Boiler Cover Plans Compared: UK Prices 2026
Independent, side-by-side comparison of major UK boiler cover providers. Real prices, honest assessment - no affiliate rankings. The top GSC query landing here is "boiler service contract cost" - that is exactly what this page answers.
What Is a Boiler Cover Plan?
A boiler cover plan is a monthly subscription (typically £7-25/month) that covers your annual boiler service plus breakdown repairs. When something breaks, you call the provider and they send an engineer at no extra cost - or with a fixed excess. Think of it as boiler insurance with a servicing bundle included.
Key terms to understand before you compare:
Provider Comparison Table
Prices shown are for boiler-only cover plans including annual service, as of April 2026. Prices vary by boiler age and location.
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Service Included? | Excess | Boiler Age Limit | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Gas HomeCare | from £12/mo | Yes | £0 | Up to 15 years | 3.8/5 |
| HomeServe | from £11.60/mo | Yes | £0-60 | Up to 15 years | 4.0/5 |
| Hometree | from £12.95/mo | Yes | £95 | No age limit | 4.6/5 |
| 247 Home Rescue | from £7.99/mo | Add-on | £95 | Up to 15 years | 3.5/5 |
| PlusHeat | from £6.98/mo | Yes | £85 | Up to 12 years | 4.4/5 |
| EDF Boiler Care | from £11.60/mo | Yes | £0 | Up to 15 years | 3.7/5 |
| Your Repair | from £9.99/mo | Add-on | £99 | Up to 15 years | 4.2/5 |
| CoverBee | from £8.50/mo | Yes | £99 | Up to 12 years | 4.1/5 |
Prices as of April 2026. Always verify current pricing on the provider website before purchasing.
Cover Plan vs One-Off Service: 5-Year Cost Comparison
Using a mid-range cover plan at £15/month (£180/year) vs annual service at £87 plus paying for repairs as they arise.
| Scenario | Cover Plan (5yr) | One-Off + Pay Repairs | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| No breakdowns | £900 | £435 (5 x service) | One-off wins |
| One breakdown (avg £300) | £900 | £735 | Cover plan slightly better |
| Two breakdowns (avg £300 each) | £900 | £1,035 | Cover plan wins |
| Major repair (e.g. heat exchanger £600) | £900 | £1,035 | Cover plan wins |
Is Boiler Cover Worth It? Honest Assessment
Pay for an annual service (£60-80 locally) and that's it. Your manufacturer warranty covers parts and labour for 5-12 years. A cover plan is pure profit for the provider in this scenario.
Balance of probability favours one-off service if you have £500+ in savings for emergencies. If you prefer peace of mind and have a tight budget, basic cover (£7-10/month) makes sense.
Breakdown probability increases sharply. A comprehensive cover plan is good value. Check the excess carefully - some cheap plans have high excess that negates the benefit.
Insurers often refuse to cover old boilers, or charge very high premiums. At this age, replacement is usually more economical. See our guide to whether to service or replace.
Landlord cover plans handle CP12 scheduling, provide emergency cover for tenants, and ensure legal compliance. The peace of mind and admin reduction justifies the cost for most landlords.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Low introductory price that doubles on renewal - always check what year 2 price will be
- High excess per claim - a £99 excess on a £150 repair means the cover paid only £51
- Claims limits - some plans cap total payouts at £500/year; a heat exchanger replacement alone costs £400-800
- Slow response times - check reviews for how quickly they actually send engineers in winter
- Restrictive exclusions - pre-existing faults, scale, sludge, and cosmetic damage are almost always excluded
- Auto-renewal without notice - set a calendar reminder to review your plan annually
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a boiler cover plan?
A boiler cover plan is a monthly subscription (£7-25/month) that covers your annual boiler service plus breakdown cover - parts and labour if something goes wrong. When something breaks, you call the provider and they send an engineer at no extra cost (or with a fixed excess). Basic plans cover the boiler only; comprehensive plans may cover central heating, plumbing, and electrics too.
Is British Gas HomeCare worth the money?
British Gas HomeCare costs from £12 per month for boiler-only cover including annual service. Compared to paying £70-80 for a service plus self-insuring for repairs, British Gas costs more per year unless you have one breakdown. The brand premium is real, but so is the 24/7 availability, no excess on most plans, and standardised engineer quality. If you want low hassle and don not mind paying more, British Gas is a reasonable choice. If you are financially comfortable to absorb a repair, a cheaper plan or local engineer is better value.
What should I look for in a boiler cover plan?
Key things to check: Does it include the annual service (some cheaper plans do not)? What is the excess per claim? Is there a claim limit (some cap at £500-1,000 per year)? What is the boiler age limit (many refuse boilers over 10-15 years)? What is excluded - pre-existing faults, sludge, and cosmetic damage are usually excluded. What is the response time for breakdowns? Check Trustpilot for claims experience, not just signup reviews.
Can I get boiler cover for an old boiler?
Most providers have age limits. British Gas and HomeServe cover up to 15 years. Hometree has no age limit but charges more for older boilers. PlusHeat covers up to 12 years. If your boiler is over 15 years old, getting cover may be difficult or expensive. At that age, replacement is usually more economical - see our service or replace guide.