Central cover heating is basically insurance for your central heating system. Although it may sound a little excessive, if you have ever experienced a breakdown of your central heating in the middle of winter, you will know just how valuable it can be.
The cover will depend on the type of system you have installed in your home, as well as the type of cover you would like to have. The cost is based on the same factors, and is not as prohibitive as you might think.
When looking for central heating cover, remember that you only need this type of insurance if you own your home. If you are renting, cover and repairs and maintenance of the boiler is the landlord’s responsibility. If your boiler is brand new, you may not need cover immediately, as the boiler should have a manufacturer’s guarantee to cover most problems.
Central heating cover usually covers repairs to the boiler, including parts and labour, and many policies include a contribution towards replacement if the boiler cannot be repaired. This seldom covers the full cost of replacement and the amount provided is usually limited to a specific figure. With electric boilers, the cover usually includes a guaranteed service in case of emergency. Some policies will limit the number of claims you can submit in a 12 month period, others do not have a limit. Some cover includes an annual boiler service.
When you consider that yearly inspection can cost between £65 and £90, you can see the benefit of including the inspection in your cover. Central heating cover is available from as little as £6 a month, up to around £20 a month for full cover including an annual service. Even the basic cover plan should include repairs to the boiler and its controls. More expensive plans will include the full heating system including the radiator and pipes. Some plans, often around £30 and more per month, include the plumbing, drainage and electrical supply as well. This is an expensive plan and not often necessary unless your central heating is quite old.
As with any insurance, be sure to read the small print when you take out central heating cover. In particular, check what the insurer considers an emergency – some companies only consider a lack of hot water an emergency in winter months. Boilers that are seven years old or older may need to be inspected before a company will cover them, and most companies do not cover boilers older than 15 years. Some companies specify which make of boiler they will cover. This is because some imported makes are difficult to find parts for, and those parts are more expensive. Check that your boiler is covered before you sign the contract.
