When you're spending thousands on a new roof, the guarantee matters just as much as the quality of the installation. But not all guarantees are created equal. Here's why an insurance-backed guarantee (IBG) should be non-negotiable when choosing a roofer.
What Is an IBG?
An insurance-backed guarantee is a warranty on your roofing work that's underwritten by an independent insurance company, not just the roofing contractor. If the contractor who installed your roof ceases trading — goes bust, retires, or simply disappears — the insurance company honours the guarantee in their place.
Why Does This Matter?
Statistics from the Federation of Master Builders show that around 50,000 UK construction firms close each year. A 10 or 15-year workmanship guarantee from a roofing company is only worth something if that company still exists when you need to make a claim. An IBG removes that risk entirely. Your roof is protected regardless of what happens to any business.
What Does an IBG Cover?
A standard IBG covers defects in workmanship — if the installation was carried out incorrectly and causes a problem within the guarantee period, the insurer will arrange and pay for the corrective work. The typical term is 10 years, which runs alongside the contractor's own workmanship guarantee.
How Is This Different From a "Guarantee"?
Many roofing companies offer a "guarantee" that's simply a letter or document from the company itself. This is only as strong as the company behind it. If they're a sole trader who retires, a limited company that's wound up, or a business that simply stops answering the phone, your "guarantee" is worthless. An IBG is backed by an actual insurance policy with a regulated insurance provider.
Why Don't Most Roofers Offer One?
IBGs cost the contractor money — typically a few hundred pounds per installation. Many smaller operators either don't know about them, don't want to pay for them, or can't pass the insurance company's vetting process (which checks the contractor's financial stability, qualifications, and workmanship standards). If a roofer can't get an IBG, that tells you something. It's one of the key things to check when comparing quotes — see our guide on how much a new roof costs in Kent for what else to look for.
The IKON Integrity Guarantee
Every Ikon Roofing installation comes with three layers of protection: a 15-year workmanship guarantee from us, a 15-year manufacturer-backed materials warranty, and a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee from an independent insurer. We believe if you're asking a homeowner to invest in a new roof, you should give them absolute certainty that their money is protected.
Want to know more? Call us on 01634 907 024 or get in touch online. We're happy to explain how the guarantee works and provide documentation upfront before you commit to anything.