Boiler cover & care plans

Boiler cover you can count on

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Take out boiler cover to help reduce the stress of sudden breakdowns

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What is boiler cover?

Boiler cover can help protect homeowners and landlords from the cost of boiler repairs and servicing. It acts as a safety net, covering expenses like call-out fees, labour and replacement parts if your boiler breaks down.

Typically, boiler cover only cover boilers up to seven years in age, but this can vary among providers.

Many boiler cover policies also include an annual service to make sure your boiler is kept in good working order. And comprehensive boiler care plans may include cover for your entire central heating system, plumbing, drains and electrics too.

If your boiler is already broken down, you could still get cover by taking out a ‘Repair and Care’ plan. By selecting that your boiler is not in good working order, you will be shown plans that cover your boiler even if it requires an initial repair.

What types of boiler cover are there?

There are three main types of boiler breakdown cover.

These types of boiler cover may apply to boilers that are initially in good working order or not in good working order (‘Repair and Care’ plans).

Boiler-only

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    Covers the boiler and its controls

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    May include an annual boiler service plan

Boiler and central heating

Full home care plan

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    Covers the boiler and its controls

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    Covers your central heating system, including pipes, radiators and pumps

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    Covers plumbing, drains and electrics

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    May include extra features, such as pest control, roofing repairs or home security cover

How does boiler cover work?

Boiler cover helps pay for repairs if your boiler breaks down. If something goes wrong, you usually contact your provider, who’ll arrange for an engineer to visit and fix the problem if it’s covered by your policy.

Most policies come with limits and exclusions, and you may need to pay an excess or call-out fee. Service care plans will sometimes have a cap on the number of call-outs. That’s why it’s important to check what’s included before you buy.

For ‘Repair and Care’ plans, you might also be charged an upfront call-out fee for an initial repair to your boiler. Many providers offer a full or partial refund for this call-out fee if your boiler is deemed beyond repair.

Man reading a phone next to a boiler

What does home boiler cover include?

Typically covered

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    Unlimited engineer call-out charges

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    Parts and labour

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    Annual boiler service

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    24-hour emergency helpline

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    Discount on a new boiler if yours is beyond repair and needs to be replaced

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    For 'Repair and Care' plans, initial call-out charge to fix your boiler

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    Full or partial refund if the initial repair is unsuccessful

May also cover

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    Your entire central heating system, including the radiators and hot water cylinder

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    Repairs to the plumbing and water supplies pipes, including unblocking drains and waste pipes

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    Repairs to the mains electrical system and wiring in your home

Not typically covered

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    Faults caused by sludge, limescale or blockages

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    Leaking showers and taps

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    Shared drains

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    Boilers that aren’t regularly serviced

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    Household appliances, like gas ovens, fridges and washing machines

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    Older boilers over a certain age

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    Outdoor heating and electrics

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    Intentional damage, incorrect use, bad repairs or design faults

What types of boiler can I get cover for?

You should be able to find boiler cover for most types of boiler, including:

  • combi

  • condensing

  • gas.

Some providers won’t cover these types of boiler:

  • oil-fired

  • LPG

  • electric

  • biomass.

Always check that your boiler will be covered before taking out a policy. And look out for any restrictions on the age of your boiler.

Although some providers cover all boilers, regardless of age, there may be restrictions on cover as your boiler ages. If your boiler is more than 10 years old, you may need to prove your boiler is in good working order.

If your boiler has broken down, you may want to check with the provider whether it’s worth going ahead with a ‘Repair and Care’ plan, in case it’s likely your boiler will need replacing instead.

Helen Phipps

What our expert says...

"When comparing boiler cover, it’s important to know what’s included and what isn’t. Boiler breakdown cover can be quite specific, so look out for any exclusions around the types of boilers and faults you can claim for, as well as any claims limit."

Helen Phipps, Insurance expert

How much does boiler cover cost?

The cost of covering your boiler can vary significantly, but our data shows customers are typically quoted:

£1382
or less for annual boiler cover

How much you'll pay depends on the boiler and heating system you have, and the level of cover you want.

Rather than automatically signing up with your energy provider, it’s worth comparing prices to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere.

Many providers offer an introductory discount to encourage you to sign up. But before agreeing to a deal, check that there won’t be any price increases later on in the contract.

