Department of Commerce Export Credit Insurance ProgramsThe Export Credit Insurance program helps U.S. exporters develop and expand their overseas sales by protecting them against loss should a foreign buyer or other foreign debtor default for political or commercial reasons. With an Export-Import Bank policy, exporters can also obtain export financing more easily because, with prior approval by Ex-Im Bank, the proceeds of the policy can be assigned to a financial institution as collateral. To encourage the export of U.S. goods and services, Ex-Im Bank has tailored its policies to meet the insurance needs of exporters and financial institutions. For example, insurance policies may apply to shipments to one buyer or to many buyers, insure comprehensive (commercial and political) credit risks or only specific political risks, or cover short-term as well as medium-term sales. Three policies, the Small Business Policy, the Small Business Environmental Policy and the Umbrella Policy, are geared specifically to small businesses just beginning their export sales program. Eligibility criteria differ for each type of policy. The Export-Import Bank |