Boiler Cover – the coolest friend and the worst time.
Nothing beats a warm and cosy living room in the winter while watching your favourite Netflix series – snug as a bug!
But what happens when your boiler breaks down out of a sudden? That’s when your boiler cover comes to the rescue like a knight in shining armour! This is the safety net if costly heating problems arise.
Boiler problems can range from simple ones that can be fixed quickly during a call out or a phone call if you’re lucky to major issues that could cost you hundreds of pounds, like replacing a heat exchanger.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about boiler cover, from the basics of what it is and how it works to the benefits it provides and the factors you should look out for when choosing a cover plan. We’ll also answer some common questions and share tips to help you take care of your boiler and avoid those pesky repair costs. So, buckle up and get ready to discover everything you need to know about your new friend!
Understanding Boiler Cover: What It Is and Why You Need It
A boiler cover is a plan designed to protect you from unexpected repairs.
When you sign up for one of our cover plans, you can ensure that your boiler is looked after! If it breaks down, we’ll send you one of our certified Gas Safe engineers to investigate the cause of the issue and repair it if possible. With these boiler cover plans, you’ll get unlimited callouts with no limit on the value of each repair, including all parts and labour; you’ll also get your annual service booked annually without hassle (that’s one less thing to worry about!)
Cover plans vary, so choosing a plan that suits your needs and budget is crucial. Here at WarmZilla, we offer four cover plans; Basic, Extra, Plus and Total plan, take a look at what’s included in these boiler cover plans here to find out which one is the ideal plan for your home, or just keep reading this blog!
Types of WarmZilla Boiler Cover: Which One is Right for You?
We offer a variety of covers to suit every home – ultimately, the type of cover that is right for you will depend on your budget, your boiler’s age and condition, and your specific needs and preferences.
Our Basic Plan offers a limited level of protection and covers essential repairs. This cover includes annual service and breakdown call-outs with repairs of your boiler and thermostat.
The Extra Plan offers everything included in the Basic Plan and central heating repairs like; fixing central heating pumps, motorised valves, radiators, radiator valves and central heating pipe work.
The Plus Plan is our best-selling cover. It includes everything mentioned in the extra cover plan in addition to repairing leaks in plumbing and drains.
Lastly, the all-rounder plan, the Total Plan. This plan covers everything! It has all the elements of the Plus Plan and covers home electrics too.
Benefits of Boiler Cover: Protecting Your Investment
You probably know the value of protecting your expensive home appliances (and even smartphones!) with cover plans. But what about your boiler? Your boiler is crucial to your home’s infrastructure, providing heat and hot water throughout the year. Like any other appliance, boilers can break down unexpectedly, and repair or replacement costs can be high. That’s why it’s important to consider protecting your boiler with the right cover plan. When we mention the main benefits of a boiler cover plan, these points come to mind;
First and foremost, a plan can save you money in the long run as it covers the costs of unexpected repairs and breakdowns.
Plus, with regular boiler service included in all WarmZilla cover plans, you can ensure your boiler will run efficiently and safely, saving you even more money on your energy bills.
And let’s not forget about the convenience of having a certified Gas Safe engineer sent out to your home to fix your boiler ASAP – no more frantically searching for qualified heating engineers when you desperately need them!
The greatest benefit of signing up for a plan is having peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against costly breakdowns if things go South (you can’t put a price on peace of mind, right?).
Choosing the Right Boiler Cover: Factors to Consider
Choosing the right boiler cover plan might not be as exciting as buying a new pair of fuzzy socks, but it’s essential to ensure that your boiler is well-protected and maintained.
There are several factors to consider when picking a boiler cover plan, to name a few;
- You’ll want to consider your current boiler’s age and condition. If your boiler is relatively new and in good condition, a Basic cover plan may suffice. On the flip side, if your boiler is older or inefficient, it’d be more prone to breakdowns, and this is why we’d recommend a more comprehensive cover plan like Extra, or Plus.
- Another thing to consider is your budget and the type of coverage you need.
- The type of property is also another factor to think about. If you live in an old Victorian home, there’s a possibility that your heating system (i.e. pipes, radiators, etc.) and electrics may need additional TLC; that’s why a comprehensive plan like Extra or Plus will be your best option.
