Boiler Cover: Why is it useful?

Notice

Has your current boiler reached its boiling point? You may have already heard of Boiler Cover. You probably assumed that it was one more expense that you could manage without. However, believe it or not, boiler breakdowns are a common problem. A boiler cover can be tremendously useful when your faithful boiler starts to show signs of ailment and finding the best boiler cover is critical. Read everything you need to know in our boiler cover guide.
Last update: November 2022

Your boiler is the beating heart of your central heating system. It keeps your home warm in those cold winter months, while also giving you hot water when you need it most. And like most of the wonderful modern contrivances that enrich our lives – the harder it’s working, the more energy it uses, and the easier it is to take it for granted.


 

What is Boiler Cover?

Boiler Cover is a specific form of insurance that protects your boiler against faults, ensuring that repairs are dealt with in a timely and cost-effective manner. Boiler cover is known by many names including:

Boiler Cover, like any form of insurance, seems superfluous when you don’t need it. However, it can be tremendously useful when your faithful boiler starts to show signs of ailment since a broken boiler can cost thousands of pounds to repair or replace (including the cost of repairing water damage etc.).

Boiler Covers are useful because they can do the following:

  1. Saves you a small fortune in repair costs.
  2. Gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you won’t have to go without warmth or hot water in the cold winter months.

The intention behind all of the above is the same:
Protecting your household from the cost and inconvenience associated with boiler faults.

At Switch Plan, we can help you find suppliers that offer the best deals on boiler covers. All you have to do is give us a call at the number at the top of the screen.


 

Why should you invest in Boiler Cover?

As a financially conscious household, you’ll be keen to avoid unnecessary monthly expenses. Your carefully balanced budget doesn’t allow for unnecessary expenses.

However, as we’ll see, Boiler Cover is a worthy investment for several reasons.

  1. 1 in 3 boilers breaks down within 6 years – According to an independent study, 1 in 3 boilers breaks down within the first 6 years. You may be among the 66% of people who enjoy their boilers for over a decade without incident… but is it worth the risk?
  2. ⚡️ It can save you energy and money in the long term – Boiler Cover and annual servicing go hand in hand. Most policies include annual checkups to ensure your boiler is operating at peak efficiency. So you save energy and money in the long run. If you’re curious about how you can reduce the cost of heating your home Ofgem has some useful advice.
  3. It is really affordable – Boiler cover policies start at just £3.50 a month. A negligible expense that could save you a fortune in the future.

Don’t miss out on the best boiler deals we have to offer!


 

What are the different kinds of Boiler Cover?

The different Boiler Cover options you are able to choose from include the following:

  1. ‍ Basic Boiler Cover Covers your boiler in the event of a breakdown or fault. This is only applied to the boiler unit itself, the controls, and (in most cases) the heat exchanger. It will not cover pipework, radiators, or other central heating apparatus.
    Basic boiler cover policies include the cost of repairs, and most will include either free or discounted servicing. In some cases, if a boiler cannot be repaired it may be replaced free of charge but this is usually only if your boiler is less than 7 years old and you have held your policy for 6 months or more.

    At Switch Plan, we also provide information on boiler installation, boiler service, and on the best boilers around.

    While all providers ensure a timely repair (i.e. within 24 hours), it’s important to note that not all providers have a 24/7 call-out facility. You should factor this in when making a decision.

  2. Boiler and Central Heating CoverBoiler cover
    The boiler and the central heating cover have the same features as above but will also cover your radiators, flue, and pumps against faults and failure. Please note that Boiler and Central Heating Cover will not include things like removing sludge from radiators or other general maintenance tasks. Faulty taps are also not usually covered, neither is work carried out by other engineers.
  3. Boiler Central Heating and Wiring Cover – These policies will cover your plumbing and drains. This can help to save you money on repairing damage caused to wiring by power cuts and other electrical issues that are not your fault. These will also not include general maintenance issues, and most policies will not cover your home’s external wiring. Policies may or may not cover damages caused by household pests. Always check your policy!


