A calm, expert guide to UK boiler cover: what it includes, costs, exclusions, options, and practical steps to choose safe, suitable protection for your home heating.
Boiler cover in plain English
Boiler cover is a type of home emergency and servicing insurance that helps pay for repairs if your boiler breaks down and may include annual servicing to keep it safe and efficient. For many UK households, a working boiler is essential. Around nine in ten homes use boilers, with combi units dominating because they save space and deliver hot water on demand. When a boiler fails in winter, repair bills can be stressful. Typical jobs can run from about £150 to £400, and full replacements can cost several thousand pounds. Boiler cover spreads that risk into predictable payments and gives you a single point of contact when something goes wrong.
Today’s heating landscape is changing. The UK residential central heating market is forecast to reach roughly £1.48bn in 2025, with growth driven by energy efficiency and evolving regulations. In England, the Future Homes Standard will phase out fossil fuel systems in new builds, while the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is funding tens of thousands of low carbon installations across the UK. For homeowners, that means more choice, but also more to consider when selecting protection that fits your current system and any future plans.
Our goal here is simple - to help you understand what boiler cover can and cannot do, how policies differ, and how to avoid surprises. We will set out features, limitations, costs, and the checks worth making before you buy. No jargon, no pressure, just clear guidance so you can decide with confidence.
Good cover is not about paying the least - it is about getting the right help when you need it.
Boiler cover should protect your comfort, your budget, and your safety.
What is included and what is not
Most boiler cover policies are designed to get your heat and hot water up and running quickly. Core features typically include a 24 or 7 helpline, access to approved engineers, parts and labour for covered faults, and an annual service or safety check on some plans. If your thermostat fails, or a pump stops circulating water, you can arrange a callout and pay only the agreed excess if one applies.
There are limits. Policies often exclude pre-existing faults, routine wear beyond normal servicing, and issues caused by poor installation. Limescale damage may be restricted, and older or poorly maintained boilers may only be covered after an initial inspection or waiting period. Some plans cover the boiler and controls only, while others extend to radiators, pipework, and hot water cylinders. Frozen condensate pipes are usually included, but leaks from general plumbing might require a wider home emergency plan.
Claims are straightforward. You call the provider, confirm policy details, run through basic checks, and an engineer visit is scheduled. If the boiler is beyond economic repair, some policies contribute to a replacement up to a stated limit, but they rarely fund a like-for-like new boiler. Expect caps on claim value, the number of callouts, and the value of parts per claim. Clear policy wording is vital so you know what help you can rely on, especially during winter peaks in Scotland, Wales, and northern England.
Who benefits most
Boiler cover suits homeowners who want cost certainty and prompt access to qualified engineers, especially in colder regions or in homes with vulnerable occupants. If you rely on a single combi boiler, live in an older property, or have faced repeated callouts in the past, cover can smooth out costs and reduce stress.
If your boiler is brand new, still under manufacturer warranty, and you already budget for annual servicing, you may not need a full insurance plan. Likewise, if you have savings set aside and are comfortable sourcing engineers independently, paying per repair and a one-off service each year could work. The key is balancing peace of mind with total cost of ownership over several winters.
Choosing your cover level
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Basic boiler-only
- Covers the boiler unit and standard controls for breakdowns. Often excludes radiators, pipework, and external plumbing. May not include annual servicing as standard. Good for newer boilers still within warranty where you want repair access without wider system cover.
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Standard boiler and central heating
- Extends to radiators, circulation pumps, motorised valves, and most controls. Often includes an annual service or safety check. Suitable for typical UK homes with combi or system boilers where a single plan for the full heating system is preferred.
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Premium with home emergency
- Adds wider home emergency support such as internal plumbing leaks, blocked drains, or electrical failures, plus priority callouts and higher claim limits. Helpful for older properties or households seeking fewer gaps and faster response during peak periods.
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Optional add-ons
- Annual service bolt-on if not included, landlord safety certificates, boiler replacement contribution, unvented cylinder cover, and no-callout-fee options. Check the small print on waiting periods and claim caps before adding extras.
If you are considering low carbon upgrades later, pick a policy that can transition to cover heat pumps or hybrid systems.
Costs and what influences them
Typical UK pricing varies by provider and region. One-off annual servicing usually costs about £99 to £120, while monthly maintenance or service plans commonly start around £7 to £15. Emergency repair costs without cover can exceed £140 and often run £150 to £400. Policy premiums reflect risk, limits, and response times.
| Factor | Typical impact on price | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler age and condition | Older or poorly maintained costs more | Inspections and waiting periods are common for older units |
| Cover scope | Wider systems and home emergency cost more | Boiler-only is usually cheapest, premium adds fastest response |
| Callout fees and excess | Higher excess lowers monthly price | Check if callouts are unlimited or capped |
| Location in GB | Colder or remote areas can cost more | Winter demand peaks in Scotland, Wales, and northern England |
| Service inclusion | With annual service costs more | Servicing improves safety and may reduce breakdowns |
| Claims history | Frequent claims increase price | Honest disclosure prevents claim issues later |
| Boiler type | Combi often cheaper than complex systems | Check compatibility with unvented cylinders or controls |
| Response time promises | Faster attendance increases price | Priority lines are usually part of premium tiers |
Prices are indicative, not guaranteed. Always compare policy documents and final quotes.
