Is a Boiler Care Plan Worth It?
A boiler care plan is usually worth it if your boiler is out of its manufacturer’s warranty, you’d struggle to find a few hundred pounds for an unexpected repair, and you’d rather pay a fixed monthly amount. It’s usually poorer value if your boiler is new and still under warranty, or very old and likely to be excluded when it matters.
Before comparing prices, look at what’s actually included. The biggest differences between plans are in the exclusions, the excess and the limits, not the monthly price.
What a boiler care plan usually includes
Plans vary, but most combine some of the following:
- an annual boiler service
- repairs to the boiler, including parts and labour, up to a limit
- call-outs, sometimes with an excess each time
- the central heating system, such as radiators, pump and valves, on higher tiers
- controls, such as the programmer and thermostat, on some plans
- a helpline and priority booking
- replacement of the boiler if it can’t be repaired, on some premium plans only, usually with age limits
Who a care plan suits
| Situation | Is a plan likely to be worth it? |
|---|---|
| Boiler under 2–3 years old, still under warranty | Often not. The manufacturer covers most faults, and you’d pay mainly for the service |
| Boiler out of warranty, reasonably modern | Often yes, especially if you want to budget monthly |
| Older boiler with a repair history | Maybe. Check the age limits and exclusions carefully |
| Landlord with rental properties | Often yes, for predictable costs and faster repairs for tenants. Check whether the gas safety check is included |
| You’d rather save and pay per repair | Put the monthly amount aside instead. You keep it if nothing breaks |
What’s often excluded
Reading the exclusions is the most important part of comparing plans. Common ones include:
- Pre-existing faults. Many plans won’t cover faults present when you sign up, and some have an initial period with no claims allowed.
- Sludge and debris damage. Some plans exclude damage caused by a dirty system, or require a powerflush first.
- Older boilers. Some plans cap cover by boiler age or limit repair spending on older models.
- Obsolete parts. If parts aren’t available any more, the plan may not pay towards a replacement.
- Limits on how much they’ll pay per repair or per year.
- Flue, pipework or access problems, such as boilers in lofts without safe access.
Questions to ask before signing up
- Is there an excess per call-out, and how much is it?
- What is the maximum the plan will pay per repair and per year?
- Is there an initial period where you can’t claim?
- Are there age limits on the boiler?
- Does it include the annual service, and a landlord gas safety check if you need one?
- What happens if the boiler can’t be repaired?
- How much has the price gone up at renewal in the past, and can you cancel mid-term?
- Who does the work? Are they Gas Safe registered, and roughly how quickly can they get to you?
Care plan vs manufacturer warranty vs pay as you go
- Manufacturer warranty: new boilers often come with a multi-year warranty, as long as they’re registered and serviced every year. During the warranty, the manufacturer usually fixes covered faults for free. A care plan mainly adds the service and cover for things the warranty doesn’t include.
- Care plan: a fixed monthly cost for servicing and repairs. You’re paying for predictable costs.
- Pay as you go: you book a service every year and pay for repairs when they happen. It’s usually cheapest overall if the boiler is reliable, but you need money set aside for breakdowns.
Whichever route you choose, keep having the boiler serviced every year. It’s usually a warranty condition, and it’s the best way to catch problems early.
Here’s what an annual boiler service includes.
FAQs
Can I get a care plan on an old boiler?
Often yes, but check the age limits and whether repair costs are capped for older boilers. Some plans need a service or inspection before cover starts.
Does a care plan cover a new boiler if mine breaks?
Only some premium plans include replacement, and usually with conditions. Most plans cover repairs, not replacement.
Is boiler cover the same as home insurance?
No. Home insurance usually covers damage caused by an escape of water, not repairing the boiler itself, unless you’ve added home emergency cover. Check your policy.