How to apply for UKEF Export Insurance
Source: gov.uk (2025-07-30)

Find out about the application process for UKEF Export Insurance, and what information and documents you’ll need to share.

About this service

UK Export Finance (UKEF) offers export insurance for exporters in the UK. Find out more about what cover we provide. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export-insurance-policy)

If you’d like to apply for UKEF export insurance, we first need to find out if you’re eligible. Next, we’ll ask you questions about your business, buyer and your export.

We’ll also ask you to share some documents with us after you’ve submitted your application. We’ll explain what these documents are in the sections below.

This information may also be useful for your broker, if you’re using one. Your broker should register with UKEF.

Applying for UKEF export insurance

What’s covered in the form?

Before you apply, we’ll ask you some questions to find out if you’re eligible to use the service. If you’re unsure if you’d be eligible, you can find out more about eligibility (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export-insurance-policy) before you apply.

The application itself is split into four sections. These ask you about:
- your business
- your buyer
- what type of cover you need
- your export contract
Each section should take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Can I save my progress?

If you’re eligible, you’ll be asked to create an online account with us. Once you’ve set up your account, your progress will be saved automatically.

You can complete the sections in any order and you don’t need to complete the form in one sitting.

How long do I have to complete the form?

You have 30 days to complete the application once you’ve started it. After 30 days, your application will be deleted and you’ll have to start again.

Logging in does not reset this counter. We suggest you try to complete the application as soon as possible to avoid needing to start again.

Can my broker help me with my application?

Only exporters can complete the application. Your broker can help, but they cannot fill in the application on your behalf.

Please note, brokers need to be approved by UKEF to be paid their commissioning fee. It’s easy to register. Your broker can apply by emailing xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) and completing the registration form.

Information you’ll need by section

Your business

How many permanent and contracted employees you have in the UK

Your estimated turnover for this financial year

Any credit management processes in place

Any export insurance in place for other exports

Your buyer

Your buyer’s business information, including their address

If you’re connected to the buyer in any way

Your trading history, if you’ve worked with them before

Any export insurance you’ve held for them in the past

Your buyer’s financial accounts, if you have access to them

Your insurance policy

The type of policy you want (single or multiple contracts)

The total value of the contract you want to insure, including the entire commercial value over multiple shipments

Your pre-cover period (if you want one)

If relevant, we’ll also ask you to share information about:

Any other parties or companies that need to be jointly insured

Your broker, including their name, contact details and location

Your loss payee

Your export contract

The goods or services you’re exporting

How you’ll get paid

Your experiences trying to get cover in the private insurance market

Your commissioning agent (if you have one)

Start your application (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-ukef-export-insurance)

Help and support

If you have any questions or need extra support during your application, contact an export finance manager.

Find your nearest Export Finance Manager. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/find-an-export-finance-manager)