Boiler cover and home insurance

Gas boilers are a very specialised piece of equipment, If you're in the vast majority of people in the UK who aren't qualified and registered to work with gas safely, you will at some point need to enlist the help of a professional. Boiler work can be expensive, and it's something you don't want to be left looking for at short notice. Hot water and central heating are a very frustrating thing to be without for any length of time.

If you'd like to have the security of having your boiler checked on a regular basis and also the knowledge that you'll be able to get a registered technician out in the event you do have an issue, boiler insurance is the way to go. Boiler cover encompasses many different levels of insurance, namely cover for just your boiler, your whole central heating system (including boiler) and central heating cover, which also applies to your heating and electrical wiring.

Whichever level is appropriate, boiler cover will allow you access to registered tradespeople who will be able to fix your boiler in an emergency, as well as certain perks like regularly scheduled maintenance and safety checks.

Many home insurance policies contain some form of central heating cover. As a rule, cheap home insurance policies either won't cover your boiler if it breaks or will incur a large excess for a claim. This can be expensive if you require multiple claims for relatively insubstantial work, so it's not always the best system for covering your central heating system.

Some of the best home insurance policies, however, will include an affordable option if your boiler breaks down. It's important to take these little add-ons into account when you run a home insurance comparison, as they can save you timely admin and your hard-earned cash down the line.

The level of cover you will require for your boiler is obviously dependent on the system you're using. For the most part, older boilers are statistically more likely to break, and the parts required to fix them are more difficult to get hold of or may have been discontinued entirely. For this reason, comprehensive cover for all eventualities is highly recommended. It's worth reading the small print of your cover too. If your boiler model is excluded on age grounds, you won't be able to get it fixed even if you're on the policy!

Be sure to research your boiler insurance in the same way you would if you were to compare home insurance or insure your car, because it's a costly fix if you get it wrong! Insurers are motivated by money, ultimately, and if they can they will attempt to persuade you to buy a newer boiler model, potentially through them. This can become more expensive than paying for a more comprehensive policy with another insurer so be sure to do your homework.

On the other hand, newer boilers or recently replaced systems are often very reliable, so don't click comprehensive too quickly. You might get away with more basic cover and save cash up front.

• Improve your insulation: Draught proofing and loft and wall insulation will raise the efficiency of your heating system.
• Remember to service regularly: A policy which includes regular servicing and safety inspections lowers the chance of your boiler breaking in future.
• Carry out proper maintenance: Your insurer could refuse to pay out on claims arising from poor maintenance, such as limescale build ups.
• Don't take out cover you don't need: Remember to check your home insurance policy carefully to see if boiler cover is already included.
• Inspect for tell-tale signs of a faulty boiler: Performance issues and any problems with the pilot-flame could be the precursors to costly repair work. Claiming earlier rather than later is advisable.