HOME GUIDE Boiler Cover UK - what it includes and whether you need it in 2026 |
TL;DR
- Boiler cover is a service contract (not insurance) providing annual boiler service and emergency call-out for boiler and heating system breakdowns.
- Most policies are provided by energy suppliers, British Gas (HomeCare), British Gas alternatives, and independent home services companies.
- Boiler cover does not cover pre-existing faults or boilers over a certain age (typically 15 years) on most policies.
- The cost-benefit case for boiler cover depends on the age of the boiler, the cost of cover, and the excess on your home insurance for boiler claims.
- Annual costs range from GBP 50 to GBP 350 depending on the level of cover, the boiler age and type, and the provider.
Last reviewed: June 2026
KEY FACTS | |
| What it is | A service contract providing annual boiler service and emergency repair for breakdown - NOT an insurance policy |
| Annual service | Most policies include a Gas Safe engineer annual service as part of the plan |
| Pre-existing faults | Standard policies do not cover faults or conditions that existed before the plan started |
| Boiler age limit | Most plans cover boilers up to 15 years old; older boilers may be declined or charged at higher rates |
| Compared to insurance | Home insurance may cover boiler repair under accidental damage or home emergency extensions - but often with a higher excess |
| Annual cost range | GBP 50 to GBP 150 for boiler only; GBP 150 to GBP 350 for central heating system including radiators and pipes |
What Is Boiler Cover?
Boiler cover (also called boiler care plans, boiler protection plans, or central heating cover) is a subscription service contract that provides annual boiler servicing and emergency repair call-out for breakdowns and faults with the boiler and central heating system. It is not a regulated insurance product - it is a service agreement with a home services company.
The primary benefit is the annual boiler service, which keeps the boiler operating efficiently, reduces the risk of breakdown, and maintains any manufacturer warranty requirements. The emergency call-out element provides access to a Gas Safe engineer quickly in the event of a breakdown, often with a guaranteed response time.
KEY FACTS
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What Boiler Cover Typically Includes
- Annual boiler service: A Gas Safe engineer visits annually to service the boiler, check efficiency, inspect safety controls, and clean components. This is the most valuable element of most boiler cover plans.
- Emergency call-out: 24/7 access to a Gas Safe engineer when the boiler breaks down, with a target response time (commonly next day or within 24 hours). Some premium plans offer same-day response.
- Boiler repairs: Parts and labour for covered repairs, typically up to a specified annual limit (often GBP 500 to GBP 1,000 per claim or per year).
- Central heating cover (higher tier): Extends cover to radiators, pipes, and thermostats as well as the boiler itself.
Is Boiler Cover Worth It?
Whether boiler cover is cost-effective depends on several factors. The average cost of a boiler repair in the UK is approximately GBP 150 to GBP 500 for common faults, and a new boiler installation costs GBP 1,500 to GBP 3,500. For a relatively new boiler (under 8 years old), the probability of a major fault is lower and the cost-benefit calculation may favour self-insuring. For an older boiler (over 10 years), the probability of breakdown is higher and the cost of a significant repair approaches the cost of cover.
The annual service is independently valuable regardless of the breakdown cover element - a serviced boiler runs more efficiently, is less likely to break down, and maintains manufacturer warranty requirements. For many households, the service element alone justifies a basic boiler cover plan.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Always verify details with an FCA-authorised insurer or broker before purchasing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is boiler cover the same as home insurance?
No. Boiler cover is a service contract for maintenance and repair of the boiler and heating system. Home insurance covers the property structure against fire, flood, theft, and similar events. Home insurance may include a home emergency extension that covers boiler breakdown, but typically with a higher excess (GBP 100 to GBP 500) and without the annual service benefit. Boiler cover and home insurance are separate products serving different purposes.
Does boiler cover cover a boiler replacement?
Most boiler cover plans do not cover the cost of a full boiler replacement if the boiler is beyond economic repair. They cover repairs up to a specified limit (often GBP 500 to GBP 1,000). If the repair cost exceeds this limit or the boiler is deemed uneconomic to repair, the plan typically does not cover the replacement. Some premium plans include boiler replacement in defined circumstances - check the plan terms carefully.
Can I get boiler cover on a very old boiler?
Many standard boiler cover plans have an age limit - typically 15 years from manufacture. Boilers older than this may be declined by standard providers or accepted only at higher rates with additional conditions. Some specialist providers cover older boilers, including older conventional boilers with back boilers. Confirm the boiler age and model with the provider before purchasing.
Does my home insurance cover boiler breakdown?
Standard buildings insurance does not cover boiler mechanical breakdown. Accidental damage extensions cover physical damage to the boiler from unintentional external causes but not mechanical failure. Some home insurance policies include a home emergency cover extension that covers boiler breakdown call-out. Check whether your home insurance includes any emergency cover and what the excess is before deciding whether to add separate boiler cover.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate and do I need one?
A Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after a gas safety inspection. Landlords are legally required to obtain one annually for all gas appliances in their rental properties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Owner-occupiers are not legally required to hold a Gas Safety Certificate, but a Gas Safe inspection is strongly advisable when buying a property or after any gas work. Many boiler cover plans include the annual inspection as part of the service.
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