And set a reminder to look for better deals when it’s time to renew your cover.

251% of our customers were quoted less than £137.88 for their boiler cover in April - June 2026.

Should I get boiler cover?

You might want to consider boiler cover if

You own your home

And boiler breakdown cover isn’t included in your home insurance

You’re a landlord

And you need the peace of mind that an engineer will come out quickly if your tenants’ boiler breaks down

Your boiler is broken

It needs fixing and isn’t beyond repair

You probably won’t need boiler cover if

You’re renting

It’s the responsibility of the landlord to take care of boiler repairs and servicing – including an annual gas safety check

You’ve just had a new boiler fitted

You should be covered for faults under the manufacturer’s warranty, although this may not extend to wider central heating problems

Your home insurance has a home emergency add-on 

That typically includes boiler breakdown cover

How can I get cheap boiler cover?

Here are some steps you can take to help reduce the cost of boiler cover:Start a quote
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Don’t over-insure

Think about the level of cover you need. Extras such as electrics, pipes and drainage may already be covered by your home insurance.

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Pay annually

Check whether you can save money by paying for a year’s boiler cover in one go rather than spreading the cost in monthly payments, which often incur interest.

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Agree to a call-out fee

It’s not usually compulsory, but paying a fee can often reduce the cost of your premium.

Start a quote

How to maintain your boiler

Follow these essential energy-saving tips to help keep your boiler in good condition.



For more tips, read our boiler maintenance guide.

Service your boiler annually

This is the best way to increase the lifespan of your boiler. It helps prevent damage and keeps it running efficiently.

Keep the pressure up

Boilers don’t run properly when the pressure is too low. Check the pressure gauge on the front of your boiler to make sure it’s within the manufacturer’s recommended values, usually between the 1 and 1.5 bar.

If you need to adjust it, follow the instructions in your handbook.

Bleed your radiators

It’s a good idea to bleed your central heating system at least once a year, to keep it running efficiently.

Turn on your boiler occasionally during the summer

Switching it on for 15 minutes once a month can help prevent problems in winter.

Otherwise, it’s fine to keep your boiler mostly turned off during the summer months (or if you have a combi boiler, only switch on the hot water) to save money and energy.

Insulate your pipes

In cold weather, pipes can freeze over, making your heating inefficient or even causing a boiler breakdown.

To stop this from happening, lag your pipes before winter sets in. You can buy ready-to-use lagging from DIY stores at a relatively low cost.

Your boiler cover might not pay out claims resulting from poor maintenance, such as limescale build-up. It’s up to you to make sure your boiler is regularly maintained.

How often should a boiler be replaced?

Typically, boilers can last for around 10 to 15 years. But it depends on the model and how well the boiler is maintained throughout its lifetime.

If your boiler is past its prime, it could be time to consider replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model. You may also need to consider replacing it if you notice signs that it’s not working as it should, for example:

  • It’s noisy

  • It’s breaking down often

  • It’s taking longer to heat up

  • There’s not enough hot water.

If you think it might be time to replace your boiler, read our guide to how much a new boiler could cost.

Technician repairing the boiler

Is my boiler safe?

If you notice water leaking from your boiler, call for emergency repairs. If left unfixed, a leak could lead to electrical short circuits or even structural damage to your home.

If you notice that the flame on your gas boiler has turned yellow, this is a sign of a carbon monoxide leak.

An eggy smell coming from your boiler means there’s probably a gas leak.

If you suspect a gas or carbon monoxide leak, switch off the boiler immediately and call the 24-hour National Gas emergency helpline on:

0800 111 999 from England, Scotland and Wales

0800 002 001 from Northern Ireland

Boiler cover and care guides

Learn how boiler cover works, what plans can include and how to choose cover for breakdowns and servicing

Hands on a radiator
Home ownership
Central heating cover
Cover could save you stress, hassle and money if you need repairs
Home ownership
Boiler maintenance guide
Boiler maintenance can help keep your heating running smoothly
Home ownership
How to get a cheap boiler service
Weigh up one-off boiler service and ongoing boiler cover
Cover & add-ons
Plumbing and drainage cover
Don’t let burst pipes and blocked drains cause chaos in your home
All home insurance guides

FAQs

Do I lose boiler cover if I switch energy supplier?

