21st July 2022
There’s nothing worse than being left with no central heating or hot water due to a broken boiler. Boiler breakdowns can happen at any time – often at the worst of times, like in the middle of winter – and they usually do! Standard home insurance policies and manufacturer warranties tend to only provide limited protection. That’s why boiler insurance is precisely what you need for peace of mind. Boiler insurance, sometimes also known as gas boiler insurance, is a form of protection that covers the cost of repairs and parts. So, even if your boiler runs into an issue, you can be confident you’ll get the support you need.
What does boiler insurance cover?
Boiler care plans vary from one company to the next, with options to suit all budgets. As a general rule, the more you pay, the more your policy will cover.
Basic boiler insurance
Basic boiler cover packages usually include:
- Repairs and breakdown coverage.
- Annual servicing – a yearly boiler check by a Gas Safe engineer – to ensure everything is in order.
However, a basic boiler cover plan won’t automatically protect your entire central heating system.
Central heating insurance
More comprehensive – and usually more expensive – home packages are likely to cover your broader central heating system, alongside other areas of your home such as:
- Plumbing
- Electrics
- Drainage
Does insurance for boilers cover replacements?
Some boiler insurance packages include cover for a replacement should your boiler be broken beyond repair. If the boiler is an older model and replacement parts are no longer manufactured, your insurance should compensate you in some way. While some insurance packages will pay for a new boiler, others may only provide part of the replacement cost. You need to check the small print to make sure you know what you’re covered for if the boiler breaks down. In any case, your boiler would need to be replaced by the insurance provider’s own engineers.
Excess on a policy
Each boiler cover policy features an excess. This is a cost that you usually pay as part of a claim – including when an engineer visits your home and completes repairs. The amount of excess cost varies from policy to policy. Some companies charge around £50 for excess. In other cases, a policy’s monthly cost includes the excess. You can often choose your own level of excess cost when arranging payment for a policy.
If you’re a tenant concerned about your boiler or your central heating system is suffering from a fault, the good news is you don’t need to take out cover. The responsibility for the boiler and central heating system lies with the landlord, and it’s their duty to maintain it.
Is boiler cover worth it?
A boiler can cost hundreds of pounds to repair. Meanwhile, the cost of boiler replacements may run into the thousands. A boiler breakdown and replacement can be a hefty burden without the right protection in place. With boiler cover you don’t have to worry about unexpected costs.
If you’re a homeowner or landlord, it’s a good idea to check your existing home and building insurance policies before signing up to a boiler insurance plan. Boiler breakdowns may already be covered by existing insurance. If yours is covered, make sure the policy comes with adequate levels of protection. If your policy doesn’t cover boiler breakdowns as standard, you may need to compare new boiler cover plans to safeguard your current setup.
Recently had a new boiler installed? It’s unlikely you’ll need cover just yet. The manufacturer’s warranty should protect your boiler. Double-check to be on the safe side, and pay attention to how long the warranty lasts.
Can I switch to a different insurance provider?
Yes, the process is actually quite easy, and switching can save you money. There’s no need to settle for second best – switch to a plan that’s better for you and your home. All you need to do is contact your current provider and quit.
Be sure to check the conditions of your existing boiler cover policy to see how long it lasts and whether there is a cancellation fee. Policies tend to last up to 12 months, after which you’re free to switch. Watch out for auto-renewals, too. Give your provider plenty of notice so they don’t automatically renew your policy.
How to compare boiler cover options
Here’s what you should look out for when comparing and choosing boiler cover:
- Waiting period – after changing policies, there may be an initial waiting period where you cannot claim.
- Unlimited claim cost – look for a policy that doesn’t limit the number of claims you can make in a given period. You also want to avoid policies that charge you for making claims.
- Boiler replacement – check if the provider will replace your boiler (or pay money towards a replacement) should it break down beyond the point of repair.
- Free boiler service – look for boiler cover with service costs included. Servicing will help keep your boiler in good condition and prolong its lifespan – saving you money in the long run.
- Cost – the cost of a boiler servicing contract varies by provider. Policies that include boiler and central heating cover are usually the most expensive.
- Double cover – make sure you’re not already covered by existing home insurance policies. You don’t want to pay twice for the same type of cover.
- Annual vs. monthly – consider the difference in cost when paying annually instead of monthly. You’ll usually get a better deal if you can afford to pay for the insurance package upfront.
- Length of contract – check the length of your contract. Make sure you know how much the boiler cover costs beyond the first 12 months, or after the introductory offer expires.
- Read the small print – make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for. Your insurance policy should state what is not covered. For example, boiler breakdown cover may not include faults caused by previous repair work. What’s more, many boiler insurance providers will specify elements that aren’t covered, such as sludge build-up. If you’re unsure, ask questions about the plan.
- Cover for older boilers – some policies will only cover boilers less than 15 years old. Cover for old boilers is usually harder to come by; the equipment might not meet today’s standards. An insurance provider may request an inspection of your old boiler before agreeing to a policy.
Why choose Hometree boiler insurance?
With Hometree boiler insurance, you can rest easy knowing that you’re fully protected from any faults, damage, or even a complete boiler breakdown with our all-inclusive cover. Our Gas Safe engineers are happy to help, and with unlimited call-outs and no hidden or extra fees, a professional is only a call away.
Got a problem? Get in touch with our 24/7 helpline, we’ll help you find a resolution as soon as possible. We answer 96% of your calls within a minute, and 90% of our repairs and call-outs are completed within 24 hours of your first call. If our engineers deem a boiler beyond economic repair, and if it’s under seven years old, we’ll pay for and install a free replacement boiler – getting your heating back in no time. Enjoy peace of mind with comprehensive Hometree Boiler Cover, or choose from our extensive central heating and home plans.
Take a look at what our customers across the nation have to say about Hometree boiler cover.
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