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Regulated IBGs Vs Guarantees

Regulated Financial Protection (IBGs) vs Remediation Guarantees: Why the Difference Matters

Simply Certification is the only Certification Body to offer a double-layered approach to protection, combining a no-cost remediation framework (SurePath) and access to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) -regulated, underwritten financial consumer protection to ensure long-term security for homeowners.

As the retrofit and renewable sector continues to evolve, one issue is becoming increasingly important for installers, consumers and government alike: how homeowners are financially protected if something goes wrong in the future.

Not all “protection” is the same — and understanding the difference matters.

Regulated Insurance-Backed Guarantees (IBGs)

Regulated Insurance-Backed Guarantees are financial products underwritten by insurers who must be approved by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulate by both the PRA and FCA. Their purpose is simple: to ensure that homeowners remain protected even if the installer ceases trading.

Key features of regulated IBGs:

  • Properly underwritten by an insurer

  • Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

  • Designed to protect the homeowner long after installation

  • Independent of the installer’s ongoing business viability

  • Insurers are backed by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

  • Increasingly expected in publicly funded and future government-backed schemes

Providers such as Quality Mark Protection  operate within this regulated framework, giving homeowners and funders confidence that protection will stand the test of time.

From a government and policy perspective, this type of protection is critical. It ensures public money delivers lasting outcomes and avoids future remediation costs falling back on the homeowner or the taxpayer.

Guarantees and Remediation Services: Helpful, But Not Financial Protection

Guarantees or remediation services offered directly by certification bodies or third parties can play a valuable role — but they are not the same as regulated financial protection.

A guarantee or remediation service typically:

  • Relies on the installer and provider of the guarantee continuing to perform and trade

  • Is not underwritten by an insurer

  • Is not FCA-regulated

  • May not respond if a business fails, restructures or exits the market

This distinction is important. A remediation service can help put things right today, but it does not always protect the homeowner years down the line.

How Simply Certification Approaches Protection

Simply Certification believes that strong protection is layered, not singular.

That is why:

  • We support and encourage the use of regulated, underwritten financial protection products such as IBGs

  • On-top of this we also provide SurePath, our remediation and accountability framework, for all installers. And its FREE to join!

Our double-layered approach to protection protects homeowners twice: through the SurePath remediation framework, included at zero cost unless used, and through our partners’ FCA-regulated, underwritten financial protection that lasts long after installation and if something should happen where the business may not longer exist.

What is SurePath?

SurePath is a practical, delivery-led initiative designed to ensure issues are resolved quickly and responsibly if they arise.

SurePath:

  • Provides a clear remediation route where non-compliance is identified

  • Demonstrates installer accountability and commitment to quality

  • Gives confidence to consumers, government and stakeholders

  • Complements — but does not replace — regulated financial protection

Together, regulated IBGs and SurePath show that an installer is taking their responsibilities seriously: protecting the homeowner today, and safeguarding outcomes into the future.

Why This Matters for the Industry

As government funding increases and schemes like the Warm Homes Plan scale up, expectations around consumer protection are rising.

The direction of travel is clear:

  • Homeowners must be protected beyond the life of an installer’s business

  • Consumer protection must be regulated, robust and future-proof

  • Remediation alone is not sufficient

  • Responsible installers will be those who combine quality delivery, remediation accountability and regulated financial protection

Installers who adopt this approach are not just protecting homeowners — they are protecting the reputation and long-term sustainability of the industry as a whole.

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