Time to get boiler cover before you end up in hot water

One in five households has suffered at least one boiler breakdown in the past 12 months, with the average repair costing a hefty £270. 

New research from uSwitch.com reveals that for more than one in four, fixing the boiler cost more than £1,250.

While half of UK households say they would rely on savings to cover repairs, more than one in 10 would have to borrow on credit cards or via a bank loan to pay.

Emma Bush, energy expert at uSwitch, said: “It is easy to take your boiler for granted but when things go wrong it can be expensive to fix – and leave you and your family shivering with no central heating.”

First check if boiler breakdown is covered by your home insurance policy, usually as an addon for an extra premium, or consider stand-alone boiler cover to include an annual service, which is sometimes called home emergency cover, sold by specialists such as HomeServe, British Gas, and CoverCloud.

These will dispatch a qualified tradesman to your home within 24 hours for premiums ranging from £5 to £15 a month.

When comparing plans, though, make sure you read the small print for exclusions, maximum claim amounts and any excess to pay.