 

Boiler Cover Providers

Several companies provide boiler covers. You can find out more about popular Boiler Cover providers in the table below:


Provider
Pro
Con
Hometree Excellent customer service
Exhaustive coverage
/
24-7 Home Rescue Great coverage /
Eon Well reviewed by customers
Fast responses to issues
Not available 24/7
EDF Reasonably priced cover
Excellent reviews
Less than 12% renewable energy
Corgi Well reviewed
Reasonably priced and Cashback & discounts
Cancellation fees up to £120
British Gas Mostly renewable
Contactable 24/7
Higher prices / excess
SSE Repairs older boilers
Generous 10% discount on replacement boilers
Cancellation fees up to £170


Boiler Cover Costs

Broadly speaking Boiler Cover costs an average of £245-£340 per year. Exactly how much you pay will depend on your specific needs. Some suppliers will offer a better rate if you pay annually rather than monthly.

Let’s take a quick look at what you can afford to pay with the above suppliers:

Hometree

  • £12.96 PCM- Your Boiler.
  • £14.55 PCM- Your Heating.
  • £19.95 PCM- Your Home.


Hometree – Your Boiler

£ 12.95 p/m

  • icon money Save 25-50% when you switch!
  • icon data Gas Fire: £12 (per cover) monthly ; £144 (per cover) annually
  • icon promotion Get 15% off a new boiler

Eon

  • £7.99 PCM- Basic Boiler Cover.
  • £12.99 PCM- Boiler & Central Heating Cover.
  • £15.99 PCM- Boiler Cover, Electrics & Heating.
  • £19.99 PCM- Boiler, Plumbing, Electrics & Heating.

EDF

  • £8.95 PCM- Boiler Protect.
  • £13.60 PCM- Heating Protect.
  • £16.83 PCM- Total Protect. This includes heating, wiring, plumbing, pest infestations, and even fallen roof tiles.

24/7 Home Rescue

Corgi

  • £13 PCM “Essentials”- Boiler & Central Heating Cover.
  • £15 PCM “Starter”- Boiler, Central Heating, Plumbing & Electrics.
  • £18 PCM “Advanced”- Including gas supply pipe, water, and internal drainage.
  • £21 PCM “Complete”- Includes priority helpline and boiler replacement.

British Gas

  • £2.50 PCM- Boiler and Control Cover.
  • £5.50 PCM- Boiler & Central Heating Breakdown Cover.

Both have an excess of £99, and neither includes boiler servicing which starts at £85 per year.

SSE

  • £4.95 PCM- Boiler Breakdown Cover (£90 excess).
  • £9.50 PCM- Boiler & Heating Breakdown Cover (£50 excess).
  • £13.45 PCM- Boiler Cover & Servicing (£50 excess).
  • £16.95 PCM- Boiler, Heating & Servicing (£50 excess).

Important things to remember about Boiler Cover

Though Boiler Cover will prove very valuable for most people, there are some things you’ll need to be aware of before choosing a policy.

  • You don’t need a Boiler Cover if your boiler is under warranty.
  • Not all insurers will cover older boilers.
  • Your home insurance may include Boiler Cover.
  • You usually can’t make a claim within the first 14-30 days.
Let us help you find the perfect boiler cover and energy supplier for your needs!

  • We can help you to find the right Boiler Cover provider for your needs and budget.
  • We’ll also work with you to ensure that you get up and running quickly and easily.

Want to know more?
Call us today on 0330 054 0010. We’re available from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Check out the best Boiler deals! Learn more about boilers and find the best plan for your home.

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FAQ

⏰ How long do I have to wait until I can make a boiler cover claim?

This depends on the provider but the average is around 30 days before you can start filing claims under your boiler cover plan.

🤨 What is the limit I can claim on my boiler cover?

This will change depending on the provider so be sure to ask before you switch, many providers do in fact put limits on costs associated with claims.

🙆‍♂️ Do I lose my boiler cover if I change my energy provider?

No. Your boiler cover provider is completely independent from your energy provider, so switching energy providers will not impact your boiler cover.

🏘 If I move house does my boiler cover move with me?

It can, but this will require you to get into contact with your boiler cover provider in order to clarify your new address and the move itself.

Updated on 29 Jan, 2024

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