IGGI insurance backed guarantees cost £195–£375 per installation — here is what that covers
If you are installing a heat pump or solar panels, you may hear about an IGGI policy but wonder what it actually does. The IGGI (Insurance Backed Guarantee for Green Installations) is a standalone insurance policy that protects you if the installer goes out of business during the guarantee period.
IGGI insurance costs £195–£375 per installation. It covers repair or replacement costs if the installer goes out of business during the guarantee period. This one-off premium protects for up to 10 years.
- IGGI costs £195–£375 for a single installation.
- Policy covers replacement if installer ceases trading.
- Only available for MCS-registered heat pumps or solar panels.
- Covers labour and materials for up to 10 years.
- One-off premium, not an annual fee.
- IGGI insurance backed guarantees cost £195–£375 per installation — here is what that covers
- The difference between an installer’s guarantee and an IGGI policy
- Which installations qualify for IGGI cover — MCS-registered systems only
- How to verify an IGGI policy is active before you pay the installer
- Quick numbers — IGGI cover limits and claim process
- IGGI insurance explained — the plain-English answer for homeowners
- How to check your installer’s MCS certification and IGGI eligibility
The typical cost ranges from £195 for a single heat pump installation to £375 for a full solar PV and battery system (IGGI website pricing page, 2026). The guarantee covers the cost of repairing or replacing the installation for up to 10 years, subject to the policy terms.
This policy is separate from the manufacturer’s product warranty and the installer’s own workmanship guarantee. You pay the premium once at installation, not annually, and it stays in force for the full term.
The difference between an installer’s guarantee and an IGGI policy
An installer’s guarantee is a contractual promise from the company that fitted the equipment. It only lasts as long as the company exists. If the installer ceases trading, the installer’s guarantee becomes worthless. The IGGI policy steps in as a backup.
IGGI is underwritten by a regulated insurance company. You claim directly from the insurer, not from the installer. Manufacturer warranties cover product defects only, not installation faults. IGGI covers both labour and materials if the installer disappears.
An installer’s guarantee typically runs 2–10 years. IGGI policies commonly offer 10-year cover from the installation date. This gives you a safety net that does not depend on the installer remaining in business.
Which installations qualify for IGGI cover — MCS-registered systems only
IGGI is available exclusively for installations that are registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) (MCS register, 2026). Eligible technologies include air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels, solar thermal, and biomass boilers.
The installer must be MCS-certified at the time of installation and must register the system on the MCS database within 28 days. You must hold a valid MCS certificate for the installation to claim under IGGI.
IGGI does not cover gas boilers, loft insulation, or double glazing. Those have separate guarantee schemes such as the CIGA (Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency) or the FENSA warranty for windows.
How to verify an IGGI policy is active before you pay the installer
Ask the installer for the IGGI policy schedule and certificate of insurance before making the final payment. Check the policy schedule lists your name, property address, installation date, and the specific equipment covered.
Verify the underwriter is a UK-regulated insurer. Look for the Financial Services Register number on the schedule (FCA register, 2026). Contact the IGGI administrator directly using the details on the policy schedule to confirm the policy is live.
If the installer cannot provide a policy schedule, do not pay the final instalment until they do. A policy that exists only in the installer’s word is not worth the paper it is not printed on.
Quick numbers — IGGI cover limits and claim process
| Row | Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cover limit per installation | £15,000 (typical) | Check your policy schedule for exact limit |
| 2 | Claim excess | £0–£250 depending on policy | Ask your installer before purchase |
| 3 | Claim window | Must notify insurer within 90 days of discovering the fault | IGGI terms and conditions, 2026 |
| 4 | Claim success rate | No published industry average | Insurer decides on case-by-case basis |
| 5 | Policy term | 10 years from installation date | Non-transferable if you sell the house |
IGGI insurance explained — the plain-English answer for homeowners
IGGI is an insurance policy that pays for repairs or replacement if your solar panels, heat pump, or other MCS-registered green technology develops a fault and the company that installed it has gone bust. You buy it once at installation. The premium is typically £195–£375 depending on the system size.
To claim, you need a valid MCS certificate, the policy schedule, and proof that the installer has ceased trading. The insurer arranges a new MCS-certified installer to fix or replace the system, up to the policy limit.
IGGI does not cover routine maintenance, accidental damage, or wear and tear. It only covers faults caused by poor installation or defective equipment that the installer would have been responsible for. how to claim on an IGGI policy step by step
How to check your installer’s MCS certification and IGGI eligibility
Use the MCS installer database at mcscertified.com to confirm the company holds a current MCS certificate for the technology you are buying (MCS website, 2026). Verify the installer also holds TrustMark registration. TrustMark is the government-endorsed quality scheme for home improvements (TrustMark website, 2026).
Ask for the installer’s MCS certificate number and cross-check it on the register. Do not rely on a screenshot. If the installer claims to offer IGGI but is not MCS-registered, they cannot provide a valid policy. Walk away.
For heat pumps, also check the installer is registered with Gas Safe Register if the system connects to a gas supply (Gas Safe Register, 2026). heat pump installer checklist for homeowners
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a standalone insurance policy that covers repair or replacement costs if the installer goes out of business during the guarantee period. Ofgem states it is separate from manufacturer warranties.
Typical costs range from £195 for a single heat pump installation to £375 for a full solar PV and battery system. These prices are from the IGGI website pricing page as of 2026.
Yes, if you want protection beyond the installer's guarantee. It covers labour and materials for up to 10 years, regardless of the installer's business status. The Energy Saving Trust recommends checking policy terms.
Yes, it covers both labour and materials for installation faults if the installer ceases trading. Manufacturer warranties only cover product defects, not workmanship issues.
Only MCS-registered installations qualify, such as air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, and solar photovoltaic panels. Check the MCS register for eligible systems.
