There are many things you need to consider when you’re looking for suitable boiler cover in 2020. You may be able to make bigger savings than you expect if you shop around to get the best deal. You don’t need to get cover from the manufacturer of your boiler, and there are many insurers on the market seeking to provide the right policy for you. Continue reading to find out more about arranging home boiler and central heating cover.
Check if you already have cover
It’s wise to check your contents or landlords insurance to find out whether you already have cover. The boiler may already be covered. If this is not the case, there are many options available to you. Once you have cover in place, you need to maintain the boiler or your insurer may refuse to pay out if you do need to make a claim. Having your boiler serviced on an annual basis can help you avoid being turned down for a claim.
Older boilers are harder to insure
Some older boilers are harder to find cover for. It tends to be more difficult to insure a boiler that’s over seven years old, and even harder once it gets to fifteen years of age. Once your boiler reaches a certain age, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a new more energy-efficient one rather than forking out for a host of repairs. Some insurers will ask to inspect the boiler before they provide cover. You won’t normally be able to make a claim for the first few weeks after you sign up for cover. This is to stop people making claims on boilers that were already in need of repair.
Check the terms carefully
Always take the time to read the terms and conditions carefully before you sign up for a policy. Avoid getting more or less cover than you need. There are three main types of boiler cover available. It’s possible to simply get the boiler and controls covered and nothing else, but you can also opt for a boiler and central heating cover. This will also cover central heating pumps, pipes and radiators. Home emergency cover is also available, but what this actually includes can vary from one provider to another.
You may have to pay a large excess if your boiler does break down and you have a home emergency policy. You can also save money by sidestepping the insurance offered by your fuel supplier – this tends to be more expensive than what you can elsewhere.
How much does boiler cover cost?
The price that you pay for boiler and central heating insurance will depend on a range of factors. These include the level of cover, your fuel type and the appliances themselves. As part of your contract, you can expect the provider to send an engineer round to your property as soon as you need them. This can be particularly useful during the colder months of the year when demand for heating engineers is high. Many policies also include an annual service.
What are the risks of going uninsured?
With one in three boilers breaking down within six years of purchase, it’s incredibly risky to go without cover. New boilers can cost as much as £4,000, and repair costs can also be high if they’re not covered by insurance. Annual servicing ensures your boiler can continue to run efficiently, helping you avoid energy waste and therefore cutting your fuel bills. It can also help you avoid potentially life-threatening leaks, enabling you to keep yourself, your family or your tenants safe. During servicing, faults can be identified and fixed before they spiral out of control. The better you treat your boiler, the longer you can wait before replacing it.
Are any properties ineligible?
There are some properties that you won’t normally be able to get boiler cover for. These include bedsits and mobile homes. You only need to get boiler cover if you own the property. If you rent it, your landlord will be responsible for arranging it.
A reputable insurance company can assist you if you’re seeking quality home boiler and central heating cover. Speak to a range of service providers to get the right policy for your needs.
