Our boiler works in our home to ensure we have hot water and heating all year round. It’s one of the most vital parts of running a household, especially in the autumn and winter months when the weather gets colder and we need to switch our heating on. Therefore, when something occurs and the boiler breaks down, it can leave a family in despair with no heating or hot water. While we can try to avoid boiler issues by ensuring we have yearly services and keeping on top of any small problems occurring, you never know when something will happen with your boiler. And then you can be left with expensive repairs or even a new boiler to install.

 A lot of people don’t realise their home insurance doesn’t often include their boiler. So they can’t claim this if something does go wrong and they have a hefty bill to pay out for. Therefore, a lot of people look at taking out boiler breakdown cover. Here is everything you need to know about whether a boiler breakdown cover is worth it.

What is boiler breakdown cover?

A lot of people are unsure of whether they should take boiler breakdown cover. First, you need to know exactly what boiler breakdown cover is. It is a cover that you can take with a gas-registered company which will then cover any repairs that are needed if the boiler does break down. If a problem does occur, you ring up and an experienced gas-certified engineer will be over ASAP to fix it without you needing to worry about having to find the money for the cost. When you do decide to take out boiler breakdown cover, they will ask you about your boiler including the brand and the age as this will impact which boiler cover plan you can go for. You will then have this and pay for it monthly or every year.

What does boiler breakdown cover include?

You might be wondering exactly what your boiler breakdown cover includes. After all, you don’t want something to occur with the boiler that you are not covered for. It’s always important to check over the terms and conditions so you know exactly what is covered. Most breakdown covers include boiler repairs as well as issues with plumbing, drains and your central heating system. With some covers, they also will cover you for an annual boiler service. These are so important as they can ensure your boiler is maintained so that you are less likely to run into big issues and any problem can be resolved by the engineer quickly. 

They also can sometimes include a carbon monoxide test. This is so important for the safety of your family. These tests will ensure there is no leak and that your boiler is running efficiently. They can also conduct a gas safety check as part of your breakdown cover. They will check the boiler is in good working order including making sure it’s running at the correct pressure.

The importance of boiler breakdown cover

There are several reasons why you might want to invest in boiler breakdown cover. Firstly it gives you added protection if something does go wrong with the boiler. You can ensure a professional gas engineer is out at your home as soon as possible. While it can be an additional monthly outgoing cost, the cost of a repair is much higher and can leave you with money struggles. You can end up saving hundreds of pounds when you have a boiler breakdown cover that will ensure the repairs are done efficiently. Also, if you do end up needing a replacement, this ensures you are covered too.

The different types of boiler breakdown cover

When you decide to go for boiler breakdown cover, you can choose either a basic plan which will cover the boiler and if anything goes wrong with just the boiler. You can also go for a boiler and central heating cover which will cover your central heating system as well as your boiler. Or for something more enhanced, a full home emergency cover will deal with any hot water failure, plumbing or boiler issue. Therefore, you are protected in case of any emergency.

The benefits of boiler breakdown cover

The main benefits of boiler breakdown cover include:

  • You will have a gas-certified engineer out to your home as soon as possible.
  • The call-out, labour and any parts needed will be included in the cover.
  • Plans can include an annual boiler service to stop problems from getting worse.
  • Repairs and replacements will be covered under the plan.

How do you choose boiler breakdown cover?

The best way to choose the best boiler breakdown cover is to check over the plans and compare them with other providers. You want the best plan for you that offers you the maximum coverage possible. That way, you know you are completely covered if something goes wrong with your central heating or boiler. Do make sure you check over the terms and conditions so that you know if you have to pay any multiple charges for claims or parts. You also need to check if there is any excess if you do need to make a claim. And also ensure you can afford the monthly payments; in some cases to pay yearly is cheaper. Remember to keep the policy safe so you can refer back to it as necessary.