Does House Insurance Cover Boilers

Boilers are one of the most essential parts of a home, especially in the UK where reliable heating and hot water are non-negotiable. Understandably, many homeowners assume their house insurance will cover boiler repairs or breakdowns. However, standard buildings and contents insurance policies do not usually include boiler cover as standard. Whether or not your boiler is protected depends on the type of home insurance policy you hold, any additional cover you’ve taken out, and the nature of the damage.

What House Insurance Typically Covers

Buildings insurance protects the structure of your property, including the walls, roof, floors and permanent fixtures such as bathrooms and fitted kitchens. It may also include central heating systems, but only against specific risks such as fire, flood, storm damage or subsidence. This means that if your boiler is damaged because of an insured event like a lightning strike or escape of water, your buildings insurance may help with repair or replacement costs.

Contents insurance covers your belongings but usually does not extend to fixed systems like boilers unless specifically included in your policy. It’s important to remember that general wear and tear, mechanical failure or internal faults are not covered by standard buildings or contents insurance policies.

Boiler Breakdowns and Specialist Cover

For protection against breakdowns, most homeowners rely on separate boiler cover, often called boiler and heating insurance. This is a standalone policy or optional add-on that protects you if your boiler stops working due to internal faults, component failure or general malfunction. It usually includes call-out charges, labour and replacement parts, and some policies also include an annual boiler service.

Some insurers offer home emergency cover, either as an add-on to a home insurance policy or as a standalone product. This type of cover provides help with urgent issues such as boiler failure, burst pipes, or no heating or hot water. It is designed for emergencies rather than long-term repair or replacement. Limits on call-outs, maximum claims and excesses typically apply.

What Is Not Covered

Home insurance or emergency cover will not usually pay for repairs if your boiler breaks down through age-related wear, poor maintenance or corrosion. If you’ve failed to have your boiler serviced annually, as required by your insurance provider, any claim may be refused.

Boilers that are very old or no longer manufactured may be excluded altogether. Some policies have restrictions based on the boiler’s age, type or whether it has been regularly serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

When Insurance Might Help

If your boiler is damaged due to an insured peril such as a fire or a burst pipe causing flooding, your buildings insurance might help with repairs. For example, if a pipe bursts in the loft and floods the boiler, your insurance could cover the cost of restoring your home and fixing the damaged system. But if the boiler simply breaks down because a component fails, standard house insurance will not pay out unless you have additional protection.

What to Check in Your Policy

To find out if your boiler is covered, check your home insurance policy schedule and wording carefully. Look for sections covering buildings, emergencies or optional extras. If boiler cover is not included, you may want to take out a separate policy, especially if your boiler is older or out of warranty.

Boiler cover policies vary widely in price and scope. Some offer 24-hour call-outs and unlimited repairs, while others set annual claim limits. Make sure your cover includes parts, labour and access to qualified engineers. You should also ensure there are no long waiting periods before a claim can be made.

Conclusion

Standard house insurance does not usually cover boiler breakdowns, but it may provide protection if your boiler is damaged due to a specific insured event like a flood or fire. To safeguard against breakdowns, homeowners are advised to take out dedicated boiler cover or home emergency insurance. Always read your policy carefully and consider additional protection if your boiler is older or no longer under warranty. Having the right level of cover can save stress, time and money when the heating goes out on a cold winter morning.