Your boiler cover shouldn’t be affected when you switch energy providers. That’s because it’s typically bought as a separate product.

However, if you bought boiler cover from your energy supplier, get in touch before you switch to make sure it won’t impact your cover.

Is boiler cover included in home insurance?

Your boiler is likely to be covered if you have home insurance that includes home emergency cover as standard. If not, home emergency cover can be added as an optional extra to your home insurance policy or bought as a standalone policy.

It typically costs up to £22 to add home emergency cover to combined buildings and contents insurance3.

While home emergency cover might not be boiler-specific, it will typically cover 24/7 emergency call-out fees and repair costs if your boiler breaks down.

If you want more comprehensive and specific cover for your boiler, you might be better off with dedicated boiler cover.

Does boiler cover start straight away?

Most boiler cover policies include an initial no-claims period, which could typically be the first 14 to 30 days, depending on the provider. This is largely to prevent people taking out cover on the day their boiler breaks down, then claiming for it straight away.

Is there a limit on how much I can claim?

This depends on the policy and level of cover you choose. Some policies have an annual maximum limit – for example, £1,000 or £1,500 – while others are unlimited.

Who do I call if there’s a problem with my boiler?

If you have boiler cover or home emergency cover, your provider should always be your first port of call if there’s a problem. Most providers have a 24-hour helpline for emergencies and you may also be able to book an engineer online.

If you don’t have boiler cover, you’ll need to look for a suitably qualified tradesperson in your area.

With a gas boiler, you should check that the engineer is Gas Safe-registered and qualified to carry out boiler repairs. Alternatively, you can contact the boiler manufacturer.

What happens if my boiler can’t be fixed?

If a boiler cannot be fixed, you’ll need to replace it with a new boiler. Your current provider could give you a discount on the cost of a new boiler, as long as they install it.

Can I get cover if my boiler and heating system is very old?

If your boiler and heating system are older than 10 years, you may have fewer options when it comes to finding cover or you may have to pay a higher premium. Any age restrictions should be included in the boiler cover wording.

Do I need to service my boiler?

Most boiler companies recommend a service at least once every year. It’s usually a condition of your boiler cover or warranty to have the boiler serviced every year by an approved engineer.

You can also opt for standalone home care cover that gives you the option of including an annual service.

A boiler service must be carried out by a Gas Safe-registered engineer, who will check for leaks and other problems, and make sure your boiler is working safely.

How much will it cost to service my boiler?

A gas boiler service will typically cost you between £70 and £130. But the price will depend on who you choose to do the service and how long it’s been since your boiler last had one. The cost of any new parts will be on top of this.

What’s the difference between boiler cover and a service agreement?

The main difference is that providers offering boiler cover are regulated by financial watchdogs. This ensures they act fairly to protect policyholders and that their businesses are financially sound.

Service agreements like boiler care plans aren’t regulated, so if the company you’ve signed up with becomes bankrupt, you might not be financially protected. You may also find it difficult to make a complaint about poor service.

Make sure you understand what you’re signing up to.

How long does a call-out take?

If it’s an emergency – for example, there’s a risk to your health or your home isn’t fit to live in – an engineer will normally be sent out to you within 24 hours.

This isn’t guaranteed, though, and call-out times can vary among providers. If the problem isn’t urgent, you can usually book an appointment at a time to suit you.

How do I cancel my boiler cover?

You can cancel your plan by contacting your provider. Whether you’ll need to make any remaining payments for the period of your contract or pay a cancellation charge depends on your policy, so check your documents carefully.

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Helen Phipps
Reviewed 24 Aug 2026 by Helen Phipps Insurance expert

Helen’s our resident home insurance expert, as the former Head of Home Insurance at Compare the Market. She's also experienced with car insurance and pet insurance from her previous roles across commercial, partnerships and as a freelance consultant, working with more than 100 insurers across a variety of insurance products.

Methodology

1Based on the % of respondents reporting Compare the Market is their preferred brand in the last 12 months vs. other leading PCWs. Source: Savanta BrandVue Financial Services, National Representative Survey of 12,257 respondents (June 2026)​

3Based on 51% of customers who compared quotes for this type of policy, with and without the add on, in June 2026.