The short version
General information, not advice
- Covers boiler breakdown repairs
- May include annual service
- Often excludes older boilers
- Claim limits and excess apply
- Not same as full heating cover
Boiler cover is a policy that pays for repairs when your central heating boiler breaks down. Depending on the plan it can also include an annual service and, at the higher tiers, a contribution towards replacement. It is not the same as home insurance, and a basic plan covers the boiler itself rather than the whole heating system unless you pay for something wider.
What boiler cover includes
A core plan deals with the boiler when it stops working: diagnosing the fault, replacing failed internal components, the labour, an emergency call-out and usually a 24-hour helpline. It is reactive, paying out once something has gone wrong rather than keeping the boiler in good order.
Wider plans, often sold as "heating cover" or "full heating system cover", extend to the controls, thermostats and programmers, central heating pipework, radiators, the hot water cylinder, the expansion vessel, and pumps and valves.
A few limits apply on almost every plan, and they matter more than the headline. Replacement is only included where the policy says so explicitly. Most plans cap the value of a claim (for example £1,000–£2,500), limit the number of call-outs a year, set a boiler-age ceiling (commonly 10–15 years), and impose a waiting period before you can claim. The policy schedule and key facts document are where those numbers live, so read them before you buy.
Exclusions in detail
Boiler policies carry detailed exclusions, and they are the usual reason a claim is declined. Expect to see boilers over 10–15 years old, pre-existing faults, scale, sludge or corrosion, damage from neglect or from not power-flushing when required, external flue or pipe damage, and cosmetic damage all excluded.
Annual servicing is often a condition of cover rather than a nicety. When you claim, an insurer may ask for your service history, and without evidence of maintenance the claim can be turned down.
What it costs, and when it's worth it
Set the premium against the bills it is meant to cover. A typical boiler repair runs £150–£400, a major component failure £500 or more, and a full replacement £2,000–£4,000. A plan at £18 a month costs £216 a year, or £1,080 over five years — over time the premiums can approach the price of the very repair you are insuring against.
Cover tends to make more sense if your boiler is older, you would struggle to find a few hundred pounds at short notice, or you simply want a predictable monthly cost. A newer boiler still under its manufacturer's warranty may not need it at all.
Regulation and complaints
Insurance-based boiler policies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If the provider can't resolve a complaint, you can escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service:
Financial Ombudsman Service 0800 023 4567
The Ombudsman can order compensation or corrective action where a provider has treated you unfairly.
Key takeaways
- Covers repair, not always replacement
- Servicing often mandatory
- Check exclusions
- Consider boiler age and condition
Common questions
Is boiler cover the same as home insurance?
No. Standard home insurance usually does not cover boiler breakdown unless caused by an insured event such as fire or flood. Boiler cover is a separate policy focused on mechanical failure.
Does boiler cover include annual servicing?
Some policies include an annual service, while others require you to arrange it separately. Check the policy wording carefully.
Will boiler cover replace my boiler if it cannot be repaired?
Not automatically. Some policies offer contribution toward replacement if repair is uneconomical, but full replacement is rarely guaranteed.
Can I take out boiler cover if my boiler is old?
Many providers restrict cover for boilers over 10–15 years old. You may also face inspection requirements before acceptance.
Is there a waiting period before I can claim?
Yes. Many policies include a 14–30 day initial exclusion period to prevent claims for known issues.
What happens if my boiler has a pre-existing fault?
Pre-existing faults are usually excluded. Insurers may require an inspection or service record before approving claims.
Is boiler cover worth it?
It depends on the age of your boiler, your savings buffer and your tolerance for unexpected repair costs. It offers predictability and peace of mind but may cost more long-term than paying for repairs yourself.
Can a claim be rejected due to lack of servicing?
Yes. If the policy requires annual servicing and you cannot provide evidence, your claim may be declined.
Does boiler cover include radiators and pipework?
Only if you have a higher-tier heating system policy. Basic boiler-only plans usually exclude pipework and radiators.
Can I cancel boiler cover at any time?
Most policies include a cooling-off period (typically 14 days). After that, cancellation fees or short-term charges may apply.