Overseas Investment Insurance

Overseas Investment Insurance Cover
ECGC has evolved a scheme to provide protection for Indian Investments abroad. Any investment made by way of equity capital or untied loan for the purpose of setting up or expansion of overseas projects will be eligible for cover under investment insurance. The investment may be either in cash or in the form of export of Indian capital goods and services. The cover would be available for the original investment together with annual dividends or interest receivable.

The risks of war, expropriation and restriction on remittances are covered under the scheme. As the investor would be having a hand in the management of the joint venture, no cover for commercial risks would be provided under the scheme.

What are the main features of the Overseas Investment Insurance?
For investment in any country to qualify for investment insurance, there should preferably be a bilateral agreement protecting investment of one country in the other. ECGC may consider providing cover in the absence of any such agreement provided it is satisfied that the general laws of the country afford adequate protection to the Indian investments.

The period of insurance cover will not normally exceed 15 years in case of projects involving long construction period. The cover can be extended for a period of 15 years from the date of completion of the project subject to a maximum of 20 years from the date of commencement of investment. Amount insured shall be reduced progressively in the last five years of the insurance period.

Risks Covered:

Political
War, Civil War, Revolutions in buyer's country
Expropriation
Restrictions on remittances

Loss Coverage:
90%

Obligations:
Obtain indicative premium rate

Seek approval from RBI for the designed investments

Obtain in-principle approval

Seek cover after payment of premium

Declaration of overdue

Filing of claim within 12 months from due date

Sharing of recovery

Highlights:
Cover for political risks only

Investments in form of cash or through export of goods and services

Cover available up to 15 years

Expandable up to 20 years with reduced insured amount

Reduced loss coverage with proportionate reduction in premium.