With the right level of boiler cover, you could avoid an expensive repair bill if your boiler breaks down.
Boilers have a habit of breaking down when we need them most and can often cost an arm and a leg to fix. For these reasons, more and more people across the UK are taking out boiler cover, which is designed to protect homeowners against the costs of emergency repairs.
What is Boiler Cover?
Boiler cover is a type of insurance that protects you from pricey call-out fees, as well as the costs of parts and labour. So, if your boiler stops working and you have a good boiler cover policy, you’ll get emergency assistance from a qualified engineer and avoid having to pay for any repairs. Some boiler cover policies also include the cost of replacing your boiler if it is deemed irreparable. You will, however, have to pay a monthly or annual fee for boiler cover from your chosen provider.
Who Needs Boiler Cover?
All homeowners should think about getting boiler cover, provided your boiler is not already covered by your home contents insurance. Even if your boiler is not automatically covered on your home insurance policy, it’s worth asking your insurer about add-on boiler cover as you may find they offer you a better deal. If you live in a rental property, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to take out boiler cover to ensure you always have hot water and stay warm whatever the weather.
It’s important to mention that some property types are excluded from boiler cover, as are boilers above a certain age. Many providers will only offer cover for boilers that are 7 years old or younger, whereas others have higher age limits of 10 or 15 years.
Key Considerations When Buying Boiler Cover
As boiler cover policies vary greatly, you must select a plan that best suits your needs. When you start looking into the different levels of cover available, you may find that a boiler-only cover plan is not enough. Here are the two main options you need to consider:
- Boiler breakdown cover
This type of policy only covers the cost of any repairs to the boiler and its controls.
- Boiler and central heating cover
If you take out boiler and central heating cover, not only are your boiler and its controls protected but also your central heating system including your radiators, plumbing and more.
Both types of cover policies may include free extras or add-on options for a fee, such as an annual boiler service. When choosing a policy, always look carefully at the conditions to see precisely what you’re getting for your money. Also, make sure you choose a policy that gives you 24-hour, year-round cover for breakdowns.
We should point out that some plans carry an excess. Certain policies also include claim limits, and others require you to pay out for emergency call-outs or part of the repair costs. For example – if your boiler stops working and the cost is £800 to get it fixed but you’re only covered for £500, you’ll have to pay £300 towards the repairs. However, there are slightly more expensive plans available that don’t have these limitations or any additional charges.
Before signing up for boiler cover, ask yourself whether you actually need it. If you have savings that will easily cover potential repair costs, it may not be worth the money. Another option is to self-insure by putting aside some cash each month to cover boiler emergencies. But remember, having cover gives you peace of mind that you’ll never have to wait long for a qualified engineer to repair your boiler.
Always Compare Boiler Cover
If you feel that boiler cover is the right option for you, we recommend you shop around for the best deal. Prices vary depending on the provider, the type and age of boiler you have, and whether you want a cheap, mid-price or comprehensive plan. With this information in mind, it’s a good idea to know how much you’re willing to spend before you shop around.