The Checkatrade Guarantee
Created 01/26
Things rarely go wrong when you book through Checkatrade - but if something isn’t right, we’re here to help.
1. What is the Checkatrade Guarantee?
The Checkatrade Guarantee is a free, discretionary guarantee that may help if work carried out by a Tradesperson doesn’t meet our standards or reasonable industry standards.
If you can’t resolve the issue directly with the Tradesperson, the Checkatrade Guarantee may contribute towards the cost of putting things right - up to £1,000 - subject to the Terms & Conditions below.
This guarantee is for claims relating to sub-standard work undertaken or completed after 29th January 2026. For Claims prior to this date please see here.
2. Where we can help
The Checkatrade Guarantee may be able to help if:
the work isn’t up to a reasonable standard, or it doesn’t match what you and the Tradesperson agreed; and
you arranged the job through Checkatrade, or you paid using Checkatrade Pay; and
you let us know about the problem within 6 months of the work being finished.
For full details of what’s covered (and importantly what isn’t), please read the Terms & Conditions below
3. How to make a claim?
We recommend speaking to the Tradesperson first, as many issues can be sorted quickly that way - but you don’t have to.
You can contact Checkatrade at any time through our complaints process to tell us what’s gone wrong. We’ll review the information you share and check whether the Checkatrade Guarantee might apply.
If it looks like the Guarantee could apply, we will submit a claim on your behalf under the Checkatrade Guarantee. Each claim is looked at individually and assessed in line with the Terms & Conditions.
Just so you know, all Claims are reviewed by us on their individual merits and assessed in line with the Terms & Conditions.
And just as a reminder, any support offered under the Checkatrade Guarantee is provided at Checkatrade’s discretion.
4. Terms and Conditions
Part A: How the Checkatrade Guarantee works
About the Checkatrade Guarantee
The Checkatrade Guarantee is a free, discretionary guarantee provided by Checkatrade. It is designed to help you, if work carried out by a Checkatrade tradesperson doesn’t meet industry standards.
In the unusual event that something goes wrong, tell us and we’ll look into it. In some cases, we may be able to offer you support under the Guarantee, subject to these Terms & Conditions.
When you may be eligible
You may be eligible for the Checkatrade Guarantee if:
the work was done by a Checkatrade Tradesperson;
you contacted the Tradesperson through us (by phone, quote form or message), or you paid using Checkatrade Pay;
the issue is about Sub-Standard Work (meaning the workmanship falls below industry standards or what was agreed); and
you contact us within 6 months of the work being completed.
If we consider it appropriate, we may use an independent expert to help assess the workmanship.
Please note:
the maximum payment per approved claim is £1,000;
the Guarantee is discretionary and we will decide whether to offer support after reviewing the issue; and
the Guarantee does not cover every problem or cost, and it does not replace your rights with the Tradesperson or under your insurance.
How to raise an issue and what we need from you
We recommend speaking to the Tradesperson first, as they may be able to fix the issue directly. However, you can contact us at any time, you don’t have to speak to the Tradesperson first.
To look into the issue, you’ll need to raise it through Checkatrade’s complaints process and share evidence like invoices, proof of payment, photos or videos, and relevant messages.
Once we’ve reviewed the information, we’ll usually contact the Tradesperson to understand what’s happened and give them the opportunity to put things right. If the Tradesperson does not respond, refuses to fix the issue, or the issue cannot be resolved, we will consider whether the issue qualifies under the Checkatrade Guarantee.
If we don’t have enough information, or if the information provided is incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading, we may not be able to take the matter forward.
How we assess claims and payments
We review each case individually. When deciding what support (if any) is appropriate, we may consider the cost of putting things right, anything the Tradesperson has already offered or done, and any supporting evidence (including expert input where needed).
If a payment is approved, we’ll normally pay it to you by bank transfer within a reasonable time, up to a maximum of £1,000 per approved claim.
Part B: Legal information
What the Guarantee doesn’t cover
This isn’t a full list, but here are some examples of what we don’t cover under the Guarantee - mainly things that aren’t related to workmanship, or costs that go beyond the work itself.
Things that aren’t about workmanship - wear and tear, cosmetic issues, or disagreements about style or design.
Costs and losses - knock-on losses, VAT or call-out fees, materials you supplied yourself, or sentimental value.
Things outside our control - damage caused by someone else, pre-existing issues, or things covered by insurance or another guarantee.
How decisions are made
The Checkatrade Guarantee is discretionary (so it won’t apply automatically in every situation) and any support offered under the Checkatrade Guarantee is provided at Checkatrade’s discretion. That means we’ll review what happened and decide whether the Guarantee applies.
If we make a decision under the Guarantee, it’s final.
Using independent experts
Sometimes we may use third-party experts to help us review a case (for example an independent surveyor or claims handler). If we do, they support the review process, but Checkatrade still makes the final decision.
Being fair and working together
We may not be able to continue with a case if:
you did not meet the eligibility criteria;
the information provided is missing, incomplete, or not accurate;
you unreasonably refuse access to inspect the work (where an inspection is needed); or
the Guarantee is being misused or abused.
If the Guarantee is misused, we may also refuse future requests under the Checkatrade Guarantee.
Your legal rights stay the same
Using the Checkatrade Guarantee is optional. It does not affect your legal rights against the Tradesperson, and it doesn’t stop you using any insurance cover you may have. We recommend checking your insurance policy before relying on the Guarantee.
Personal information
We’ll use any personal information you provide to review and manage your case, in line with our Privacy Notice.
Changes to these Terms
We may update these Terms & Conditions or withdraw the Checkatrade Guarantee in future. We’ll keep this page up to date, and any changes won’t affect cases that have already been approved.
Limits on Checkatrade’s responsibility
We’re not responsible for any losses linked to the issue - whether direct or knock-on (for example loss of income, not being able to use part of your home, or additional costs caused by delays). If Checkatrade makes a payment under the Guarantee, the most we will pay in total is £1,000.
What law applies
These Terms & Conditions follow English law. Any disputes will be dealt with by the courts of England and Wales.