Insurance-backed guarantees for double glazing
A double glazing guarantee is only as strong as the company standing behind it. If the firm that fitted your windows stops trading, an ordinary company guarantee can become worthless overnight. An insurance-backed guarantee, or IBG, is designed to close that gap — and it is one of the most important lines to compare between quotes. Here is what an IBG does, and what to check before you rely on one.
What an insurance-backed guarantee is
An IBG is a separate insurance policy that sits behind the installer’s own workmanship guarantee. If the installer ceases trading and can no longer honour their guarantee, the IBG steps in to cover the remaining period, subject to its terms. It is usually arranged through a competent person scheme or a specialist provider and issued as a policy document once your installation is registered.
Why it matters when comparing firms
Two quotes can both promise a “10-year guarantee”, but they are not equal if only one is insurance-backed. Windows are a long-term purchase, and plenty can happen to a business over a decade. An IBG protects the value of your guarantee if the original firm is no longer around. When you compare quotes, treat the presence and length of an IBG as a genuine point of difference, not a technicality. Our guide to how to compare double glazing quotes shows how to score it alongside price and specification.
Want guarantees you can compare? We match you with vetted installers so you can weigh up cover as well as price — free and with no obligation.
What to check before you rely on one
- Is it actually included? Confirm in writing that an IBG is provided, not just mentioned in passing.
- How long does it run? Check the term matches or closely follows the workmanship guarantee.
- What does it cover? Read whether it covers defective materials, faulty fitting, or both.
- Who underwrites it? Look for a recognised insurer or scheme behind the policy.
- Will you receive the paperwork? Make sure you are issued the policy document after installation.
An IBG works hand in hand with proper accreditation, so it is worth reading our guide to FENSA, CERTASS and the GGF as well. Together they tell you a firm is competent and that your cover survives the unexpected. For a wider view before you shortlist, it also helps to read how to vet an installer first.
Guarantees are part of the whole picture
An insurance-backed guarantee is reassuring, but it is one factor among several. Weigh it alongside the product, the deposit terms and the firm’s track record. If you are still choosing frames and glass, take time to compare glazing types before you compare firms and see materials ranked and reviewed; and if you are new to the process, walk through the quote process step by step first.
Requesting and comparing quotes is free and no-obligation, so you can take the time to read guarantee terms properly. Comparing while installers still have Q3 fitting slots in your area simply keeps your choice of dates open while you decide.