Boiler Breakdown Cover: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Home
Boilers are essential for keeping homes warm, especially during the colder months. However, they can be expensive to repair or replace if they break down unexpectedly. Boiler breakdown cover provides homeowners with peace of mind by covering the cost of repairs and maintenance, ensuring that you’re not left without heating or hot water when you need it most.
This guide will explain what boiler breakdown cover is, the benefits of having it, what’s typically included in a policy, and how to choose the best cover for your needs.
Boiler breakdown cover is a type of insurance policy that protects your boiler and central heating system in case of unexpected breakdowns. If your boiler fails, the cover ensures that a qualified engineer will come to your home to fix the issue, and in some cases, replace the boiler if necessary.
This cover is particularly useful for homeowners who want to avoid the high costs associated with boiler repairs, which can range from a few hundred pounds for minor issues to over £1,000 for major repairs or replacements.
Boiler breakdown cover offers several advantages for homeowners, providing financial protection and peace of mind. Some of the main benefits include:
Financial Protection: Boiler repairs can be costly, especially if major parts need to be replaced. With boiler breakdown cover, the cost of repairs is typically included, so you won’t face an unexpected financial burden.
Emergency Repairs: Many policies offer 24/7 emergency assistance, ensuring that you can get your boiler repaired quickly, even on weekends or holidays.
Annual Servicing: Some boiler breakdown policies include an annual boiler service, which helps keep your boiler running efficiently and can reduce the risk of future breakdowns.
Replacement Boiler: In some cases, if your boiler is beyond repair, certain plans will contribute towards or fully cover the cost of a replacement boiler.
Peace of Mind: With a comprehensive boiler cover, you can relax knowing that if something goes wrong, professional help is just a phone call away.
Boiler breakdown cover varies depending on the provider and the level of coverage you choose. However, most standard policies typically include:
Boiler Repairs: Coverage for the cost of repairing boiler faults, including labour and parts.
Central Heating Repairs: Some policies also cover your central heating system, including radiators, pumps, and thermostats.
Emergency Call-Outs: Most policies include emergency call-out services, often available 24/7.
Annual Boiler Service: Some policies include an annual service to help prevent breakdowns and keep your boiler in good working order.
Gas Safety Checks: Some providers include gas safety checks, which are mandatory for landlords.
It’s important to carefully read through the policy details to understand exactly what is covered and what exclusions apply. For example, older boilers or boilers that have not been serviced recently may not be eligible for coverage.
Boiler breakdown cover typically has some exclusions, depending on the policy. Common exclusions may include:
Pre-existing Issues: If your boiler has an existing fault before taking out the policy, it may not be covered.
Boilers Older Than a Certain Age: Some policies may exclude boilers that are older than a specific number of years, usually 7–15 years.
General Wear and Tear: While repairs for sudden breakdowns are covered, normal wear and tear may not be.
Non-Boiler Repairs: Some plans may not cover parts of your heating system such as pipework or radiators unless specifically stated in the policy.
Limescale Damage: Boilers in hard water areas may develop limescale, which could be excluded from coverage unless you opt for an enhanced plan.
There are different levels of boiler breakdown cover available, depending on your needs and budget. Here are the most common types:
Boiler-Only Cover: This covers repairs to your boiler in case of a breakdown. It’s the most basic type of cover and is ideal if you only want protection for your boiler itself, without central heating.
Boiler and Central Heating Cover: This provides more comprehensive protection, covering both the boiler and the rest of your heating system, including radiators, pipes, and controls.
Comprehensive Home Emergency Cover: This type of cover includes boiler and heating repairs as well as emergency assistance for other home issues such as plumbing, electrical problems, and drainage issues.
Landlord Boiler Cover: Specifically designed for landlords, this cover ensures that the boiler and heating system in a rental property are maintained and that tenants receive fast service in case of a breakdown.
Choosing the right boiler breakdown cover involves considering several factors to ensure you get the best protection for your home. Here are the key things to keep in mind:
Boiler Age and Condition: If your boiler is relatively new and still under warranty, basic coverage may be sufficient. For older boilers, comprehensive cover with replacement options may be more suitable.
Coverage Limits: Check the policy limits for repairs and emergency call-outs. Some policies may have caps on the number of claims or the total repair cost they will cover each year.
Exclusions: Always read the exclusions carefully to understand what is not covered. For example, some policies may exclude specific types of boilers or breakdowns caused by poor maintenance.
Annual Service: Opt for a plan that includes an annual boiler service. This not only helps prevent future breakdowns but can also extend the lifespan of your boiler.
Response Time: Look for policies that offer fast response times, particularly if you live in an area prone to colder weather or rely heavily on your boiler for hot water.
Reputation of the Provider: Research the reputation of the insurance provider by checking online reviews, customer feedback, and industry ratings. Companies with good customer service and efficient claims processes are essential for hassle-free coverage.
Cost: Compare prices from different providers, but remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Ensure that the policy provides the right balance of affordability and comprehensive coverage.
The cost of boiler breakdown cover depends on several factors, including the level of cover, the age and type of your boiler, and the provider. On average, basic boiler-only cover can range from £5 to £15 per month, while more comprehensive plans that include central heating cover and emergency services can range from £15 to £25 per month.
When comparing prices, consider what’s included in each plan, such as emergency call-outs and annual servicing, to ensure you’re getting good value for money.
At Fraser Bond, we understand that maintaining your property’s heating system is crucial for comfort and safety. Whether you're a homeowner or a landlord, protecting your boiler from unexpected breakdowns is essential. While we specialise in property management, sales, and lettings, we also have partnerships with trusted service providers who can offer reliable boiler breakdown cover and support.
We can help you:
Find the Best Boiler Cover: Get recommendations for top boiler breakdown cover plans suited to your needs and budget.
Manage Property Maintenance: As part of our property management services, we handle repairs and maintenance, ensuring your property stays in top condition, including organising boiler servicing and breakdown repairs.
