1. Do you expect delays in debt collections because of COVID-19?
Depending on the countries, regions, and industries of your debtors, there might be delays in collecting the debts. The delays may have different reasons:
- It is harder to reach the debtors due to lockdowns.
- The debtors are unable to pay now because their businesses are shut down.
- There are legal or political restrictions in your debtors' regions.
Please refer to our overview of the status of global courts if you have legal cases.
Check the status of global courts
2. Does COVID-19 negatively impact debt collections in general?
Depending on the countries, regions, and industries of your debtors, there might be a negative impact on debt collections. We cannot make a general statement about the impact. There are different factors accounting for the chances of collections, such as the countries, regions, and industries of your debtors.
3. Could I expect the same service and advice that I have received so far?
We are there to support you. In countries that go into lockdown, our employees work from home. This might cause a slight delay in our response time; however, we are fully operational and remain at your service.
4. Could I still use your legal collections service?
This depends on the status of the courts in the country where your case would be tried, and on whether the prescription terms and contractual jurisdiction clauses are still in force.
If the courts are closed or have limited capacity, this will cause delays in initiating legal proceedings and a future backlog in the enforcement phase.
Besides, please be aware that bailiffs in many locations are not allowed to make onsite visits to debtors now. This is why, especially at this time, our amicable approach is important.
Check the status of global courts
5. Do you still conduct onsite visits in the countries affected by COVID-19?
No, we are not conducting onsite visits in countries affected by COVID-19. This would be in violation of the local guidelines and unsafe for our employees.
6. Can I still use Atradius Collections' service for debt collections?
Yes, you can still place debt collections cases with us. We are fully operational in all countries, so we will be able to work on your cases.
Depending on the countries, regions, and industries of your debtors, there might be delays in collecting the debts. The delays may have different reasons:
- It is harder to reach the debtors due to lockdowns.
- The debtors are unable to pay now because their businesses are shut down.
- There are legal or political restrictions in your debtors' regions.
Please refer to our overview of the status of global courts if you have legal cases.
7. Will the impact of COVID-19 change your debt collections approaches?
We have a social responsibility to take the economy into account and do not want to aid the downturn of businesses. This works both ways: towards your debtor and also towards you. This means we approach your debtors with careful consideration of the current situation, but our main priority is still to collect your outstanding accounts receivable. We are adjusting our collections strategy in the most affected countries as well.
8. What is the status of my legal case?
For the exact status of your case, we advise you to check it in Collect@Net, Agora, or Atrium. You can also contact your case manager. In general, we state that:
- If your case is being tried in a country where courts are closed, the case is on hold until courts reopen.
- The initiation of new legal proceedings might be delayed (due to the impact of delays in delivery of post, lawyers working from homes, or court delays).
- Enforcement procedures might be limited to only blocking bank accounts.
Check the status of global courts
9. Do you accept a payment plan with more settlements?
Our goal is always to maximise the collected amount. If we conclude that we can achieve this best via a payment plan, we will choose this course of action. This is considered on a case per case basis.
10. What happens if you cannot collect amicably but the courts are closed?
Our collections strategy will need to adjust to reality. It may result in extending the amicable phase and getting, if possible, additional guarantees. We will start taking legal action for collections when it is possible again. This also means that, in many cases, we will need to wait.
Check the status of global courts
11. Are you still making use of agents?
Yes, agents can be used. The scope of actions the agents can provide may change, depending on the local situation and legal regulations.