Insuring Your Boiler
 
So you’ve chosen between wood, diesel, gas and electric boilers – or have possibly opted for a dual fuel one. Depending on where you live and whether your boiler is internal or external, it’s a good idea to get some homecare insurance for your new boiler, so – because I’m nice – I’ve made a list of a few hints and tips to make it easier and cheaper.

Firstly, you don’t have to buy your boiler cover policy from your energy supplier e.g. British Gas. Just because you get your gas and electric from one supplier doesn’t mean you have to get insurance from them too.

Secondly, be sure to compare prices. Try Direct Line, npower, British Gas and others.

 

But remember - there’s no point in shelling out for cover if you don’t need to; and whether you need to depends on who’s responsible for heating your home.

You’re not responsible if you rent!
If you rent accommodation or live in social/council housing, your landlord is responsible for repairing and maintaining the boiler, appliances, and gas fittings - and they must have annual checks and boiler maintenance by a CORGI-registered fitter (who should also have performed the boiler installation)

However, it's very important that you talk to your landlord/association and check that these inspections have been performed. Ask to see safety certificates if you don’t think you can take their word for it.

It’s also a good idea to establish how long it would take to organise a repair. If it will be 2 days (or more), ask if this can be upgraded to a swifter service; after all, if you’re renting, you are legally entitled to heat!

Owner-occupiers
Generally speaking, you should only need a boiler/heating policy if you are an owner-occupier. And even if you are, some properties cannot be covered; for example - mobile homes, they have unfixed electrics.

If you’re buying a new home, make sure you have the boiler and any other gas appliances checked. You may already have boiler cover specified in your home insurance policy; so it's always worth checking before signing up to anything.