What is Boiler Insurance?

Are you prepared to be cold and miserable in the freezing winter months due to a boiler breakdown?

If you haven’t got a contingency fund for emergency repairs, boiler insurance could be exactly what you need this winter.

Read on to find out:

• How these policies work
• How to compare them
• Whether they are the right choice for your home.

What is boiler insurance?

Boiler insurance, also known as boiler breakdown cover, is a form of protection that covers the cost of:

• Unexpected repairs
• Call-outs
• Replacement parts
• Boiler servicing.

We all use our central heating more in the colder months, making this the time your boiler is most likely to break down.

Without protection, repairing a boiler can cost hundreds of pounds. And a full replacement can run into the thousands.

Boiler cover vs. Central heating cover

If you are unsure which package to choose, it’s important to know the difference between these two options.

Boiler cover only protects your boiler and its internal controls.

Central heating cover, however, protects your entire central heating system. This means everything from your pipework and hot water cylinder to your radiators and plumbing is protected.

Remember, the more comprehensive the cover you get, the more it will cost.

It is much cheaper to take out a simple boiler cover policy than a complete home care package if you don’t need the extra protection.

Do I need boiler breakdown cover?

If you are a tenant, you do not need to take out cover—the responsibility to maintain the boiler lies with your landlord (who should take out specialist landlord boiler cover).

If you have recently installed a new boiler, it’s unlikely you will need cover just yet, as the manufacturer’s warranty should protect it.

However, manufacturer warranties typically only last up to 10 years.

Plus, most manufacturers insist on an annual boiler service for their warranty to remain valid.

How to find the best boiler cover

Before choosing a boiler service plan, make sure you know what type of boiler you have in your home.

You’ll likely need to specify whether it is oil or gas, or even the specific brand, such as Worcester Bosch or Vaillant.

Once you know what you need, use a comparison website to gather multiple quotes and get a fair price.

Don’t forget to check boiler cover reviews on Google, social media. And independent sites like Trustpilot to see if other customers are happy with the service they received and the engineers they use.

10 questions to ask when comparing policies

1. Are all costs covered?

Check if parts and labour are included. You should also look for an excess—a cost you pay as part of a claim when an engineer visits. This is usually around £50 to £60, though some providers build this into your monthly cost so there is no excess to pay.

2. Is there a 24/7 helpline?

A good provider will offer a 24/7 helpline so you’re never left in the lurch. Some even offer advice over the phone to help you troubleshoot simple faults before making a claim. Quick response times are key—some companies, like Hometree, aim to get engineers out within 24 hours and offer evening and weekend call-outs.

3. Does it include an annual boiler service?

An ad-hoc annual service can cost anywhere between £65 and £100.

Finding a policy with a free service included will save you money in the long run and keep your boiler running safely and efficiently.

4. How many claims can you make?

Some policies cap the number of claims you can make in a year.

Try to find a policy that offers unlimited claims, as you can’t predict when or how many times a recurring fault will strike.

5. Is your boiler too old?

Your appliance usually has to be less than 10 or 15 years old to qualify for boiler insurance.

Older boilers may require an initial inspection before a provider agrees to a policy.

6. Is there a waiting period?

To prevent people from taking out insurance on a boiler that is already faulty, most providers enforce a waiting period. This can range from a few days to a month where you cannot make a claim.

7. What happens if your boiler can’t be fixed?

If a boiler is deemed “beyond economical repair”, it means it’s cheaper to replace your boiler than attempt to fix the current one.

Check if the provider will do this, or offer a discount towards a new installation.

8. Who will be making the repairs?

Find out if the provider uses their own team of engineers or local contractors.

Crucially, ask what their procedure is for vetting engineers to ensure they are Gas Safe registered.

9. What isn’t included?

Your insurance policy should explicitly state what is not covered.

For instance, most boiler care policies will not cover damage caused by pre-existing faults or the build-up of sludge and limescale.

10. Will the price stay the same if you don’t claim?

The best boiler cover policies will remain the same price regardless of whether you’re a new or existing customer.

Check your terms and conditions to avoid auto-renewals, hefty price hikes, or massive cancellation fees if you decide to switch.

Insured vs non-insured plans

It is important to note that some providers offer insured plans, which are underwritten by an insurer and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Other maintenance plans are non-insured and are not backed by an insurer or regulated by the FCA.

Expert boiler advice from Hometree

Need comprehensive boiler cover? Get in touch with Hometree.

Our plans include an annual boiler service and cover the cost of repairs, including parts and labour.

With a 24/7 helpline and no hidden extra fees, a professional Gas Safe engineer is only a call away.