Three Bradford firms are working together to provide a better deal for double glazing customers.

Bradford man Graham Cockroft has set up the Ease Your Panes policy and has persuaded Fielding Mann Insurance Services, of Keighley Road, Frizinghall, to become brokers.

The policy, which costs £10 a year and lasts five years, will be marketed through Bradford double glazing specialists Fernlee Industries and is underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance.

Mr Cockroft said today: "The policy is aimed at the person who has problems with their installation and has no guarantee.

"The main problem is the failure of the sealant on the double glazed unit allowing air to penetrate, creating an annoying, unsightly misty window and also allowing the cold air to bridge the gap. This defeats the whole object of having double glazing.

"Once people have applied for insurance, a surveyor will call to assess the damage which will be put right. From that day on the windows and doors are insured against it happening again.

"One of the benefits of the policy is that companies who issue it are supplying additional windows to a home with PVC-u windows already installed some years ago. So when things go wrong, the client has no need to bother the company who fitted them, they phone the insurance company instead."

Mr Cockroft said he was looking at how to extend the policy to include almost any product or service which carries a guarantee, from double glazing and conservatories to all household improvements such as kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, extensions, driveways, solar power installations and even stair lifts.

Further information can be obtained from Jan Robinson at Fielding Mann Insurance on 01274 495626.

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