- If your boiler is deemed Beyond Economical Repair (BER) under any boiler cover from WarmZilla, and it’s under seven years old, WarmZilla may replace it free of charge. If the boiler is over seven years old, you’ll be offered a special WarmZilla discount of up to £400 for the replacement. Read Boiler Cover T&Cs to find out more.
- You don’t have to worry about boiler service because all our cover plans include a boiler service.
How to Make a Claim on Your WarmZilla Boiler Cover Policy?
If you have a boiler problem you’d like to report, the process is straightforward and stress-free. First, ensure you have read and understood your boiler cover policy documents. Your HomeZilla cover policy will be available in your WarmZilla Home Hub ‘my subscription’, and you can find the cover’s terms and conditions in ‘my documents’.
Then check that the issue you’re facing is covered by your policy, as there may be certain exclusions or limitations.
If you’re in doubt, get in touch with us on live chat, our team are always happy to help. You can also email us at ask@warmzilla.co.uk.
Common Boiler Cover Exclusions: What's Not Covered?
While boiler cover can provide valuable protection against unexpected breakdowns and repairs, it’s essential to be aware of standard exclusions that may not be covered by your plan. So read our boiler cover terms and conditions to see the plan’s exclusions.
Request a Boiler Repair
To report a fault, please fill out the HomeZilla cover form, and we’ll contact you to arrange a visit.
The contact form is accessible 24 hours a day and manned 7am – 8pm 365 days per year. We aim to respond within 2 hours (seasonal delays may apply).
For Non-emergency Assistance
Once you fill out the HomeZilla cover form, we’ll contact you during our office opening hours which are; (8am – 6pm) Monday to Friday, and (9am – 2pm) Saturday. We’re closed on Sundays.
For Emergency Support
As soon as you complete the HomeZilla cover form, our technical support team will review it and reply within 2 hours (seasonal delays may apply). Examples of urgent emergency matters are; uncontrollable water leaks and/or loss of power.
Boiler Cover vs Home Insurance: What's the Difference?
When you look at options to protect your home, it can be confusing to understand the difference between boiler cover and home insurance.
While both policies aim to safeguard your home, they offer different types of protection. Here, we’ll explore the differences between boiler cover and home insurance to help you decide which policy is right for you.
What's a Boiler Cover?
In a nutshell, a boiler cover is a policy that provides protection for your home’s heating system. It typically includes repairs, servicing, and replacing parts for your boiler and central heating system.
While cover plans vary depending on the level of cover, they all have some things in common like covering;
- Repairs and maintenance of your boiler and/or central heating system
- A call-out service
- Replacement of broken or faulty parts should it be needed
- An annual service of your boiler
What's a Home Insurance?
Home insurance is a policy that provides protection for your home and its contents. It covers a range of risks, including damage to your home from natural disasters, theft, and other types of loss or damage. It is typically split into two categories: buildings insurance and contents insurance.
Buildings insurance covers the physical structure of your home, including the walls, roof, and floors. Contents insurance covers the possessions inside your home, including furniture, electronics, and other valuables.
Home insurance policies can vary, but most will cover:
- Damage caused by natural disasters, such as floods, storms, or earthquakes
- Damage caused by theft or burglary
- Damage caused by fire or explosions
- Liability for accidents that occur on your property
- Rebuilding costs in the event of a total loss of your home
Is a boiler covered by home insurance?
Typically, standard home insurance policies do not cover the expense of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning boiler. Boiler breakdowns are common, and they are frequently caused by insufficient maintenance or servicing, so insurance providers are understandably cautious about providing coverage for this issue.
It is more likely that an insurance provider will cover harm caused by a defective appliance, such as damage caused by leaking water or oil from a domestic boiler. However, they’ll not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the appliance itself.
For the best protection and the ultimate peace of mind, we’d recommend buying a separate boiler cover to complement your existing home insurance policy.
Tips for Maintaining Your Boiler to Minimise Repair Costs
Here are our tips to increase your boiler’s lifespan and minimise repair costs;
- Annual servicing: Regular servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer can help to prevent costly breakdowns and ensure the boiler operates efficiently.
- Power flush: A power flush can remove debris and sludge from the central heating system, improving its efficiency and prolonging the boiler’s lifespan.
- Use inhibitors: Inhibitors can help to prevent corrosion and sludge build-up within the central heating system.
