Boilers are an unsung hero, keeping us warm and showering us with hot water all year round. But they can go wrong, and when they do, it’s not cheap to fix up to PS1,250 according to uSwitch. That’s why home boiler cover is a wise investment for anyone who wants to avoid the stress of a broken boiler, and save themselves some cash in the long run.
Is home boiler cover worth it?
A broken boiler can leave you shivering, out of hot water and in danger of losing your central heating. But if you take out boiler cover, your insurer will arrange for an engineer to come and fix it. That’s a big relief, especially in winter when freezing temperatures can cause boilers to break down.
It’s important to compare home boiler cover policies before buying, as the price varies depending on the provider and what you’re covered for. Some policies only offer repair assistance, while others include replacement parts and even emergency plumbing. But make sure you check the fine print, as some insurers exclude certain boiler makes and models. Some also require you to pay an excess, which is the amount you have to pay towards the cost of a claim.
Do landlords need boiler cover?
Landlords aren’t legally required to take out home emergency cover, but it is a popular add-on for landlords because it helps them avoid the costs involved in repairing or replacing a broken boiler. They can get this add-on for a relatively low price, and it will ensure their tenants don’t have to pay out of pocket in the event of a breakdown.
The cost of home boiler cover varies, but you can get an idea of what to expect by looking at reviews online and checking prices from different providers. For example, British Gas offers boiler cover from PS245 to PS340 a year, but they have a lower customer rating than HomeServe.
Do boiler cover policies include home emergency cover?
Boiler cover policies often include a comprehensive home emergency policy. That means you can use it to claim for a variety of other issues, from flooding to blocked drains and electrical damage. However, most home emergency policies have maximum cover limits for each issue.
If you have a particularly old boiler or need to repair an older boiler, it may be worth getting a standalone boiler policy rather than a home emergency cover policy. This is because you can get a more tailored cover that is likely to be cheaper.
While it is unlikely that your landlord will include boiler cover in their standard policy, you can ask them if they can include it as an optional extra. Many insurers will give you the option to add boiler cover, but you will need to check their terms and conditions before deciding. It’s best to do this before you buy your landlord insurance policy, as it will help you understand what coverage you have and don’t have.