Helvetia: Transborder Transport Insurance

Helvetia Assurances France stands out in the French market for its expertise in corporate risks, mainly in transport insurance where it benefits for more than 100 years experience. Our mission is to offer customized and innovative solutions to meet the complex needs of French companies, including those arising from their international exposures.

Thanks to our international network of partner insurers, covering around 150 countries across all continents, we are able to implement international insurance programmes which allows our clients in the transport sector to find global and harmonized solutions for their overseas exposures, while maintaining a single point of contact within their dedicated Helvetia office.

Companies internationalization makes them face new risks and challenges. Even before starting their activities abroad, they are subject to regulations of the countries in which they operate, mainly in terms of insurance. Local obligations and practices differ from one country to another, requiring adaptation to a multitude of regulations in order to achieve full compliance.

This is especially true in Africa, a continent with diverse and sometimes very restrictive regulations, such as within the CIMA zone (area gathering French-speaking countries under a common regulatory framework). This is why Helvetia, with more than 40 years presence in Africa, established a representative office in Dakar in 2018. This office, and our various partnerships across the continent, enables us to provide to our clients optimal solutions in compliance with local regulations.

What is an international insurance programme?

An international insurance programme aims to provide a global solution to a company’s insurance needs for its different entities in France and abroad. This involves setting up multiple insurance policies in the various countries where required.

Insurance coverage is directly provided by Helvetia wherever possible, and by partner companies (through our international network) in countries where Helvetia is not authorized to operate directly.

What are the advantages of an international program?

Implementing an international insurance program offers numerous strategic and operational advantages, enabling companies not only to secure their activities worldwide but also to maximize insurance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Key benefits include:

Risk and insurance management: An international insurance program allows centralization and standardization of risk coverage across all subsidiaries of a company. This ensures consistency in risk management and facilitates the implementation of uniform coverage strategies.

Legal and tax compliance: Implementation of local insurance policies by licensed insurers in each country ensures compliance with local regulations as well as with fiscal and administrative requirements.

Local claims settlement: With local policies set up under the international programme, companies benefit from coverage adapted to their specific context. They can therefore receive prompt and efficient indemnity in the event of a claim, minimizing operational disruptions and financial losses.

Centralized information: Through centralized management, an international programme enables global monitoring of a company’s risk coverage across its international operations. This makes insurance needs management easier.

In summary, an international insurance program provides enhanced risk control, stronger compliance, and optimal claims and coverage management. For a company operating internationally, these benefits allow greater resilience and improved competitiveness in a global market.

How does the implementation of an international program work in practice?

The first step in setting up an international program is defining its scope (countries involved, coverage needs for each of them). This step involves coordination between

Helvetia teams and the intermediary based on the client’s requirements.

Helvetia then liaises with insurers of its international network to implement local coverages (policies, local documents, etc.) and manages financial flows.

Helvetia, supports the network insurer in claims management when they ouccur

More generally, Helvetia monitors the local policies issuance and management by these companies.

Combining risk analysis, prevention, and international insurance programmes, we are positioning ourselves as a key partner in securing the activities and growth of our clients on a global scale.

Our team of specialists, located in all our offices, work closely with intermediaries to identify, assess, and manage efficiently the risks faced by our clients. We are committed to providing comprehensive protection adapted to the specific needs of each company.

Our approach is based on in-depth risk analysis combined with a clear understanding of the challenges faced by our clients. Integrating traditional insurance solutions with risk prevention advisory services, we help intermediaries and insureds to anticipate and mitigate risks, thereby strengthening their resilience and sustainability.

Need more information?
Please contact your usual representative within your Helvetia office.