Is Boiler Cover Worth It?

Glazing and insulation do their part but when it comes to keeping homes warm and water piping hot, boilers work double time. Unfortunately, they’re not bulletproof.

This is where boiler cover comes into play. The product is essentially a safety net that promises peace of mind in case things go awry. Or should we say frosty?

Is boiler cover worth it? Keep reading to learn more about the service and make the right decision for your home, budget and boiler.

What exactly is boiler cover?

Boiler cover is a type of insurance that helps protect you from the cost of repairs if your boiler breaks down. In a worst-case scenario, your policy will cover the cost of replacement. Depending on the plan, boiler cover might also include an annual service.

You pay a monthly (or annual) fee for your chosen policy. In return, you get access to emergency repairs without having to shell out big bucks when something goes wrong.

Policies are generally offered as:

Boiler-only cover – Basic and affordable. Covers the boiler and its components.

Boiler and central heating cover – Extra cover for pipes, radiators and central heating pumps.

Boiler, heating, plumbing drains and home electrics cover – Pricier but includes more cover.

Home emergency cover – Cover for your boiler and central heating system, as well as incidents like floods, fires and pest infestations.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your policy:

• Check what’s included in your policy and read the terms and conditions in detail.
• Ask about the no-claims period. Most policies have one to stop people signing up when their boiler breaks.

When boiler cover makes sense

Is boiler cover worth it? Let’s look at some scenarios where it easily pays for itself.

✔ Your boiler isn’t brand new

If your boiler is more than five years old, cover could be worth it. Boilers work hard and it doesn’t take long for things to malfunction, even for top-of-the-range systems.

✔ Your boiler is brand new

Even if your boiler is brand new and comes with a warranty that might last up to a decade, it's crucial to have a service plan in place. While the warranty may cover major repairs or replacements, it typically requires that you have the boiler serviced annually to keep the warranty valid. A service plan ensures that your boiler remains in optimal condition, helping to prevent issues before they escalate and potentially void your warranty. Investing in a service plan from the start can save you from unexpected costs and ensure your boiler continues to run smoothly for years to come.

✔ You’re not confident with repairs

Boiler cover can be a real lifesaver if DIY isn’t your forte. Instead of scrambling to find a reliable plumber in the middle of winter when boiler breakdowns are most common and wait times can be long, help is just a phone call away.

✔ Peace of mind

Boiler breakdowns can be stressful, not to mention uncomfortable, especially in the dead of winter when you need heating and hot water the most. For some homeowners, the peace of mind that comes with boiler cover is worth every penny.

✔ You’re susceptible to low temperatures

Boiler cover is especially worth it for anyone with babies or certain health conditions. From respiratory conditions to arthritis, there is a wide range of health issues that are worsened by low temperatures, meaning any time without a working boiler can be painful or even dangerous.

Similarly, babies can’t regulate their body temperature until they are about 2 years old, so it’s really important to keep your home warm enough for them until that age – and ideally afterwards too.

When boiler cover might not be worth it

✖ You have savings set aside

If you’re good at saving and have a little nest egg set aside for household emergencies, you might decide to skip boiler cover. Just bear in mind that major mechanical issues or a full replacement could still set you back a fair bit, so it’s important to have enough cash in reserve.

✖ You’re comfortable shopping around

Boiler cover is convenient but it’s not the only option. Some homeowners prefer to handle repairs on an as-needed basis and are happy to shop around for the best deal when something goes wrong.

The costs at a glance

At Plumbox, the cost of boiler cover starts from £11.99 (inc. VAT) per month for homeowners and £14.99 (inc. VAT) per month for landlords. Depending on the plan you choose, you can benefit from a range of features, including priority call-outs, discounted parts, video call support, and heating system health checks. Take a look at our boiler care plans for more information.

Compare that to the cost of replacing a boiler (which can easily run into the thousands) and you can see why some homeowners opt for cover. Others prefer to take their chances. At the end of the day, “is boiler cover worth it?” is a personal question and depends on your preferences, budget and the condition of your boiler.

The bottom line on boiler cover

If you’ve got an older boiler, don’t fancy the hassle of arranging repairs or simply like the security of knowing you’re covered, boiler cover could be a smart choice.

On the other hand, if your boiler is new and under warranty, you’re confident in your DIY skills or you’ve got a solid backup plan like an emergency nest egg or reliable plumber on call, you might decide to skip it.

Plumbox: your go-to for boiler services

Whether you decide to take out boiler cover or tackle repairs as they come, having a reliable plumbing and heating company on call is a game-changer. Plumbox fits the bill to a T. Serving Cambridge and the surrounding areas, our team of professionals is ready to help with everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.

If your boiler’s giving you grief, or you simply want to keep it running smoothly with an annual service, give us a call on 01223 867038 to discuss your needs.

Boiler cover or not, it’s always good to know there’s a trusted local company ready to lend a hand when you need it most.