What is an Insurance-Backed Guarantee – and why it matters for subsidence repair

Protecting your investment with independent assurance

When dealing with subsidence, ground instability, or structural movement, choosing the right repair solution is critical—but so is ensuring that the work is protected long after completion.

That’s where an Insurance-Backed Guarantee (IBG) comes in.

Geobear provides a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee on its solutions, giving customers confidence that their investment is protected—regardless of future circumstances.

What is an Insurance-Backed Guarantee?

An Insurance-Backed Guarantee is a warranty supported by an independent insurance policy.

In simple terms:

• The contractor (e.g. Geobear) provides a guarantee for the works
• That guarantee is underwritten by an insurer
• If the contractor is unable to honour the guarantee (e.g. insolvency), the insurer steps in

This structure ensures that the guarantee remains valid and enforceable, even in worst-case scenarios.

Why an IBG matters for subsidence and ground engineering

Ground engineering solutions are long-term by nature. Whether stabilising foundations or improving weak soils, performance must be maintained over many years.

An IBG provides an additional layer of protection beyond the workmanship itself.

Long-term financial security

If anything were to happen to the contractor, the insurance policy ensures that the guarantee is still honoured—protecting your investment.

Reduced risk for homeowners and asset owners

Subsidence repairs can be a significant financial decision. An IBG reduces uncertainty, giving reassurance that support remains in place.

Confidence in the solution

The presence of an insurance-backed guarantee demonstrates that the company is willing to stand behind its work—and that an independent insurer supports that commitment.

Why insurers and mortgage lenders value IBGs

Insurance-backed guarantees are widely recognised across the property and construction sectors.

They are often viewed favourably because they:

• Provide independent financial backing
• Reduce long-term risk exposure
• Offer reassurance in property transactions
• Support mortgage approvals and insurance continuity

For homeowners, this can be particularly important when selling a property or renewing insurance following subsidence repairs.

Geobear’s 10-year Insurance-Backed Guarantee

Geobear issues a 10-year IBG upon completion of works and receipt of final payment.

This guarantee:

• Covers the performance of the ground improvement solution
• Is supported by an independent insurance provider
• Remains valid even if Geobear cannot fulfil its obligations
• Provides reassurance for homeowners, engineers, and stakeholders

It forms a key part of our commitment to delivering low-risk, high-confidence solutions.

A stronger level of protection than standard guarantees

Not all guarantees are equal.

A standard company guarantee relies solely on the issuing company’s ability to honour it in the future.

An Insurance-Backed Guarantee goes further by:

• Introducing a third-party insurer
• Providing continuity of protection
• Offering greater credibility and assurance

This makes it particularly valuable for high-value or long-term structural works.

Supporting confident decision-making

When selecting a ground engineering solution, customers are often balancing:

• Cost
• Disruption
• Speed
• Long-term reliability

An IBG helps remove uncertainty from that decision.

It provides peace of mind that the solution is not only effective—but protected for the long term, regardless of future business or market conditions.

When is an IBG especially important?

An insurance-backed guarantee is particularly valuable in:

• Residential subsidence repairs
• Property transactions and mortgage approvals
• Insurance claims and reinstatement works
• High-value commercial or infrastructure assets

In each case, it provides reassurance to multiple stakeholders—not just the client.