Many UK contractors and developers now need to provide insurance backed guarantees (IBGs) to win tenders, satisfy structural warranty providers or meet lender requirements.
Peacock Insurance arranges insurance backed guarantees for a wide range of building and specialist trades, giving your clients confidence that their guarantee remains valid even if your business ceases trading.
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Reliable ServiceWhat is an Insurance Backed Guarantee?
An Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) is a specialist IBG insurance policy that protects your client if a contractor ceases trading during the guarantee period. Contractors can issue workmanship guarantees of up to 25 years, but without an IBG these guarantees become worthless if the business closes down. An Insurance Backed Guarantee steps in to honour the contractor’s original promise, ensuring the remaining years of the guarantee are fully protected and giving homeowners or developers complete peace of mind.
We Can Cover ALL Work Types
We provide Insurance Backed Guarantees for a wide range of specialist and general construction trades, offering long-term protection and confidence for homeowners, developers and commercial clients alike.
Basement Tanking
Insurance Backed Guarantees are available for contractors carrying out basement tanking and below-ground waterproofing. These policies help reassure clients that works remain protected against future water ingress issues, even if your business stops trading.
Cladding & Facades
We can arrange IBGs for a wide range of cladding and façade projects, including external wall upgrades, remedial works and specialist finishes. This provides essential long-term protection for high-risk building envelope installations.
Damp Proofing
Damp proofing contractors often require IBGs to demonstrate the durability and reliability of their treatments. Our policies cover a variety of damp proofing systems, helping homeowners and developers feel confident in the longevity of your work.
External Wall Installation
Whether you install EWI systems, render, insulation or façade upgrades, we can provide Insurance Backed Guarantees to protect workmanship and materials. This is especially important for funded or regulated projects where proof of coverage is required.
General Building Works (Excluding Structural Works)
General builders can obtain IBGs for a variety of non-structural projects, offering reassurance that completed works are covered even if the contractor ceases trading. This helps strengthen tenders and client trust.
Glazing
From windows and doors to curtain walling and bespoke glazing projects, we can arrange IBGs that safeguard clients against future defects. Many commercial and residential glazing installations now require an IBG as part of compliance.
Groundworks (Underpinning / Piling / Drainage)
Specialist groundwork contractors can benefit from IBGs covering drainage, piling and underpinning works. These guarantees help demonstrate compliance and provide long-term protection for critical foundation-related activities.
Japanese Knotweed
Insurance Backed Guarantees are often required for Japanese knotweed treatment and removal programmes. Our policies validate your work and provide reassurance to property buyers, lenders and surveyors.
Piling
We arrange IBGs for piling contractors undertaking foundation works across both residential and commercial sites. These policies offer additional security for developers and clients on complex or high-value ground engineering projects.
Renewables
Our IBGs cover renewable installations including heat pumps, biomass systems and other sustainable technologies. This helps contractors meet consumer code requirements and boosts client confidence in newer energy systems.
Roofing
Roofing contractors frequently need Insurance Backed Guarantees to validate workmanship and manufacturer-approved installation standards. We can cover flat roofing, pitched roofing, waterproofing systems and remedial works.
Solar Panels
Solar installation companies can obtain IBGs to protect clients in the event of future faults or failures. This is particularly valuable where MCS compliance or funding requirements mandate long-term protection.
Structural Waterproofing / Basement
We can provide IBGs for structural waterproofing specialists working on basements, retaining walls and complex below-ground structures. These guarantees support best-practice installation under BS 8102 guidelines.
Structural Works (Subsidence Remediation)
For contractors carrying out structural repairs such as subsidence remediation, an IBG demonstrates the robustness of your work. Our policies support client assurance and satisfy many lender or insurer requirements.
Timber & Damp Works
Timber treatment and preservation contractors can secure IBGs to protect against future timber decay or infestation. This helps offer long-term reassurance for both domestic and commercial property owners.
Plus many more
If your trade is not listed above, we can usually still provide an Insurance Backed Guarantee. Contact our team to discuss your specific requirements.
If you need to speak to one of our experts directly, please call our Sales Hotline on 02476 437 626 or complete the quotation form.
Did you know?
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Customers are more likely to appoint a contractor who provides an Insurance Backed Guarantee for their works
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A Latent Defect Insurer may require Insurance Backed Guarantees to be put in place by contractors performing work
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Contractors may be contractually required to provide an Insurance Backed Guarantee by a developer
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Lenders or Funders may insist a developer has Insurance Backed Guarantees provided by their contractors
Benefits of an Insurance Backed Guarantee
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Protection throughout the guarantee period
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Almost any kind of work can be covered
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Cover can be provided for up to 25 years
Retrospective Insurance Backed Guarantees
Retrospective Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) provide protection for works that have already been completed when no IBG was arranged at the time. They are often required during property sales, refinancing, structural warranty assessments or when a lender or surveyor requests additional proof that past works are still covered. A retrospective IBG allows the remaining guarantee period to be insured even if the original contractor has ceased trading, offering vital reassurance to homeowners, buyers and developers.
IBGs Required by Structural Warranty Providers and Lenders
Many structural warranty providers, mortgage lenders and funding partners now require an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) as part of their approval process. This is because an IBG provides long-term protection if the original contractor ceases trading, ensuring that key elements of the build — such as waterproofing, roofing, cladding, groundworks or remedial structural repairs — remain covered for the full guarantee period. Without an IBG, these providers often view the work as higher risk, which can delay funding, invalidate a warranty application or prevent a property sale from progressing.
At Peacock Insurance, we work closely with structural warranty providers, building inspectors and lenders to arrange IBGs that meet their specific compliance requirements. Our IBGs are backed by reputable, FCA-regulated insurers and are widely accepted within the UK construction and property finance sectors. Whether you need an IBG to satisfy a warranty condition, secure development finance or complete a mortgage valuation, our team can guide you through the process quickly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an insurance backed guarantee for my project?
You may need an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) if your client, lender, structural warranty provider or building control officer requires long-term protection for the work being carried out. Even when not mandatory, an IBG can add value by giving customers confidence that your guarantee remains valid if your business ceases trading. They are commonly required for roofing, waterproofing, cladding, basement works, damp proofing and other specialist trades.
How long can an Insurance Backed Guarantee last?
An IBG can typically last anywhere from 2 to 25 years, depending on the type of work completed, the installer’s original guarantee and the insurer’s underwriting requirements. The IBG simply mirrors the remaining term of the contractor’s original guarantee, ensuring continued protection for the full duration.
Is an IBG the same as a structural warranty?
No — an Insurance Backed Guarantee is not the same as a structural warranty. An IBG protects the contractor’s own guarantee if they cease trading, while a structural warranty (also known as latent defects insurance) covers major structural issues with a property for up to 10 or 12 years. Many projects may require both forms of cover depending on their scope.
Can I get a retrospective Insurance Backed Guarantee after works are complete?
Yes — retrospective IBGs can sometimes be arranged for completed works, particularly when needed for property sales, refinancing or mortgage lender requirements. Eligibility depends on the type of work, available documentation and the condition of the installation. We can assess your situation and confirm whether retrospective cover is possible.
Which types of work can be covered by an IBG?
IBGs can cover a wide range of specialist and general building trades including roofing, basement tanking, structural waterproofing, cladding, groundworks, glazing, damp proofing, solar installations, renewables, timber treatments, Japanese knotweed works and many more. If your trade isn’t listed, our team can usually provide a suitable solution — just contact us to confirm.
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