What is boiler cover?

Boiler cover is a type of insurance that helps protect you if your boiler breaks down. It usually covers the cost of repairs, including call-out fees, parts and labour. Some policies also include extras like a yearly boiler service to keep things ticking along nicely.

You can choose different levels of cover depending on what you need. Some plans just protect the boiler itself, while others extend to your whole central heating system. For extra peace of mind, comprehensive policies typically provide a 12-month guarantee on repairs: if the same fault returns within a year, it’ll be fixed again at no extra cost.

The idea is to help avoid large, unexpected repair bills. Instead of scrambling to find an engineer or pay out of pocket, you simply contact your provider and they’ll arrange for the work to be done. Handy when the heating goes off in the middle of winter.

How does boiler cover work?

Boiler cover works a bit like any other insurance. You pay a monthly or annual premium to stay protected. Then, if your boiler stops working, you call the helpline, and they’ll send someone out to fix it. You might have to pay an excess, but the rest is usually taken care of.

When you take out a policy, there’s often a short waiting period, for example 30 days, before you can make your first claim. Once the waiting time’s up, though, you’re good to go.

Some policies also include annual servicing, which is great for catching small issues before they become big, expensive ones. And the best part? You often won’t need to stress about finding a qualified engineer. Many providers offer 24/7 helplines and will send someone out for you.

That said, cover can work differently depending on your policy, so it’s worth knowing what to expect:

  • There might be a limit on how long an engineer will spend fixing your boiler during each visit.

  • You could have to pay an excess on call-outs.

  • Some policies restrict how many claims you can make in a year.

  • If a policy offers unlimited claims, there could be a monetary limit on how much you can claim in a year.

  • Boilers that are too old or beyond economical repair might not be covered.

Make sure you check the terms and conditions of any boiler cover you are considering so you can choose the right policy and avoid any unexpected surprises.

Do I really need boiler cover?

That really depends on your situation. If you own your home and your boiler isn’t brand new, boiler cover can offer peace of mind. A single breakdown can cost hundreds in parts and labour, so having cover could save you money over time.

Before deciding, consider these important factors to see if boiler cover is right for you:

  • How old your boiler and heating system are, and their current condition.

  • Any guarantees or warranties already in place, especially if your boiler was installed recently.

  • How reliable your boiler has been so far.

  • How quickly you could get an engineer if something goes wrong.

  • Whether you have enough savings to cover unexpected repair bills.

If your boiler is older or out of warranty, boiler cover could be a smart move. Imagine no heating or hot water during winter - not fun at all. Having cover means peace of mind that a Gas Safe registered engineer will check and fix your boiler if it breaks down.

Of course, there are circumstances when you may not need boiler cover, such as:

  • If you’re renting, boiler maintenance is usually your landlord’s responsibility, so you likely won’t need cover.

  • If you’re a homeowner, your home insurance may include boiler cover, so it’s a good idea to check if you’re already covered before buying another policy.

  • If your boiler is still under warranty or part of a service contract, you may already be protected.

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Page updated on 18th September 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom