Glossary

Guarantee vs indemnity

A guarantee is a promise to cover someone else's debt if they don't; an indemnity is a primary promise to make good a loss regardless. The distinction matters when directors sign for company borrowing.

2 min read

GuaranteeSecondary to the debt
IndemnityA primary obligation

Definition

A guarantee is a secondary obligation — you're liable only if the primary borrower defaults. An indemnity is a primary obligation to compensate for a loss, standing on its own even if the underlying debt is unenforceable. Many personal guarantees include an indemnity to close that gap.

In plain terms

A guarantee is 'I'll pay if they don't'; an indemnity is 'I'll cover the loss whatever happens'. The indemnity is harder to escape.

Why it matters for your company

Directors asked to sign should know which they're taking on — an indemnity is broader. Better still, borrow where neither is needed: Credicorp takes no personal guarantee. See how to avoid personal guarantees.

Funding for UK limited companies

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally — short-term working capital with no personal guarantee. See what your business could access.