What is an Insurance Backed Guarantee on Roofing Work?
An Insurance Backed Guarantee on roofing work is a specialist policy that protects a homeowners or developers written workmanship warranty. If a roofing contractor ceases trading or goes out of business, the Insurance Backed Guarantee ensures that an independent insurer steps in to honour valid claims for structural or material defects.
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In short, no matter what happens to your original roofer, your roof is still insured.
What are the Benefits of a Roofing Company with Insurance Backed Guarantees?
The main benefit of choosing a roofing company that offers an Insurance-Backed Guarantee (IBG) is financial protection. The policy is designed to protect the customer's qualifying workmanship guarantee if the contractor ceases trading and can no longer fulfil its obligations, subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions. If the contractor goes out of business, enters insolvency, or ceases trading, the insurance policy steps in to cover the cost of repairs or replacements for up to 10 years.
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​The main benefits of choosing an Insurance Backed Guarantee roofing provider:
Insolvency Protection
If your roofer stops trading due to liquidation, bankruptcy or retirement your guarantee remains valid through the third party.
Financial Security
An Insurance Backed Guarantee covers the expenses needed to fix faulty installation, material breakdown or structural leaks without out of pocket costs to you
Home Resale Value
Having an Insurance Backed Guarantee on your roof makes selling a property easier because prospective buyers and mortgage lenders view certified, long term guarantees favorably
Trusted Contractors
Roofing companies that are able to offer Insurance Backed Guarantees usually have to pass strict financial and quality checks from accredited trade bodies or insurers
How Does an Insurance Backed Guarantee Work?
An Insurance Backed Guarantee is an insurance policy designed to protect a contractor’s workmanship guarantee, typically for up to 10 years. If the contractor ceases trading and is unable to honour their guarantee, the insurance policy can step in to cover eligible repairs or remedial work.
How an Insurance backed guarantee works:
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Work is completed - The builder or tradesperson completes your home improvement or construction project.
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Guarantee is provided - The contractor gives you a written guarantee covering defects in their workmanship for a specified period.
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IBG is arranged - The contractor purchases an Insurance Backed Guarantee from an independent insurance provider to support their workmanship promise.
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Contractor ceases trading - If the contractor later goes out of business or enters liquidation, they can no longer fulfil their guarantee obligations.
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A defect occurs - A fault covered by the original guarantee becomes apparent.
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You make a claim - Instead of relying on the contractor, you can make a claim directly with the insurance provider, subject to the policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions.
What an Insurance Backed Guarantee Can Cover:
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Defects arising from faulty installation or poor workmanship.
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Failures involving specified materials, products or systems included within the original contract.
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Remedial work required for eligible defects covered by the contractor’s workmanship guarantee.
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Common home improvement projects, including roofing, double glazing, insulation and damp-proofing.
What an Insurance Backed Guarantee Does Not Usually Cover
Insurance Backed Guarantees are subject to specific terms, conditions and exclusions. They generally don’t cover:
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Normal wear and tear or deterioration over time.
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Damage caused by misuse, neglect, accidents or alterations.
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Defects or damage resulting from external events, such as flooding or storms, where these fall outside the contractor’s responsibility.
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Any work, materials or defects specifically excluded by the policy.
It’s important to understand that an IBG does not replace the contractor’s original workmanship guarantee. It is designed to provide protection if the contractor is no longer able to honour that guarantee. Coverage varies between providers, so the policy wording should always be checked carefully before relying on Insurance backed guarantees.
Your Questions Answered
How long does the Insurance Backed Guarantee policy last?
An Insurance Backed Guarantee typically lasts for 10 years, mirroring the length of the contactors original workmanship guarantee. However, the exact duration depends on the specific trade, type of installation and the policy document issued by your provider.
What’s the risks of not having Insurance Backed Guarantee?
Without having an Insurance Backed Guarantee you risk having to cover 100% of the repair costs if installation faults or material failures happen and your original roofing contractor goes out of business, enters liquidation or retires. A standard warranty can become worth nothing when a business ceases to trade - an Insurance Backed Guarantee protects you against this.
How do I find a roofer that provides Insurance Backed Guarantees?
To find Insurance Backed Guarantee providers you can search through accredited trade association directories like the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC).
You can search the NFRC Find a Member directory, as registered contractors can offer independent IBGs to back up their own workmanship warranties.
Our Roofing Services
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
What Services do you Offer an Insurance Backed Guarantee on?
At The Fascia Company, we provide additional protection through Insurance Backed Guarantees on qualifying works.
Pitched Roof Replacements
An Insurance Backed Guarantee is included with every qualifying full pitched roof replacement we complete, providing additional protection alongside our own workmanship guarantee.
Soffit, Fascia & Guttering Replacements
Customers having a full soffit, fascia and guttering replacement can also choose to add an Insurance Backed Guarantee to their project.