- Keep the boiler clean: Keep the boiler and its components clean and free from debris to prevent blockages and improve efficiency.
- Install a filter: A filter can trap debris and prevent it from entering the boiler and central heating system, improving efficiency and prolonging the lifespan.
- Insulate pipes: Insulating pipes can prevent heat loss and increase the efficiency of the central heating system.
- Upgrade the controls: Upgrading the controls can improve the efficiency of the central heating system, reducing energy bills and prolonging the lifespan of the boiler.
Boiler Cover FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here, we’ve put together some questions we get asked about boiler cover;
How Much Does a Boiler Cover Cost?
The cost of boiler cover varies depending on the level of cover you need.
Our Basic plan typically covers the cost of annual boiler service and unlimited breakdown callouts with repairs to your boiler and thermostat – this plan starts at £10.88 per month.
What’s The Difference Between Boiler Cover And Central Heating Cover?
Boiler cover and central heating cover may appear similar at first glance, but they’re not the same!
Boiler Cover typically covers the cost of repairing the boiler if it breaks down or develops a fault. This coverage is usually limited to the boiler and its controls, such as the thermostat or pressure gauge. WarmZilla boiler cover plans also include an annual service and unlimited callouts.
Central heating cover, on the other hand, covers the entire central heating system, including the boiler, radiators, and pipework. This coverage includes the cost of repairing or replacing any part of the system that breaks down or develops a fault, as well as annual service and unlimited callouts. In other words, a central heating cover is much more comprehensive than a boiler cover.
Can I Get a Boiler Cover if My Boiler is Old or Has a History of Breakdowns?
Yes, you can get a boiler cover for an old boiler with a history of breakdowns, but you’ll need to bear in mind that the cover will not cover faults that occurred before you took out the plan or within the first 14 days after you’ve bought the cover plan. Read our boiler cover T&Cs for more information.
Which Boilers are Eligible for a Boiler Cover?
All boilers models are eligible for a boiler cover plan except; Potterton Powermax, Britony, Chaffoteaux, Sime, Servowarm and Elm Le Blanc; or any make or model of back boilers.
What Will Happen If My Boiler Can’t Be Repaired?
An independent Gas Safe heating engineer will visit the property for a boiler service or repair. Following their visit, they’ll submit a report which includes requirements for a repair.
At this point, an assessment will be carried out. The assessment will include the total cost of repairing your boiler (i.e. cost of the parts and labour), and it will compare it to the current value of the boiler, taking into account depreciation at the rate of 10% per year.
If the total cost of repairing your boiler is 60% or more than the current manufacturer’s retail price, the boiler is deemed Beyond Economical Repair (BER).
If your BER boiler is under seven years old, we may decide to replace it free of charge. On the other hand, if your BER boiler is over seven years old, we may offer a special WarmZilla discount of up to £400 for a boiler replacement.
My Boiler is Under Warranty; Why Do I Need a Boiler Cover?
While having a warranty on your boiler can provide you with peace of mind that any manufacturing faults or defects will be covered, it may not protect you from other issues that can arise during the lifetime of your boiler.
A boiler cover typically provides protection beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, offering coverage for breakdowns, repairs, and replacements caused by wear and tear, accidental damage, or other issues the warranty may not cover.
Furthermore, a boiler cover may provide additional benefits such as annual maintenance, boiler inspections, and emergency callouts. It can also cover the cost of labour, parts, and materials needed to repair or replace your boiler.
A boiler cover can provide comprehensive protection and save you money in the long run, even if your boiler is already under warranty.
Do I Need to Get My Boiler Serviced if I Have a Boiler Cover?
Yes, even if you have a boiler cover, it’s still important to get your boiler serviced regularly.
Boiler servicing is different from boiler cover, which typically provides protection against breakdowns and repairs.
Boiler servicing involves a qualified Gas Safe engineer inspecting and cleaning your boiler to ensure that it is running efficiently and safely.
Regular boiler servicing can help prevent breakdowns, extend the lifespan of your boiler, and ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible, potentially saving you money on energy bills.
Does my Boiler Cover Plan Include an Annual Boiler Service?
Yes, we’ve designed all our boiler cover plans with the customer in mind, and that’s why all of our boiler cover plans include annual servicing as part of the cover as standard.
If you need to choose the right plan for your home, our lovely support team is happy to help! Contact us on Live Chat.
