Home is where the heart is, and where the heat is. Whether it's the dead of winter or you've just been caught in a summer shower, there's no home comfort quite like curling up with the heating on or spending too long in a hot shower.
That's why a broken boiler does more than break the bank – it bursts your bubble. But can your home insurance bring the warmth back to your home?
Is a boiler breakdown covered on home insurance?
Most home insurance policies don't include boiler cover for wear and tear as standard. If your boiler is still within the warranty period, you'll need to get in touch with the manufacturer.
Can I get insurance for my boiler?
You can buy boiler and central heating cover as an add-on product to home insurance, or else as a stand-alone contract from companies like British Gas. Either type will usually cover the cost of parts and labour to repair your boiler and central heating system, up to a fixed amount for each claim. The policy may also include an annual boiler service.
Not all insurers will cover oil or liquified petroleum gas central heating systems, in which case you'll need a stand-alone contract.
An electric boiler or water heater doesn't necessarily need an annual service; if it breaks down you'll have to contact an engineer to repair the fault.
Most insurers will inspect your boiler before offering cover, as well as stipulating you have it serviced each year. Otherwise a poorly maintained boiler could invalidate your cover.
The other option is a broader 'home emergency cover' package bought as an add-on to your home insurance or as a stand-alone contract. Depending on the insurer, the cover could include plumbing and drainage problems, security and other home emergencies, as well as boiler repairs up to a limit for each claim.
Different companies have various names for their home emergency cover, and not all include central heating cover. So do check before you buy.
Is boiler insurance worth it?
First, you'll need to think about whether you want cover for just your boiler and heating controls, or your entire central heating system including the radiators. The latter choice will certainly cost more.
Second, a policy won't offer a new replacement boiler if the existing one is too expensive to repair. In which case a replacement boiler for a small house could cost over £3,000 to buy and install.
Unless you own the fixtures and fittings, you shouldn't need boiler insurance if you're renting – fixing the boiler will be your landlord's responsibility.
Finding the right boiler insurance
The factors that'll go into calculating the cost of boiler insurance include:
- Your boiler's make, type and age.
- Your property size and type.
- What excess you agree to pay.
Because boilers have an expected lifespan of around 15 years, an insurer may not offer cover for an older model. In which case you might be better off investing in a new one with a warranty, or otherwise saving your money and getting your boiler repaired as you go.
You can add Home Emergency and Boiler Cover to our Silver and Gold buildings and contents insurance when you get a quote.
Or choose our Platinum level of home insurance which already comes with boiler cover.
Author: The AA. Updated 6 June 2025.