Can you apply and what is checked
Most UK homeowners and landlords can apply, subject to eligibility checks. Providers commonly require that the boiler is within a maximum age, safely installed to current standards, and accessible for servicing. You may be asked for installation dates, last service records, boiler make and model, and confirmation that the system is free from existing faults at the time of purchase.
Common reasons for decline include ongoing faults, unsafe installations, missing flues or ventilation, heavy limescale damage, or non-standard equipment where parts are obsolete. Some policies exclude back boilers or solid fuel systems. Landlords often need evidence of a valid safety check to start or renew cover. Where an initial inspection is required, your cover may begin after a waiting period and only once any remedial work is completed.
From quote to claim - the simple route
- Gather boiler details and last service date for a realistic quote.
- Compare cover scope, claim limits, excess, and response time promises.
- Choose the plan that fits your home, not just the lowest price.
- Complete application truthfully and book any required initial inspection.
- Receive documents, note waiting periods, and schedule annual service.
- If a fault occurs, call the helpline and follow basic safety checks.
- An approved engineer attends, repairs, and confirms any parts replaced.
- Keep records for renewals and to avoid disputes on future claims.
The upsides and the trade-offs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spreads repair risk into predictable monthly costs | May exclude pre-existing faults and certain wear items |
| Access to approved engineers during peak demand | Claim limits and callout caps can apply |
| Annual service can improve safety and efficiency | Older or unusual boilers may face inspections or surcharges |
| Useful in colder GB regions where breakdowns spike | You might pay more than you claim in quiet years |
| Single point of contact for heating emergencies | Replacement contributions are often limited, not full cost |
| Options to extend to plumbing and electrics | Waiting periods may delay first claim |
Aim for clarity over headline price - precise wording avoids surprises when you claim.
Key checks before you buy
Read the full policy wording and schedule, not just the summary. Confirm the excess per claim, any callout limits, and maximum parts and labour contributions. Look for exclusions around pre-existing faults, sludge, and limescale. Note any waiting period at the start of cover and whether the first service must be completed before claims are accepted. Check how renewal pricing works, as introductory offers can change after the first year. Ensure you understand engineer response times, regional coverage, and whether 24 or 7 support is genuinely available. Keep proof of your last service and installation details so claims proceed smoothly.
Alternatives and related protection
- Annual service only - a one-off inspection and safety check each year if you prefer to pay for repairs as they arise.
- Home emergency insurance - broader cover for plumbing, drainage, and electrics, often including heating but with system limits.
- Manufacturer warranty extension - useful for newer boilers, provided you meet service requirements.
- Heating maintenance plans without insurance - scheduled servicing and priority rates, but you pay for parts and major repairs.
- Low carbon heating cover - policies tailored for heat pumps or hybrids if you are upgrading under government schemes.
FAQ - straight answers
Q: Is boiler cover worth it for a new boiler? A: If your boiler is under manufacturer warranty and you budget for servicing, full insurance may be unnecessary. Consider a service-only plan until the warranty ends, then reassess.
Q: Do policies include an annual service? A: Many standard and premium plans include a yearly service or safety check, but some basic policies do not. If it is missing, ask about adding servicing at an extra cost.
Q: Are all breakdowns covered? A: No. Pre-existing faults, poor installation, sludge, and limescale are common exclusions or restrictions. Always read the exclusions section to understand what is outside scope before buying.
Q: How much should I budget each month? A: Maintenance plans in the UK often start around £7 to £15 per month. Prices vary by cover level, boiler age, location, and excess. Treat quotes as estimates until the inspection is complete.
Q: Can I get cover for a very old boiler? A: Some insurers cap boiler age or require an inspection. If parts are obsolete, cover may be declined or restricted. Check availability before cancelling any existing protection.
Q: What if my boiler is beyond repair? A: Policies may include a contribution towards replacement up to a limit. It rarely covers the full cost of a new boiler, so plan for potential top-up funds.
Q: How does regulation affect cover choices? A: Efficiency rules and schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme are expanding low carbon options. If you plan to switch to a heat pump, choose cover that can adapt or end without penalties.
What to do next
Take a few minutes to list your boiler details and decide whether you want boiler-only, full heating, or wider home emergency cover. Compare at least three providers, review exclusions and limits, and check engineer availability in your area. When you are ready, get quotes, read the documents carefully, and choose the plan that fits your home and budget.
Important information
This guide provides general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms, eligibility, and prices vary by insurer. Always read the full policy wording and schedule, and confirm inclusions, exclusions, waiting periods, and limits before buying or renewing.
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