Insurance Backed Guarantees for Windows & Doors: What You Need to Know

An insurance-backed guarantee is one of the most important protections you can have when replacing windows and doors — yet it is one of the least understood. Most homeowners focus on the product specification, the price, and the installer's reputation. But what happens if that installer closes down two years after fitting your windows? Without an insurance-backed guarantee, your 10-year warranty could become worthless overnight. This guide explains exactly what an IBG is, why it matters, and how to ensure you are protected.

What is an Insurance-Backed Guarantee?

An insurance-backed guarantee (IBG) is an insurance policy that protects the workmanship guarantee on your window or door installation. It is underwritten by a regulated insurance provider — separate from your installer — and remains valid even if the installation company ceases trading, goes into administration, or simply disappears.

In practical terms, here is how it works:

1. Your installer provides a workmanship guarantee — typically 10 years — covering defects in installation 2. At the same time, an insurance-backed guarantee is issued by a third-party insurer (such as the Consumer Protection Association, HomePro, or Network VEKA Insurance) 3. If the installer is still trading and a problem arises, you claim under the installer's workmanship guarantee — they fix it at no cost 4. If the installer has ceased trading, you claim under the insurance-backed guarantee — the insurer arranges for another approved installer to carry out the repair at no cost to you

The IBG essentially provides a safety net. You are not relying solely on your installer being in business for the next 10 years — which, in an industry with a relatively high rate of company turnover, is genuinely important protection.

Why Do You Need One?

Company Failure Rates

The UK window and door installation industry is competitive and fragmented. According to Companies House data, approximately 15-20% of small construction and home improvement companies cease trading within 5 years of incorporation. Over a 10-year guarantee period, the probability of a small installer closing is significant.

When an installation company goes bust, all its workmanship guarantees become unenforceable. If your windows develop a fault in year 6 and your installer closed in year 4, you have no recourse — unless you have an insurance-backed guarantee.

Real-World Scenarios

An IBG covers situations including:

• Seal failure — double-glazed units misting between the panes due to installation defects
• Leaks — water ingress caused by incorrect fitting or flashing
• Draughts — air leakage through poorly fitted frames
• Operational failure — doors or windows that stick, jam, or fail to lock due to installation errors
• Structural issues — frames that warp, bow, or separate from the building structure

The IBG does not cover fair wear and tear, user damage, or manufacturing defects in the product itself (those are covered by the manufacturer's separate guarantee). It specifically covers defects arising from the installation workmanship.

The FENSA and CPA Connection

FENSA Requirement

All FENSA-registered installers are required to provide an insurance-backed guarantee on every installation. This is a condition of their FENSA membership — they cannot opt out. The IBG is typically provided through the Consumer Protection Association (CPA) or an equivalent provider approved by FENSA.

This means that if your installer is FENSA registered, you automatically receive an IBG at no additional cost. It is included in the price of the installation and should be confirmed in your contract.

The Consumer Protection Association (CPA)

The CPA is the most common IBG provider in the UK window industry. Key points:

• Underwritten by an FCA-regulated insurer — your guarantee is backed by a genuine insurance policy, not just a promise
• 10-year coverage as standard
• Covers both labour and materials needed to correct installation defects
• Claim limit: Typically covers the full original installation cost
• Transferable: The guarantee transfers to new owners if you sell the property

How CPA Protection Works

When you receive your FENSA certificate, a CPA insurance-backed guarantee certificate is issued simultaneously. This certificate includes:

• Your property address
• The installer's details
• The installation date and description
• The guarantee period (typically 10 years)
• The claim procedure and contact details
• A unique policy reference number

Keep this certificate with your property documents — you will need it if you make a claim, and your solicitor will want to see it when you sell.

How to Claim on an Insurance-Backed Guarantee

If your installer has ceased trading and you need to make a claim, the process is straightforward:

Step 1: Confirm the Installer Has Ceased Trading

Check Companies House (find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk) to confirm the company is dissolved or in administration. The IBG provider will verify this before processing your claim.

Step 2: Contact the IBG Provider

Call or email the guarantee provider listed on your certificate (typically CPA on 01462 850064). You will need:

• Your guarantee certificate or reference number
• Your property address
• A description of the defect
• Photographs of the problem (if applicable)

Step 3: Assessment

The IBG provider will send an independent assessor to inspect the defect and confirm it is covered under the guarantee (i.e., it is an installation defect, not fair wear and tear or accidental damage).

Step 4: Repair or Replacement

If the claim is approved, the IBG provider arranges for an approved installer to carry out the repair or replacement at no cost to you. You do not need to find an installer yourself or pay anything upfront.

