Credit insurance is a type of insurance that covers a borrower's payments in case of unforeseen events. The spelling of this word is /ˈkrɛdɪt ˌɪnˈʃʊrəns/. The first part is pronounced as "kred-it" with the "k" sound at the beginning, followed by "red" and "it". The second part is pronounced as "in-shur-uhns" with the stress on the second syllable. The "i" in "insurance" is pronounced as "ih" and the "a" is pronounced as "uh". This word can be tricky to spell, but with proper pronunciation, it can be easier to remember.
Credit insurance refers to a type of insurance policy which provides protection against financial losses resulting from the non-payment of commercial debts by customers. It is a form of risk management tool designed to safeguard companies or individuals against the potential default or insolvency of their debtors, thereby ensuring their cash flows and financial stability.
Credit insurance works by offering coverage for the outstanding trade credit owed by buyers to the insured party. In the event of a customer's failure to pay due to insolvency, bankruptcy, or other specified reasons, the insurance policy reimburses a predetermined percentage of the unpaid debt. This typically ranges from 75% to 95% of the outstanding balance, depending on the terms of the policy.
The purpose of credit insurance is to mitigate the risk associated with bad debts, thus enabling businesses to extend credit to customers with greater confidence. It provides reassurance to companies that their accounts receivables, which act as their primary source of cash flow, are safeguarded against potential losses. Credit insurance also helps businesses in managing credit risk and improving their credit management practices.
Credit insurance is commonly used by a wide range of industries, such as manufacturers, wholesalers, exporters, and service providers, who rely heavily on credit sales. It is particularly valuable for businesses operating in sectors where the risk of customer default or insolvency is high, such as construction, international trade, and retail. By transferring the risk of non-payment, credit insurance allows enterprises to focus on their core activities, pursue growth opportunities, and reduce the impact of bad debts on their financial health.
The word "credit insurance" has a straightforward etymology:
1. Credit: The term "credit" derives from the Latin word "creditum", which means "something entrusted". In medieval Latin, it referred to a loan given with trust or on account. The concept of credit relates to the ability to borrow money or receive goods or services with the agreement to pay for them later.
2. Insurance: The term "insurance" originates from the Latin word "assurare", which means "to secure" or "to make safe". It evolved from the practice of "assurance" in medieval trade, where merchants would come together to protect each other from financial risks during long sea voyages.
By combining "credit" and "insurance", the term "credit insurance" signifies a type of insurance that covers the risk of non-payment or default by borrowers when credit is extended to them.