Brits with no boiler cover could be left out in the cold
As the British weather stretches out the last few scraps of sunshine, many households will inevitably be reaching for the thermostat this weekend as the temperature drops and the autumn/winter chill sets in.
Chris Eagle, product director at Energychoices.co.uk said: "Many families will be feeling the pinch as they start to run the central heating over the autumn and winter months and inevitably running up costly heating bills. However many will not have considered what could happen if their boiler breaks down and needs replacing - an incredibly expensive repair bill for consumers who are already having to tighten their belts in the run up to Christmas.
"Boiler cover can offer homeowners peace of mind that their central heating system will be repaired quickly, without costing a packet. You are not obliged to take out cover from your energy supplier and whilst there are some expensive insurance plans out there, with a little research households needn't pay over the odds."
Energychoices.co.uk's top tips for choosing boiler cover:
Do you need cover? - If you are only renting, it is your landlord's responsibility to take out boiler insurance and have it repaired if it breaks down. If you do own your own home and already have buildings and contents insurance, it is worth checking if your boiler is already covered, or if at least part of the cost is already met in the event of any emergency repairs.
Had a boiler fitted recently? - If your boiler is quite new, it may already be covered under warranty. Check the paperwork to see how long you are covered for, otherwise you may end up paying out for boiler cover that you simply don't need.
Check the age of your boiler - Most boiler plans exclude models that are over 15 years old, and any models older than 7 years may have to undergo an inspection. Do also ensure that your particular brand is covered as some of the older makes are sometimes excluded.
‘Boiler only' or ‘full heating system' cover? - The cheapest boiler insurance policies only cover the cost of the boiler and controls but if you are willing to shell out a little extra you can ensure cover for your entire heating system, including radiators and pipes.
What is considered an emergency? - Some insurance providers don't think that a lack of hot water constitutes an emergency, whilst others will only rush to fix your boiler in the winter months. Make sure you know exactly what your boiler insurance provider considers an emergency so you aren't left waiting around in the cold for them to get around to fixing your boiler.
No claims period - Most new plans have a no claims period to stop people signing up on the day their boiler breaks down, then making a claim. The majority of no claims periods last 30 days so bear in mind that you won't be covered during that time.
Compare suppliers - It is essential to shop around for a policy using a reliable price comparison site as there is a huge variation in prices and features for boiler insurance. Remember: the cheapest cover may not necessarily be the best value so make sure you read the small print.