Boiler cover vs. boiler insurance

With the threat of snow looming and the seemingly never-ending cold snap dogging our steps throughout January, your home boiler is probably functioning at peak capacity. Like any appliance, when pushed to maximum output, faults can start to appear. Classic, right? Your boiler breaks down in the coldest month of the year. Sad but true; boilers and home heating often go bust when they’re needed the most. So, if you haven’t yet sorted yourself out with boiler cover, or boiler insurance, now is a good time to get on to it. 

But where do I start, we hear you cry. What is the difference between boiler cover and boiler insurance, and what version do I need? We’ll jump right in, shall we?

Boiler cover and boiler insurance offer very distinct benefits, catering to the differing needs of your household and your unique circumstances.

Boiler cover

You can think of boiler cover as you do your car services, MOTs, regular cleaning and fuel filling. Essentially, in the same way that you proactively take care of a vehicle to stop it from breaking down, by filling the petrol tank and getting it serviced, boiler cover is a routine approach to boiler maintenance that keeps your boiler going for longer. By paying a fixed, and normally very reasonable monthly fee, you secure regular servicing, annual inspections, and prompt attention to faults. This preventive care helps to extend the lifespan of your boiler, ensuring it operates efficiently, and reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. 

In some cases, boiler cover plans can also protect your wider heating system, like pipes and radiators. You can find out more about our various cover plans here.

In summary, the pros of boiler cover are:

• It’s budget friendly
• It covers most issues
• The regular maintenance offered normally prevents major breakdowns
• It can also protect your wider heating system

Boiler insurance

While considerably more expensive, boiler insurance offers a broader safety net by providing cover for total boiler failure, useful if the entire unit needs replacing. It functions as a form of home emergency protection. In the event of a covered emergency, you would benefit from a 24/7 helpline and financial support to replace or repair a significant boiler issue. 

Depending on the type of insurance policy you have, you may also be covered for emergency accommodation, or an alternative heating source, if your boiler can’t be fixed or replaced immediately. 

So, what are the pros of boiler insurance?

• More comprehensive cover in case of significant home emergencies
• 24/7 helpline
• Boiler replacement in case of failure

Ultimately, the choice between boiler cover and boiler insurance depends on your individual attitude to risk, the age and condition of your existing boiler and home heating, and perhaps how well you’ve historically maintained your boiler. Not to forget, the consideration of cost, which plays a huge part in most household decisions. With boiler cover starting from just over £6/month, and insurance being more than double that, price will always have a part to play. 

If you’d like to discuss any of our boiler cover plans in more detail, please reach out to our friendly team.

Need help with your boiler or heating system? Contact us today