The short answer
Want the numbers for you? Our boiler cover calculator compares two years of cover with paying for repairs yourself.
Boiler cover is a bet that your repair bills, plus the cost of the hassle, will be more than you pay in premiums. Over many years, on average, providers win that bet; that's how they stay in business. Cover is still worth it if a sudden repair bill would be hard to pay, or if you value having one number to call at 7am on a freezing morning.
Five questions to ask yourself
1. Could you pay a surprise repair bill?
If an unexpected few hundred pounds would put you under real pressure, cover spreads that cost into predictable monthly payments. If you have savings to fall back on, you could put the same amount aside each month and keep what you don't spend.
2. Is your boiler still under warranty?
Many new boilers come with a manufacturer's warranty of several years, often only if the boiler is serviced every year. While it lasts, a cover plan may overlap with what you already have. Check what your warranty covers before you buy.
3. How old is your boiler?
Older boilers break down more often, which makes cover more useful. But replacement is usually limited to younger boilers: the providers we compare only replace a boiler they can't repair if it's under 7 years old, with other conditions. If yours is older and fails for good, you'll usually pay for the new one yourself.
4. Do you rent?
If you're a tenant, your landlord is normally responsible for repairing the boiler and heating, so you generally don't need your own cover. Landlords should read our guide to landlord boiler cover.
5. Do you already pay for an annual service?
A yearly service helps keep a boiler safe and efficient, and is often needed to keep a warranty valid. Some plans include it, so if you're paying separately, a plan with a service included may cost less than it first looks.
Watch the year-two price
The price you see is usually an introductory one. On 29 October 2026, HomeServe's cheapest boiler plan was £6.49 a month (about £78 for the year), expected to rise to £15.55 a month (about £187) in year two if you don't claim. Hometree says it won't raise your price above inflation if you haven't claimed.
Set a reminder before your renewal date. Comparing again, or asking your provider to match a better price, can save you money.
Know what you're not getting
Cover doesn't pay for faults that already exist when you join, and there's a waiting period before you can claim. There are other common exclusions too. What boiler cover doesn't include.
Decided cover makes sense?
Compare prices, excesses and what's included, side by side.
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Last updated 30 October 2026