Boiler cover in the UK can be genuinely useful — or a complete waste of money — depending on what’s included. The difference between a good plan and a frustrating one usually comes down to a few practical details: repair limits, excess charges, servicing, and whether older boilers are welcomed or quietly excluded.
In 2026, the strongest boiler cover plans tend to focus less on flashy add-ons and more on the basics that matter when your heating actually breaks: fast repairs, sensible exclusions, and engineers who turn up.
What Boiler Cover Is (and Isn’t)
At its core, boiler cover is insurance for breakdowns. You pay a monthly or annual fee, and if something fails, the provider covers parts and labour — sometimes with limits.
Plans generally fall into four categories:
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Boiler-only cover, which protects just the boiler and its controls
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Boiler and central heating cover, adding pumps, pipes and radiators
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Home emergency cover, which bundles heating with plumbing and electrics
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Landlord cover, including annual gas safety checks (CP12)
What boiler cover doesn’t usually cover are issues caused by neglect — sludge, corrosion, frozen pipes, or faults that were already present when you signed up.
Separating the Best Boiler Cover Plans from Bad Ones
After reviewing how most claims actually play out, the best boiler cover plans in the UK tend to share a few traits:
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Unlimited or high repair limits rather than £1,000–£1,500 caps
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Low or no excess, so you’re not paying £100 every time someone visits
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Annual servicing included, which keeps boilers efficient and compliant
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Clear age rules, ideally covering boilers up to 14–15 years (or older if working)
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Reasonable exclusions, clearly explained rather than hidden
Plans that look cheap often cut corners on these points — especially servicing and call-out availability.
Top 7 Boiler Cover Options in the UK (2026)
Below is a practical snapshot of some well-regarded boiler cover plans, based on coverage depth, age limits and real-world usability. Prices are indicative and can change with offers or location.
| Provider & Plan | Typical Cost | Excess | Boiler Age | What It Does Well | Where It Falls Short |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish Power Boiler Insurance | ~£3.50/month | £99 | Up to 14 yrs | Very cheap entry-level cover; Gas Safe engineers | No service, no 24/7 line, boiler only |
| Corgi HomePlan Starter | ~£3.50/month | £0–£99 | Up to 14 yrs | Annual service included; broad repair cover | Waiting period; sludge exclusions |
| Domestic & General Gold | ~£17.50/month | £0 | 14–15 yrs | No excess; simple claims process | Higher cost; limited fuel types |
| 24/7 Home Rescue Heating Care | ~£9.99/month | £95 | No hard cap | Unlimited repairs if repairable; service included | Radiators often excluded |
| YourRepair Gas Boiler Breakdown | ~£9/month | £60 | Any age (if working) | Excellent for older boilers; service included | Boiler-only focus; model exclusions |
| British Gas HomeCare | £16+/month | £60–£95 | Up to ~20 yrs | Large engineer network; fast response | Price rises over time |
| HomeServe Boiler Cover | £8+/month | £60–£95 | Up to 15 yrs | Good first-year deals; bundle options | Renewal price jumps |
No single plan is “best” for everyone. The right choice depends on boiler age, how risk-tolerant you are, and whether you want predictable costs or the lowest monthly price.
Boiler Age Matters More Than People Expect
Many policies quietly stop accepting renewals once a boiler hits a certain age — often 15 years. Others won’t accept older boilers at all unless they’re already covered.
If your boiler is 10–15 years old, look for plans that:
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Still accept renewals at higher ages
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Offer unlimited repairs rather than capped payouts
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Include servicing, so faults are caught early
For boilers under 7 years old, coverage is easier — but it’s still worth checking excess charges and exclusions carefully.
Servicing Isn’t a Bonus — It’s Essential
Plans that include an annual boiler service tend to be better value in practice, even if the monthly cost is higher.
Why? Because:
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Servicing keeps warranties valid
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Engineers can flag sludge, corrosion or pressure issues early
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Many insurers refuse claims if servicing has been missed
If servicing isn’t included, factor in an extra £80–£120 per year separately.
Common Reasons Claims Get Rejected
Most rejected boiler cover claims come down to a few predictable issues:
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Sludge or corrosion in the system
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Faults that existed before cover started
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Long gaps without servicing
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Boilers classed as “beyond economical repair” (BER)
If your system is older, a power flush or magnetic filter before taking out cover can dramatically reduce claim problems later.
A Simple Way to Choose the Right Plan
Before you commit, ask yourself:
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How old is my boiler right now?
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Would I rather pay a low monthly fee or avoid surprise excess charges?
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Do I want servicing included or handled separately?
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Am I protecting just the boiler, or the whole heating system?
If you answer those honestly, the shortlist usually narrows itself very quickly.
Is Boiler Cover Always Worth It?
Boiler cover makes the most sense when:
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Your boiler is out of manufacturer warranty
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You want predictable costs rather than surprise repair bills
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You rely on your heating daily (families, vulnerable occupants)
If your boiler is brand new and under warranty, cover often duplicates protection you already have.
Bottom Line
The best boiler cover plans in the UK don’t try to do everything. They focus on repairs that actually get approved, sensible excess levels, and keeping boilers running properly year after year.
Cheap plans aren’t always bad — but they’re rarely comprehensive. For many households, paying a little more for clearer cover and included servicing ends up being the calmer, cheaper choice long-term.
I’m Penny North, a home energy heating expert. My mission is to demystify new boilers and complex heating systems to help you achieve a warm, cosy home with lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint.