What boiler and central heating cover is right for me?

Choosing the right boiler and central heating cover can save you a lot of money on the long run. Boiler and central heating cover is a kind of insurance policy to help you manage the costs of boiler callouts and repairs.

Instead of paying out of pocket every time your boiler or central heating system breaks down, you pay a monthly premium which protects you against these costs. When choosing a boiler and central heating cover policy, there are a few things you need to consider. Starting with:

Is there a limit on payouts?

Some policies will have an annual limit on payouts. If your coverage maxes out at £1,000 then you will be responsible for all costs beyond this limit. This might be sufficient if you have a new boiler, but if your boiler is nearing the end of its life, you could find that you reach this limit faster.

One alternative would be to look for a policy that will cover the cost of a new boiler if yours is beyond economical repair. This means that once it becomes more expensive to fix the boiler than it would be to replace it, the company will opt for a replacement instead.

How long is the price fixed for?

Another thing to pay attention to is the term of the coverage. Many policies will be fixed for one year, but you could also get coverage fixed for 3-5 years. The main benefit of fixing your policy price for a longer period of time is that you won’t be faced with a price hike if you make a claim.

Many boiler and central heating cover policies will increase the monthly premium once you make a claim, so a “pay as you go” model which offers very cheap coverage may not be worth it if you have an older boiler.

Will they insure an older boiler?

The age of your boiler is often a key consideration when thinking about coverage. Some companies will not insure an older boiler, so you may need to shop around for a company that will offer coverage. 

A company like YourRepair (https://www.yourrepair.co.uk) offers a range of plans suitable for all budgets, and they cover older boilers. If you have a gas boiler and central heating system, you will also enjoy a free annual boiler service which can help to keep your boiler running safely and efficiently.

Getting coverage for electric central heating

If you have a hot water and central heating system that runs on electricity, you will need a different kind of coverage plan. Gas boilers are more complicated than hot water heaters and electric radiators, so you should make sure you choose a plan that is specific to your home. 

If you choose a general gas boiler and central heating coverage plan, you may not have access to the right experts to service your system.

Do they include an annual service?

Prevention is better than repair when it comes to central heating and boilers. If you want to avoid a breakdown, having your boiler serviced regularly can help. Many boiler and central heating cover plans will include an annual service which will help spot small problems before they become big problems. 

Arranging an annual service in the autumn time – before you are relying too heavily on your central heating –  can help to prevent a breakdown in the middle of winter. If your boiler is fairly new, this could eliminate your need for callouts entirely, while also giving you peace of mind that your boiler is working efficiently and safely.