By Charlotte GAUCHON
26 March 2025
Companies that sell on credit are exposed to the risk of non-payment. This risk, which is often overlooked, can jeopardise their cash flow and even their survival. Internal credit insurance offers protection against this threat. Scope of internal credit insurance Traditional insolvency insurance Internal credit insurance mainly protects against the insolvency of debtors. However, this concept is not the same as under ordinary law. The policy defines the situations covered. This cover applies to short-term commercial credits (30 to 180 days). The starting point is generally the day of delivery or service. Under article R. 321-1 of the French Insurance Code, credit insurance is included in class 14, as distinct from surety (class 15). This distinction confirms its specific legal nature. Insurance for exceptional risks For large companies, there is «excess» or high deductible insurance. It only covers major claims above a high threshold (several dozen or hundreds of thousands of euros).
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