Is an insurance-backed guarantee included as standard?

Often, through the installer’s scheme, but not always. Ask explicitly and ask for the policy document rather than taking a verbal assurance.

Does it cover misted or failed sealed units?

Usually yes, as a materials defect within the term, though some policies treat sealed units separately. Check the wording, because failed units are the most common claim.

What if I sell the house?

Many policies transfer to the new owner, sometimes for a small fee. It is worth confirming, because a transferable guarantee is a genuine selling point.

Buying well · 09 of 11

What is an insurance-backed guarantee?

An insurance-backed guarantee is a separate policy that honours your installer’s written guarantee if the installer stops trading. A guarantee from a company that no longer exists is worth nothing, which is exactly when you are most likely to need it.

Ten-year guarantees are advertised everywhere. The question that matters is who pays if the company issuing it is gone in year three.

The gap it fills

An installer's guarantee is a promise from that installer. If they cease trading, the promise goes with them, and in this trade that is not a remote possibility: small installers come and go, and ten years is a long time.

An insurance-backed guarantee is underwritten by an insurer and issued through the installer's competent person scheme. It sits dormant while the installer is trading, and becomes the route to getting defects put right if they are not.

What to check in the policy

The term. It should match the installer's own guarantee. A ten-year guarantee with five years of insurance behind it leaves a gap.
When it responds. Usually only once the installer has genuinely ceased trading, not merely because they are ignoring you.
What is covered. Typically defects in materials and workmanship. Accidental damage, misuse and normal wear are not.
Any excess, and who appoints the remedial contractor.
That the certificate actually arrives. You should receive a policy document with a number, not a line on the invoice.

While the installer is still trading

The insurance is not your first port of call. If something is wrong and the installer is still in business, it is their job to fix it and the policy will not respond.

Put the complaint in writing, give them a reasonable opportunity, and escalate to their competent person scheme if they do not engage. The scheme has leverage over a member that you do not.

Questions

Is an insurance-backed guarantee included as standard?: Often, through the installer’s scheme, but not always. Ask explicitly and ask for the policy document rather than taking a verbal assurance.
Does it cover misted or failed sealed units?: Usually yes, as a materials defect within the term, though some policies treat sealed units separately. Check the wording, because failed units are the most common claim.
What if I sell the house?: Many policies transfer to the new owner, sometimes for a small fee. It is worth confirming, because a transferable guarantee is a genuine selling point.

Note This guide is general information about England and Wales, not advice about your specific property. TrustedGlazing is an introducer and does not install, survey or quote. Rely on your installer's survey and your local authority for decisions about your own home.