If you are a homeowner, you may be in the process of looking for boiler and central heating cover whether it’s for yourself or tenants living at the property (in which case you would be looking for landlord cover). You may be tempted not to cover your boiler as it would be a further expense, however this will only incur larger charges the further you proceed without cover. Policies for home emergency cover are many and varied meaning that there is an option to suit every budget.
The cheapest and most basic policy to go for is stand-alone boiler breakdown cover. If you want to go for something that is more comprehensive then you may want to consider a broader home emergency policy which will also cover drainage, power supply failure and burst pipes. It’s also worth checking your home insurance policy as boiler cover may be included in your buildings and contents insurance. However, the level of cover offered is likely to be relatively low, so ensure it gives you enough protection or you may still need to invest in an external cover plan. Here are some tips to help on your journey into purchasing boiler cover as a landlord or regular homeowner along with helpful information on the most important aspects of boiler care. Having your boiler regularly maintained will ensure that it is working effectively as a Gas Safe registered engineer will confirm on their arrival for a service. When you boiler is serviced, an engineer will let you know whether you need to replace any parts or not, this may seem expensive at the time however it would save money in the long term as this could be a preventative for further failures and even possibly a breakdown resulting in further expenditure in paying for other parts as well. Maintenance will also help reduce the cost of energy bills as a regular check-up will ensure that your boiler is working in a fully efficient manner.
What Type of Cover Do You Need?
If you have a new boiler then you can opt for basic boiler maintenance contract that covers parts and labour. Look for plans that include an annual service for additional peace of mind. If your boiler is over 6 years old or has a history of breaking down, then opt for a policy with unlimited claims.
Obviously, the level of cover you require will be dictated by your heating system. For example, if it provides both hot water and heating then extend the boiler insurance to cover your radiators as well. Be aware that the more extras included in the policy, the more you’ll pay, so being clear on the level of cover you need will save you money in the long run without leaving you exposed to undue costs. Boiler cover gives you access to a certified heating engineer who can attend your home in an emergency and get your boiler up and running again. This type of boiler insurance or service contract often includes a boiler service so you can help to prevent a breakdown happening. Payments are paid monthly or annually and can cost as little as £10 per month for a basic policy or contract that can save you hundreds of pounds in the long run.
Is Boiler Cover Worth the Price?
Boiler cover can be expensive especially considering the extra components included in most cover plans. If you’ve suffered the nightmare of a boiler breakdown in winter, then you’ll know the answer is yes. If you’re one of the 18% of people who had at least one boiler breakdown last year, it won’t surprise you to know that a staggering £787 million was spent on repairs, which can leave you out of pocket and struggling to pay your household bills.
It’s worth checking out what is included in each boiler cover plan and carefully reading through what may be additionally charged. Research from consumer organisation Which? found that nearly one in three of all new boilers will break down within their first six years of operation, with repair costs often running into hundreds of pounds.
Where to Find Affordable Boiler Cover
Here at 24|7 Home Rescue We pride ourselves on having one of the most affordable prices in the UK due to what is offered in our specific Boiler and central heating cover plans. From only £4.95 p/m for a basic package. Comparing this to a more popular provider such as British gas, we can see the difference in affordability as they offer their most basic plan at a price of £13.50. As a matter of fact, if you’re willing to pay £13.50 for boiler cover, you’ll be able to buy a more deluxe package for £7.60 with more features such as a free boiler service. Just go to our boiler cover page and you can browse the selection of plans we provide.
