YOUR PEACE OF MIND GUARANTEED

Protecting your home and investment

THINK OF INDEPENDENT NETWORK & YOU AUTOMATICALLY THINK OF PEACE OF MIND

When you think of Independent Network you automatically think of ‘Peace of mind’, this is because we do everything possible to make sure your home improvement investment continues looking and performing as well as the day it was completed.

We also make sure that, if you should ever need attention, we have given every customer one of the best, most reliable guarantees in the uPVC industry today. It is insurance-backed and it lasts up to ten years.

Our insurance-backed guarantee is underpinned by an insurance policy in the name of Network VEKA covering our liabilities under our guarantees.

WHAT IS THE INDEPENDENT NETWORK 10 YEAR INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEE?

Every one of our local installers provide all Homeowners with a 10-year Insurance Backed Guarantee which means if your installation business seizes to trade we cover the costs of the work so you have ultimate peace of mind when you choose Independent Network.

WHAT IS DEPOSIT PROTECTION?

As part of our industry leading Insurance Backed Guarantee offering, we also provide deposit protection, which means if your installation business seizes to trade after you’ve paid your deposit, Independent Network will place your order with another local Member or refund the deposit if we are unable to continue with the sale. We do this because we trust our installers and we’re that confident that you won’t come across any problems or even need to activate your guarantee.

You may be thinking… ‘lots home improvement companies offer Insurance Backed Guarantees so why is yours any different?’ Not all guarantees are the same and when you’re making your decision to purchase you need read the small print and assess which one is right for you.

MORE THAN JUST A GUARANTEE

All Independent member companies across Britain and Ireland have pledged to uphold a series of strict professional standards, covering areas as diverse as installation, surveying and training.

However, the chain of quality goes back even further because every member is also committed to using only the uPVC extruded profile (the frame of your window) manufactured by VEKA.

Our guarantee works in three ways to ensure your complete peace of mind:

  1. First comes your installer’s product guarantee which lasts up to 10 years
  2. Then comes our guarantee which ensures that your product guarantee remains in force – even in the rare event that a member company has ceased trading
  3. Finally, we can even cover your deposit and/or staged payments your installer asks you to pay

If you have any further questions about our Insurance Backed Guarantee please don’t hesitate to ask us via our contact form or call us on 0800 80080, full terms and conditions can be found here.

Help & Advice

Find out more about our Insurance Backed Guarantee

  • What is an Independent Network (Network VEKA) Insurance Backed Guarantee?

    Our Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) is a policy that sits behind an installer's own written guarantee. If the installer ceases trading and can no longer honour their guarantee, the IBG covers the remaining guarantee period.

  • What does "ceased trading" mean?

    The guarantee only applies if the installer has permanently ceased trading due to events such as:

    • Liquidation, administration or receivership (for limited companies).
    • Bankruptcy, retirement or death of the business owner (for sole traders and partnerships).
  • How long does the guarantee last?

    The guarantee lasts for up to 10 years from the installation completion date, or for the duration of the installer's own written guarantee if this is shorter.

  • When can the IBG be used?

    A homeowner would be able to make a claim if:

    • The installer has ceased trading (due to liquidation, bankruptcy, retirement, or closure of the business).
    • A defect has developed in the installation that would normally be covered by the installer's guarantee.
    • The work is covered by a valid and activated IBG certificate.
    • The claim falls within the policy period and meets the policy's terms and conditions.
  • What does the Network VEKA Insurance Backed Guarantee cover?

    Cover is provided for up to 10 years on:

    • VEKA profile products
    • Hardware
    • Sealed units

    Cover applies in line with the terms, conditions, and limitations of the policy. The policy protects the homeowner if the installer ceases trading and is unable to honour their guarantee.

  • When can't I make a claim?

    The guarantee will not cover:

    • Faults that would not have been covered by the installer's original guarantee.
    • Issues where the installer is still trading.
    • Routine maintenance and servicing.
    • Damage caused by neglect, lack of maintenance, fair wear and tear, storms, sunlight or other insured events.
    • Glass breakage.
    • Repair work carried out without prior written approval from Network VEKA.
    • Costs that can be recovered from another source, such as a Section 75 claim through your credit card provider or finance provider.
  • Can I submit a claim under the Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) if my installer is still trading?

    No. The Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) can only be used if the installer has ceased trading and is therefore unable to honour their own written guarantee.

    If your installer is still actively trading, you should contact them directly, as they remain responsible for addressing any issues covered by their guarantee.

    If you are experiencing difficulties resolving an issue with an Independent Network member who is still trading, we recommend raising the matter with the installer in writing and allowing them the opportunity to investigate and rectify the problem. If a resolution cannot be reached, Independent Network may be able to offer guidance through its Concern process.

  • How safe is my guarantee?

    Every Independent Network member is required to offer an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) on eligible installations of windows, doors and conservatories. This provides homeowners with additional peace of mind by protecting the installer's guarantee should they cease trading during the guarantee period.

    The Insurance Backed Guarantee sits behind the installer's own written guarantee and remains in place for up to 10 years, subject to the policy terms and conditions. If the installer ceases trading and is unable to fulfil their guarantee obligations, homeowners may be able to make a claim under the IBG for eligible defects covered by the original guarantee.

  • Can I transfer the guarantee if I sell my property?

    Yes, subject to conditions. A transfer request must be made within 30 days of the change of property ownership.

    An IBG may be transferred provided that:

    • The installer is still actively trading, and
    • The installer agrees to transfer their original company guarantee.

    Transfer fee: £100 per policy

    If the installer has ceased trading, transfer may not be possible depending on policy status. Full transfer conditions are outlined within the IBG Terms & Conditions.

  • Guarantee Transfer Process for New Homeowners

    The first step is to transfer the installer's guarantee documentation into the new homeowner's name. To do this, the new homeowner contacts the installer and requests a guarantee transfer (an amended guarantee in the new homeowner's name and a letter confirming the original installation was paid in full, the original installation date, the original contract has been transferred to the new homeowner.

    Once the installer guarantee documentation has been updated, the new homeowner can apply to transfer the Insurance Backed Guarantee. To do this, visit the Homeowner Area (Your Guarantee) and submit a Transfer Your Certificate request.