What is landlord boiler cover?
It’s inevitable that at some point throughout leasing a property, the boiler may need repairing or replacing. This can be a hefty expense to cover unexpectedly and it can also be difficult to find a plumber at short notice. If the boiler breaks in winter, the last thing you want is for your tenants to be waiting days for a plumber to come out.
Landlord boiler cover affords you protection in the event of a boiler breakdown. The repair and replacement costs are covered, and the best policies also guarantee 24/7 access to a plumber, ensuring your tenants aren’t left in the cold.
It’s important to note that most boilers will come with a warranty as standard that serves a similar purpose to boiler cover, but there may be some terms and conditions you need to adhere to in order to qualify.
In addition, some home insurance policies have boiler cover built in, so make sure you check that you’re not covered elsewhere before you take out additional insurance.
If your boiler is more than seven years old, you may struggle to find coverage for it. This is because older boilers may not meet the criteria set out by insurers, and they may be more likely to break down or need repairs. In this case, willing insurers may charge more, so consider whether it’s cheaper to install a new boiler.
Types of landlord boiler cover
When choosing the best landlord boiler cover, you need to consider the extent of the cover you’re getting. There are three main options:
- Boiler only cover: This is the cheapest option, but doesn’t cover your entire heating system – only the boiler itself.
- Boiler and heating system coverage: Covers the whole heating system, including the boiler, radiators, pipes, and heat pumps.
- Emergency cover: The most expensive cover, but one that affords you full protection for your entire heating system and allows you to call out a plumber 24/7.
Finding the best landlord boiler cover
Like any type of insurance or coverage, there are lots of landlord boiler cover options, and that can make choosing the best one somewhat difficult. That being said, there are a number of things you can do to find the best cover at the right price.
1. Choose the right type
As mentioned, there are three main types of coverage, but the type you choose will depend on the heating system you have in your property. If the heating system is older, then it may be best to go for boiler and heating system coverage, especially if your central heating system is no longer covered by the manufacturer warranty.
On the other hand, if your radiators and pipes are new and covered by a warranty but the boiler is a little older and out of warranty, boiler only cover could be the most suitable option.
Arguably the best option is emergency cover because it allows you to find a plumber any time of the day or night, any day of the year, and it covers the whole heating system. If you want maximum peace of mind and coverage, this is the best landlord boiler cover.
2. Think about callouts
If you’ve got an older boiler or have previously had to have multiple callouts in a year, this will be something you need to factor in. Most providers will have a limited number of callouts, and some might charge extra if you need a callout at the weekend or in the evening. Make sure you compare policies effectively to ensure you’re not left high and dry, and if you repeatedly need a callout, it could be time to replace the boiler.
3. Compare what’s included
Not all landlord boiler cover policies cover the same things. In addition to differences in callout caps and out of hours charges, some policies may also differ in which parts are covered and whether labour is covered, too. Avoid overpaying or hidden fees by reading the small print.
4. Check the costs
When you take out boiler cover, you’ll need to pay a monthly premium and excess when you claim. As a general rule of thumb, the lower the monthly premium is, the higher the excess will be, so you may need to find a large sum of money upfront if you choose a plan like this.
It’s also worth noting that the most expensive plan might not be the best plan for you, so it’s important you shop around. To find the best price for the coverage you need, it’s a good idea to use a price comparison website.
Popular landlord boiler cover providers
Once you’ve figured out the best type of coverage for you, you’ll need to look at suppliers. There are a few recognised suppliers, including:
- HomeServe
- YourRepair
- Hometree· 247 Home Rescue
Emergency boiler repairs with BBright
Landlord boiler cover isn’t compulsory, but it’s a good idea to have it. In the event you don’t have it or your provider can’t fix your issue, BBright provides an emergency boiler repair service. Our wide network of engineers are on-hand to help you if you need it. Simply call us on 01279 888429.
Alternatively, you can also call us if you’re thinking of replacing your boiler.
