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Single Risk policy

What is a Single Risk credit insurance policy?

The Single Risk policy is a specific form of credit insurance. Unlike whole turnover policies that cover an entire customer portfolio, Single Risk insurance protects a company against non-payment risk linked to a single customer or a single commercial transaction.

It is particularly suitable for companies looking to secure a major transaction or a strategic customer representing a significant share of their turnover.

Example: An exporter signs a €5 million contract with a foreign buyer. A Single Risk policy can cover the risk of non-payment from this single customer, without involving the entire portfolio.

How does a Single Risk policy work?

Step 1

The company identifies a key customer or a single contract it wishes to secure.

Step 2

The credit insurer assesses the debtor’s creditworthiness and the terms of the transaction.

Step 3

The Single Risk policy is put in place to guarantee payment, usually for a fixed period (e.g. 12 to 36 months).

Step 4

In the event of non-payment (insolvency, bankruptcy, or prolonged delay), the insurer compensates the company within the limits of the agreed coverage.

Benefits of a Single Risk policy

This solution offers several strategic advantages.

Targeted protection

Covers a specific customer or contract, often of high value.

Flexibility

Suitable for one-off projects, export contracts, or public tenders.

Securing key accounts

Enables the development of significant commercial relationships without the risk of non-payment.

Easier access to financing

Banks are reassured and may more readily grant credit lines.

International coverage

Particularly useful for exporters facing country or political risk exposure.

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Who is the Single Risk policy for?

The Single Risk policy is ideal for:

  • Exporters entering into contracts abroad with large buyers
  • Companies working with a single customer representing a significant share of turnover
  • Businesses looking to secure a major one-off transaction
  • Groups involved in long-term projects (infrastructure, energy, industrial equipment)

Thanks to strong expertise, Fibus Trade supports you in setting up a perfectly tailored Single Risk policy.

Talk to our Fibus Trade experts

Frequently asked questions about Single Risk credit insurance policy.

What is the difference compared to a global or Top-Up policy?

  • Global policy: covers the entire portfolio from the first euro
  • Top-Up policy: temporary extension that increases coverage for selected customers or markets
  • Single Risk policy: covers only one specific customer or a single transaction

It is therefore highly targeted and flexible, making it suitable for high-risk one-off sales.

How is the Single Risk premium calculated?

The premium depends on:

  • the size of the contract or invoice to be covered
  • the buyer’s creditworthiness
  • the country and industry sector
  • the customer’s payment history

Insurers typically apply a percentage of the insured amount, adjusted according to the assessed risk.

How does a claim settlement work in case of non-payment?

  1. Declaration of the claim to the insurer
  2. Specific assessment of the risk and amount involved
  3. Payment of compensation if the buyer defaults, according to contractual terms

This process is often faster, as it concerns a single customer rather than an entire portfolio.