How to switch boiler cover

Taking out boiler cover can be a sensible decision. It’ll save you time having to find a qualified gas engineer to fix your boiler if something goes wrong and help to limit the cost of repairs. But it’s worth keeping in mind that not all policies are created equally. Some policies are a little more attractive than others, so if you haven’t already, now’s the time to shop around and make sure you’ve got the very best deal.

Trust us when we say that switching boiler cover is easy. There’s no need to settle for second best. Save your money and take your business elsewhere. Read on to find out how to switch boiler cover hassle-free.

How to find the best boiler cover

Did you know that there are several different types of boiler cover available?

The most basic boiler insurance cover is boiler breakdown cover. As the name suggests, it provides cover when something goes wrong with your boiler and repairs are necessary.

Other more comprehensive boiler cover policies may include annual boiler servicing and cover for other home installations like your central heating, plumbing and drains. As you’ve probably worked out, the more you pay, the more a policy is likely to cover.

The best boiler cover for you really comes down to your needs and budget. If you have a relatively new boiler, you can probably get away with a cheap emergency breakdown policy. Be sure to check if annual servicing is included. It’s worth having, as it’ll save you money in the long run.

If your boiler is responsible for heating both hot water and the radiators in your home, you may be better off with a policy offering central heating and boiler cover.

Got an older boiler? Don’t panic, there’s a policy for you too! However, some companies may insist on inspecting your boiler to check its condition before offering boiler cover for older boilers. Many companies also have a maximum age of 10 years for central heating boiler cover.

Want to switch boiler cover?

If you’re reading this article, likely, you’re already considering switching your boiler cover and there may be several reasons for this.

Price hikes

A price hike is the most popular reason to switch boiler cover. This basically means that a boiler insurance provider has enticed you in with a cheap introductory price for the first year but then plans to put up the cost significantly as you move into year 2.

Remember, loyalty doesn’t pay. If your introductory price is about to expire and your provider is going to increase your annual or monthly fee, it may be time to take your custom elsewhere.

Important Information

Some providers offer insured plans to look after your Boiler and Heating and other home services like plumbing, drains and electrics, whereas other providers offer non-insured plans. An insured plan will be underwritten by an insurer and also regulated by the [Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)](https://www.fca.org.uk/). Non-insured plans are not backed by an insurer and are not regulated by the FCA. Often non-insured or maintenance plans include an annual service of the equipment covered, whereas these may or may not be included in insured plans.

Poor service

Another reason you may want to switch boiler cover is if your existing provider isn’t offering a good service. If you’ve had trouble getting the assistance you require, it’s not worth persevering when you can switch providers in a matter of minutes.

How to switch

Switching boiler cover can save you a lot of money and it’s so much easier than you think. All you need to do is contact your current provider and quit. Sometimes you can just cancel your direct debit and they’ll automatically assume you no longer require their services.

Just be sure to check the terms of conditions of your existing boiler cover policy to see how long it lasts and whether there is a cancellation fee. Policies tend to last up to 12 months, after which you’re free to take your services elsewhere. If you want to switch boiler cover before your existing policy has ended, you may have to pay a fee or wait until you’re out of contract before switching.

Don’t get caught out by auto-renewals. Make sure you give enough notice so your current provider doesn’t automatically renew your policy.

Most boiler cover providers will not need to inspect your system if you have switched from another provider. They’ll usually trust that your boiler is in good working order. However, there may be an initial waiting period in which you cannot claim. This is to make sure you’ve not taken out a new policy on a faulty boiler.

Compare boiler cover online

Now you know how easy it is to switch boiler cover, here are a few tips to make sure you get the best cover for you. Our main piece of advice is to shop around. Use online tools to help you compare quotes quickly. You’ll be able to compare quotes by factors that are important to you, such as cost, level of cover, call out charges and excess. It’s the easiest way to find the boiler cover you need.

Things to look out for when choosing boiler cover:

• Waiting period – As we mentioned before, providers will often have a waiting period when you take out a policy. This can be anything from a few days to a month.
• Unlimited claim cost – Look for a policy that does not limit the number of claims you make in a given period or charge you for them.
• Boiler replacement – See if the provider will replace your boiler (or pay money towards replacement) if it’s beyond economic repair.
• Free boiler service – Look for boiler cover with service costs included. This will help to keep your boiler in good condition, prolong its lifespan and save you money in the long run.
• Cost – According to Which? the average cost of a boiler servicing contract is between £225 and £250 annually. Policies that include boiler and central heating cover and various other home emergencies will cost more than this.
• Double cover – Make sure you’re not already covered by existing home insurance policies. You don’t want to be paying for the same type of cover twice.
• Annual vs. monthly – See how the cost compares paying annually to monthly. You’ll usually get a better deal if you can afford to pay for your insurance annually.
• Length of contract – Check the length of contract and make sure you know how much your boiler cover will cost beyond the first 12 months or after the introductory offer has expired.
• What isn’t included – Many boiler insurance providers will have things their policies do not cover e.g. sludge build-up. Know exactly what you are paying for.

Switch boiler cover and save money

We hope this has shown you just how easy it is to compare and switch boiler cover. Don’t settle for a policy that’s not meeting your needs. Switch today and start saving.