Is an Insurance Backed Guarantee compulsory for roofers?
Not across the board. Unlike domestic double glazing with Competent Person Schemes, there’s no blanket requirement forcing every roofer to issue an insurance backed guarantee. But that’s not the end of it — because how you certify your work changes the answer.
If you self-certify roofing work through CompetentRoofer, the NFRC Competent Person Scheme, you take on the scheme’s rules.
Those rules require an Insurance Backed Guarantee on notified roof refurbishment work. So for a large share of roofers, it is effectively required through the scheme.
When you must provide one under CompetentRoofer
Under CompetentRoofer, registered contractors must provide a 10-year Insurance Backed Guarantee on roof refurbishment projects valued under £50,000. The homeowner receives it with their compliance certificate on completion.
It covers faulty workmanship or materials, breach of Building Regulations. Your insolvency if the company stops trading.
Above £50,000, the requirement can vary with the client’s specification. And where the client doesn’t want one — often a housing association or local authority — a CompetentRoofer contractor may opt out for that job. So the rule of thumb: domestic re-roofs and refurbishments under £50,000, notified through CompetentRoofer, need to carry an Insurance Backed Guarantee.
| Situation | Insurance Backed Guarantee? |
|---|---|
| Domestic roof refurbishment under £50,000, notified through CompetentRoofer | Required — 10-year cover |
| Project over £50,000 | May vary with the client’s specification |
| Housing association or local authority that doesn’t require one | Contractor may opt out for that job |
| Not registered with a Competent Person Scheme | Not required — but strongly worth having |
Why roofers use one even when they don't have to
Here’s the part that matters more than the rules. Often, when doing a major home improvement, like a reroof, a homeowner is nervous. It’s a big job, and it’s high up, which means they can’t easily check the work. An Insurance Backed Guarantee on your quote tells them they’re protected even if your company ceases trading, subject to the policy terms and conditions. That can be the difference between a “yes” and a “let me think about it”.
It also opens doors to bigger work. Councils and social-housing clients increasingly want to see recognised accreditation and protection before they’ll consider you. Roofers who carry an Insurance Backed Guarantee can win more contracts.
What the Insurance Backed Guarantee covers
It sits behind your own company written guarantee and comes into effect if your company ceases to trade during the term, so a valid claim gets put right. Subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, that typically means:
| Typically covered | Typically not covered |
|---|---|
| Defective workmanship on your roof install | Storm or accidental damage after completion |
| Faulty materials you supplied and fitted | Normal wear and tear |
| Breach of Building Regulations within the guarantee scope | Pre-existing defects you didn’t cause |
| Valid claims if you cease trading during the term | Claims while you’re still trading |
Want to win bigger roofing jobs with protection homeowners trust?
HomePro issues 10-year roofing Insurance Backed Guarantees. Call 0800 131 0500 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) or join here.
Frequently asked questions
Is an Insurance Backed Guarantee a legal requirement for roofers?
Not as a blanket law. But if you self-certify through CompetentRoofer, the scheme requires a 10-year Insurance Backed Guarantee on notified roof refurbishment work under £50,000.
Do I need one if I’m not in a Competent Person Scheme?
No rule forces it. But most roofers still provide one because it wins more work and reassures homeowners. And it’s often expected on council and social-housing contracts.
How long does a roofing Insurance Backed Guarantee last?
Typically up to 10 years for a domestic reroof.
Who pays for it — me or the homeowner?
You pay the premium and build it into your price. The homeowner is the policyholder but doesn’t pay for it separately.
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.
