GGFi/FENSA

If you are undertaking replacement glazing in your home, you should ensure that you use an installer who is registered with the Government authorised scheme FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme).

FENSA was set up by industry bodies with Government encouragement in response to the Building Regulations for England and Wales which came into effect on 1st April 2002. Anyone who installs replacement windows or doors must comply with current Building Regulations and thermal performance standards. When the time comes to sell your property, your purchaser's solicitors will ask for evidence that any replacement glazing installed since April 2002 complies with the Building Regulations.

To help protect consumers, all FENSA Registered Businesses are required to provide insurance cover for any deposit they take, and are required to 'offer' or give' homeowners access to Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBG) for up to a ten year period, to provide cover in the event that the company ceases to trade.

GGF Insurance (GGFi) works closely with FENSA to provide protection for consumers.Companies registered with GGFi are low risk for consumers because GGFi has strict criteria for joining; this enables GGFi to keep costs low for both glazing companies offering insurance, and for consumers who take up policies through these companies.

The number of companies registered with GGFi is steadily increasingly. Currently, the total number of home improvement companies registered with GGF Insurance totals in excess of 1,500.

GGF Insurance (GGFi) is authorised and regulated by the FSA and is underwritten by Red Sands.

For more information, go to www.fensa.co.uk