Can I buy boiler insurance then get a repair done straight away?

Nice_Username

I had a new gas combi boiler fitted 4 years ago and have never had any problems. However the last couple of days the boiler seems to be getting a bit temperamental and the gas isn't always igniting when we turn on the hot water or the central heating. If I buy insurance cover today from somewhere like Homeserve (£66 on Uswitch)will I be able to book a repair straight away or can't I do that for a certain amount of time? I'm unable to view the Terms and Conditions until after I have purchased.

rosalie-lavender

Our combi boiler does what you describe if the pressure needs topping up. From time to time I have to top up the system with water to make sure the water pressure is at the right level. I presume you have checked that? It is something I sometimes forget to do and then wonder why the boiler won't ignite.

dacouch

They will pay particular attention to a claim they receive from a policy that has just been taken out and where there is no history of other boiler insurance.

What you are proposing to do is technically fraud and can have sever penalties if your caught

tattycath

When we joined british gas home care? boiler cover, we told them our boiler needed repairing when we asked to sign up. They said that was fine and it would be reflected in the monthly payments - we were charged £30 every month for the first year (which was alot easier than forking out for a repair all in one go). No fraud, no one was duped and boiler was repaired. hth

dacouch

Here is the relevant exclusion from Homeserve.

Exclusion period: To prevent claims on pre-existing problems
(and therefore to reduce premiums), in your first year of cover,
there is an initial 28 day period when you are not covered. The
date from which you are able to make a claim is shown on
your Policy Summary under ‘period of insurance’. Providing
you renew before the expiry of your policy, the exclusion
period does not apply after your first year of cover.

http://www.homeserve.com/pdf/tac/tac-HSIH77B-HS1478L.pdf

maninthestreet

You can't buy insurance like this that provides cover for pre-existing faults.

ormus

why do you need boiler insurance? 360 quid per annum is more than than any cost to repair a boiler. (virtually).
remember they sell the insurance to make a profit. it must be very good business cause i get leaflets every week from one company or another. there must be dozens at it.
its just the same con as extended warranties.

rosalie-lavender

I have boiler insurance and it doesn't cost anywhere near £360 a year.

irn_bru

rosalie-lavender wrote: »

Our combi boiler does what you describe if the pressure needs topping up. From time to time I have to top up the system with water to make sure the water pressure is at the right level. I presume you have checked that? It is something I sometimes forget to do and then wonder why the boiler won't ignite.

Be aware that if you are topping up the water fairly regularly then you probably have a leak somewhere. Adding fresh untreated water to the system will eventually lead to corrosion so you may want to get this looked at. You don't want to end up having to replace your entire heating system just because of a small leak!

macman

Boilers are supposed to be serviced once a year. After 4 years I suggest you get a qualified CH engineer in to service it, and not waste money on paying out for insurance you may never need.