British Gas Home care Cover

shippers

We are first time buyers and have just moved into our first home this summer. We're thinking about taking out the British Gas homecare 200 (£15 per month) incase our boiler or heating is to break down over the winter months. This cover also includes an annual service.
Has anyone any experience of this cover and thinks it's good value for money? Or would it be cheaper to pay for the breakdown if it arises?

poppy_f1

my mum has this type of thing and shes had to call them out a couple of times so she thinks its value for money, plus they were out the next day so easier than trying to get someone local out asap

dunstonh

Normally I would say put the money to one side and it would soon build up enough to cover servicing/repairs. However, I have a potterton/maxi boiler and they are notoriously unreliable (there are whole forums dedicated to the unreliability of these!) and I have BG homecare and have used it a few times and its more than covered its cost.

shippers

Thanks for that. I'll look into it a bit more. I like the sound of the annual service and inspection especially with us just moving in. Want to check the safety of the boiler etc.

gyzmo

Also think about how likely is it to break down. If your appliances are new, then you have statutory rights to replacement, repair or refund, should something go wrong, and cover is not necessary.

If it is older, then it might be worth looking into.

dunstonh

Also think about how likely is it to break down. If your appliances are new, then you have statutory rights to replacement, repair or refund, should something go wrong, and cover is not necessary.

Mine went wrong 4 times in the first 6 years. A new build house but Bovis wouldnt cover the cost of the third time. It was a hassle to get it the money out of them the second time. Nearly every boiler on our estate has failed in the first few years due to a design fault by Potterton/Maxi. They wont replace it free of charge. So dont rely on the newer boiler rule.

shippers

I don't know much in the way of boilers but ours is a Gloworm Space saver 2. Think they have a good reputation but it is 17 years old! Think i might sign up for the Homecare 200 and see how it goes. Does anybody know if it's a 12 month contract? I can ring British Gas and see.

Thanks

johnofhertford

If you have a good local plumber who can service the boiler for you and come out in emergencies at reasonable rates, then I think it's probably slightly better to put the money in a savings account and use that when you need to pay for something. On the other hand, if something big went wrong and you'd really struggle to find the money for it, then insurance offering that peace of mind may be the best option for you.

You don't have to go with British Gas, there are other companies that offer similar schemes, and it's worth comparing quotes and levels of cover.

Have a read through Martin's article and you'll see some links to comparison sites where you can find out the different prices.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1154515439,15611,

craftingqueen_2

i also have the BG insurance .I have been with them for a number of years.They came yesterday and gave my boiler the yearly check up and checked all the radiators etc.And if you don't call them out in the 12 months you get a discount on your monthly payments.It's not just the boiler that is covered ,we had a problem with our radiator ,we were told if the thermostat controller had'nt worked they were going to replace the whole of the radiator free of charge.

cattie

I've had BG service cover for years & have only praise for them. They are very quick to respond to calls, which is essential when the weather is freezing & you have a problem.

I've had radiators replaced by them twice, on seperate occasions, all parts & labour included in the annual charge.

Before thinking about signing up with another company just check whether it's as good or comprehensive as the BG cover, not worth going for less just to save a pound or two then finding out you have to wait a couple of weeks for someone to come & sort out your boiler or heating problem.

johnofhertford

Does the BG policy include a full service now or just an inspection?