Typical Claim Timeline

• Initial contact to acknowledgement: 2-5 working days
• Assessment visit: 1-3 weeks
• Claim decision: 1-2 weeks after assessment
• Repair completion: 2-6 weeks after approval

Total timeline from initial contact to completed repair: typically 6-12 weeks. Urgent issues (e.g., security compromises, severe leaks) are prioritised.

What an IBG Does NOT Cover

Understanding the limits is as important as understanding the coverage:

• Manufacturer defects — if the glass unit fails (misting) due to a manufacturing fault, this is claimed under the glass manufacturer's guarantee, not the IBG
• Fair wear and tear — hardware that wears out after years of normal use (hinges, handles, locks) is not covered
• User damage — slamming doors, forcing locks, or accidental impact damage
• Changes to the property — if subsequent building work (extensions, rendering) damages the windows
• Condensation — condensation on the interior surface of windows is a ventilation issue, not a defect
• Cosmetic issues after year 2 — minor scratches, colour variation, or surface imperfections must typically be reported within the first 2 years

The 10-Year Guarantee: What It Really Means

Most window installers advertise a "10-year guarantee." But there are important distinctions:

Installer's Workmanship Guarantee (10 years) - Covers defects in how the windows were installed - Only valid while the installer is trading - Enforceable through normal consumer rights law - **Risk:** worthless if the company closes

Insurance-Backed Guarantee (10 years) - Mirrors the installer's workmanship guarantee - Valid even if the installer ceases trading - Backed by an FCA-regulated insurance policy - **Protection:** your guarantee survives company closure

Manufacturer's Product Guarantee (varies) - Covers defects in the product itself (profiles, glass, hardware) - Typically 10 years for profiles, 5-10 years for glass, 2-5 years for hardware - Valid regardless of installer status - **Note:** claiming directly against manufacturers is possible but can be slow

The ideal situation is all three layers of protection: manufacturer guarantee on the product, installer guarantee on the workmanship, and insurance-backed guarantee as a safety net. All three come as standard with any reputable FENSA-registered installer.

Choosing an Installer: IBG Checklist

Before signing a contract, confirm all of the following:

1. The installer is FENSA or Certass registered — this ensures an IBG is mandatory 2. The IBG provider is named in the contract — you should know who underwrites your guarantee before you commit 3. The guarantee period is specified — it should be 10 years minimum 4. The IBG is included in the price — it should never be an optional extra 5. You will receive the IBG certificate — ask when you will receive it (typically 20-30 days after installation) 6. The IBG is transferable — important if you plan to sell within the guarantee period

If an installer cannot confirm all six points, consider choosing a different installer. The absence of an IBG is a significant consumer protection gap.

How Vitrum Solutions Protects You

At Vitrum Solutions, every installation comes with triple-layer protection:

1. Our 10-year workmanship guarantee — covering all aspects of the installation 2. CPA insurance-backed guarantee — 10 years, transferable, underwritten by an FCA-regulated insurer 3. FENSA certification — every job certified for Building Regulations compliance

Whether you are installing uPVC casement windows, aluminium sliding doors, composite entrance doors, or Korniche roof lanterns, the guarantee structure is identical. You receive your FENSA certificate and CPA guarantee certificate within 20-30 days of installation, and both are logged on permanent registers accessible to future property owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an insurance-backed guarantee the same as a product warranty?

No. An insurance-backed guarantee covers the installation workmanship — how the windows were fitted. A product warranty covers the product itself — the profiles, glass, and hardware. Both are important, and a complete installation should come with both.

How much does an insurance-backed guarantee cost?

If your installer is FENSA registered, the IBG is included in the installation price at no additional charge. It is funded through the installer's FENSA membership fees. You should never be asked to pay separately for an IBG.

Can I get an insurance-backed guarantee retrospectively?

Generally no. IBGs are issued at the time of installation as part of the FENSA certification process. If your installation was not FENSA certified, you cannot retrospectively obtain an IBG. You can, however, obtain an indemnity insurance policy (a different product) to cover potential issues with non-certified installations.

Is an insurance-backed guarantee transferable to new homeowners?

Yes. CPA and most other IBG providers automatically transfer the guarantee to the new property owner when you sell. The guarantee is linked to the property address, not the individual homeowner. This is one reason why having an IBG adds value when selling your home.

What if my installer is still trading but refuses to fix a problem?

If your installer is still trading but is unresponsive or refusing to honour their guarantee, contact the IBG provider anyway. They can intervene on your behalf and, in some cases, arrange for an alternative installer to carry out the work. You also have standard consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which provides legal remedies for faulty services.