits of a Top-Up policy

Enhanced coverage

Allows customer exposures to be insured beyond the limits set by the primary insurer.

Flexibility

Applied selectively, only to strategic customers.

Secure growth

Supports business development in a safe way, even with large buyers.

Improved financing conditions

Strengthens the confidence of banks and financial partners, who recognise the additional coverage.

Responsiveness

Allows credit limits to be adjusted quickly as business needs evolve.

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Who is the Top-Up policy for?

This type of policy is particularly suited for:

  • Fast-growing companies
  • Exporters working with large international customers
  • Businesses looking to secure strategic contracts representing a significant share of their turnover
  • Organisations whose standard credit limits are insufficient for certain key customers

Thanks to strong expertise, Fibus Trade supports you in setting up a perfectly tailored Top-Up policy.

Talk to our Fibus Trade experts

Frequently asked questions about Top-Up credit insurance policy.

What is the difference compared to a global or Excess of Loss policy?

  • Global policy: covers the entire portfolio from the first euro
  • Excess of Loss policy: covers only losses exceeding an annual retention
  • Top-Up policy: acts as a targeted supplement, temporarily or selectively increasing the credit limit

In summary, Top-Up is a flexible and strategic tool used to enhance an existing coverage.

How is the Top-Up premium calculated?

The premium depends on:

  • the additional amount to be covered
  • the risk profile of the targeted customers or markets
  • the duration of the extension (temporary or annual)

It is generally proportional to the additional risk and often lower than taking out a full standalone policy.

What are the steps in case of a Top-Up covered claim?

  1. Declare the unpaid invoice according to the insurer’s procedures
  2. The insurer applies the Top-Up for the portion exceeding the base coverage
  3. Indemnification is paid according to the specific terms of the Top-Up agreement

The Top-Up therefore acts as an additional safety net for your most exposed sales.