A kitchen isn’t covered by a Competent Person Scheme, so no rule forces you to provide Insurance Backed Guarantees to your customers. That’s the short answer.
Here’s when it’s worth having anyway, and when it’s expected.
Is an Insurance Backed Guarantee compulsory for kitchen fitters?
Not by law. There’s nothing in kitchen fitting like the glazing rule that makes an Insurance Backed Guarantee mandatory on every job. It’s your decision.
The one place it can become expected is scheme memberships.
TrustMark-registered businesses must provide a minimum two-year financial protection on domestic work, and an Insurance Backed Guarantee is the usual way that protection is delivered.
Why kitchen fitters choose to offer one
A new kitchen is one of the biggest jobs a homeowner will ever commission in their home.
They’re generally nervous about handing over thousands of pounds to a firm they found online. An Insurance Backed Guarantee on your quote tells them they’re protected even if your company ceases trading*. And that’s often what tips a “maybe” into a “yes”.
It sits behind your own company written guarantee and comes into effect if your company ceases to trade during the term*. It typically covers your workmanship and the materials you fitted.
| Without an Insurance Backed Guarantee | With one |
|---|---|
| Your guarantee depends on your company still trading | The homeowner’s cover survives even if you cease trading* |
| Nothing extra to reassure a cautious buyer | A recognised protection promise on every quote |
| Harder to compete with national kitchen firms | You look as safe a bet as the big brands |
* Subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
What about worktops, appliances and manufacturer warranties?
It’s a common question, because kitchens involve a lot of separately warranted products.
Appliance and worktop manufacturer warranties cover the product failing.
That’s the maker’s responsibility.
An Insurance Backed Guarantee covers your workmanship and the fit. They’re different things, and a homeowner can rely on both.
What an Insurance Backed Guarantee covers on a kitchen job
Subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, it typically covers:
| Typically covered | Typically not covered |
|---|---|
| Defective workmanship on your installation | Damage caused by the homeowner or a third party |
| Faulty materials you supplied and fitted | Normal wear and tear |
| Valid claims if you cease trading during the term | Faults under the manufacturer’s warranty |
| Deposit protection, where the policy includes it | Claims while you’re still trading |
Want to win more kitchen jobs by showing homeowners they’re covered?
HomePro provides Insurance Backed Guarantees for kitchen fitters, plus the recognised badge and reviews that help you compete with the national firms. Call 0800 131 0500 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) or join here.
Frequently asked questions
Is an Insurance Backed Guarantee a legal requirement for kitchen installers?
No. It isn’t compulsory for kitchens. It becomes effectively required only through a scheme like TrustMark that mandates financial protection.
Is it the same as an appliance warranty?
No. Appliance and worktop warranties cover the products failing. An Insurance Backed Guarantee covers your workmanship if your company ceases trading subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Both can apply.
Who pays for it — me or the homeowner?
You’re providing it to your customer, which means you pay the premium and build it into your price. The homeowner is the policyholder but doesn’t pay for it separately.
How long does the cover last?
It typically mirrors your own written guarantee, up to the policy’s maximum term; TrustMark’s minimum is two years.
Join UK installers who provide FCA-regulated Insurance Backed Guarantees with every job through HomePro. Call 0800 131 0500 or join the HomePro network today.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information only. It is not financial, legal or insurance advice. While we take care to make sure the information is accurate, scheme rules, legal requirements and third-party details can change without notice — always check the latest position with the relevant scheme or official body before acting on anything here. HomePro accepts no liability for any loss arising from errors or omissions in, or reliance on, the information in this article. Insurance Backed Guarantees are subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of the individual policy.
