Switching Boiler Cover: When It Is & Isn’t Worth It

Inflation, engineer shortages, regulation and wider economic pressures all play a part in price rises from insurers and cover providers.

So too do some providers’ plans to rebuild profit margins after periods of underpricing or high losses.

Home insurance premiums have risen 71% between 2019 and 2024, according to MoneySuperMarket.

Whatever the cause, it’s worth comparing providers at renewal, since switching could help you find better value for your cover.

Switching at renewal (the easy route)

Switching when your current policy expires is the easiest and most cost-effective method. 

Typically, at 21 to 30 days before your contract ends, providers send you a renewal notice detailing your new price.

To switch at renewal without losing protection, follow these steps:

One: Check your renewal notice date

Review the notice to find your exact contract end date and how much your monthly or annual fee will increase.

Two: Compare new quotes

Shop around during the two to four weeks before your policy ends to find competitive rates and better cover options.

(See below, ‘How to compare boiler cover providers’).

Three: Give notice to stop auto-renewal

Contact your current provider in writing or by phone to cancel the auto-renewal clause before your contract rolls over.

Four: Align your start date 

Set your new policy’s start date to match the same day your old policy ends. This eliminates any gap in cover whilst avoiding double payment.

(Most providers don’t require an upfront boiler inspection when you switch directly from another company).

Switching mid-term (is it worth it?)

Switching in the middle of your contract is possible. You just need to calculate whether it’s worth it, i.e., the financial savings outweigh cancellation fees.

(Though of course, if you aren’t satisfied with a provider, the cost may not come into it). 

Cancellation terms and fees

If you cancel within the initial window where it’s allowed (a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after purchase), you will receive a full refund provided no claims were made.

If you cancel after 14 days, most providers offer a pro-rata refund for remaining months.

However, they will charge an administration fee, typically between £25 and £50.

Calculating your savings

Working out if mid-term switching is financially worthwhile is simple.

Subtract your current provider’s administration fee from the total money you will save on your new policy (over the remaining contract months). 

If your savings are greater than the cancellation charge, switching immediately makes financial sense.

Managing initial waiting periods

The primary risk of switching mid-term is the initial waiting period. 

Most boiler cover providers impose a 14 to 30-day waiting window on new policies before you can make a claim.

This prevents homeowners from taking out cover on an already broken boiler.

To avoid being exposed, secure your new policy first. Wait out its initial waiting period and then cancel your old policy.

How to compare boiler cover providers

The quickest way to compare is to use an independent comparison website like Go.Compare or MoneySuperMarket.

These let you filter by cover level, excess, and monthly cost to create a side-by-side comparison.

Prioritise the checklist items above over headline price. After all, a policy might seem cheap at first glance.

But it might have (for example) a high excess, a capped claims limit, or no annual service included. This means it will cost more in the long run than a slightly pricier comprehensive one.

A few things comparison sites don’t always make easy to spot:

• Whether the policy is FCA-regulated or a non-insured maintenance plan
• The exact length of the initial waiting period
• Whether the annual service is a fixed appointment or on-request

For these, it’s worth clicking through to the provider’s full policy document before committing.

What to check before switching

FCA regulation status

Ensure the provider offers Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated insurance. 

Regulated policies give you access to the Financial Ombudsman Service if a dispute arises. Non-insured maintenance contracts lack this consumer protection.

Initial waiting period

Check how many days you must wait before submitting your first repair claim.

Unlimited callouts and claims

Confirm the policy does not cap the number of engineer visits or total repair costs per year.

Boiler replacement terms

Check whether the company contributes towards a new boiler installation if your current unit is beyond economic repair (BER).

Annual boiler service inclusion

Ensure an annual boiler service is included to maintain your boiler’s warranty and keep your system running safely.

Get your boiler covered with Hometree

Our boiler cover includes unlimited repairs, an annual boiler service, zero parts & labour charges, and 24/7 claims support to keep your home warm. Subject to exclusions and T&Cs apply.

With no hidden fees and coverage across England, Scotland, and Wales, we’ve got you covered.

You can get covered today or contact us for a free quote.