Homeserve alternative.

grumman

I took out a Homeserve policy last Jan. A pressure relief valve went on my boiler in Feb:(, Homeserve contracter was there with in 3 hours:), diagnosed the problem:), didn't have the part, difficult to get hold of etc etc, and disappeared for 5 days :mad: with Homeserve telling me a boiler breakdown is not an emergency :mad::mad:. I ordered the part myself, it arrived within 24 hours and my local plumber fitted it all for £50:T, then I had to reclaim my £50 excess, which I had to pay before they send anyone out,from Homeserve and my costs. Now its policy renewal time, last years price £8.33 pcm ( half price deal) this years £25 pcm :rotfl:, only a 50% (or 200%) increase.

So, having canceled my policy from Jan, does anyone have an alternative to Homeserve they recommend.

Myser

Homeserve tend to be better than British Gas - I suppose you've just had a bad experience.

Note, that if you are shopping around, some of the energy utility companies and others sub-contract to Homeserve too.

As most people would recommend on this forum, put the money aside in a bank account and when something does go wrong, just pay for a competant local plumber to repair it (as you did recently!).

As an aside, I believe the AA are now doing boiler breakdown cover. I'm not sure if they use their own vans and staff or sub-contract:

http://www.theaa.com/insurance/home-emergency-response.html

KateLiana27

Myser wrote: »

As most people would recommend on this forum, put the money aside in a bank account and when something does go wrong, just pay for a competant local plumber to repair it (as you did recently!).

Couldn't agree more. All these schemes just prey on people's need for a (false) sense of security that everything is under control. It's only when you need them that you realise it's bunk.

Get together a list of competent, reliable local tradesmen (get tips from friends and neighbours), keep the money you would have spent on Homeserve or the like aside, and you'll be much better off.

27col

I changed from Homeserve to BG. BG were and are infinitely better as far as I'm concerned. I would not normally have a maintenance contract, but The one I have with BG does produce very rapid attendance, which I have found can be a problem with private contractors.

patd1967

you could try the corgi boiler cover,including plumbing and electrics with a annual boiler service for £16.99 per month

grumman

Thanks for all the responses, I'll have a think about it befroe my policy expires.

Broadsword

Homeserve are like any insurer and try to bump up prices each year especially for the loyal customers. If you can bear the fight, tell them you will not accept the increase and you will find prices shoot back down again. The proposed 2011 increase has been repriced at 2009 prices with some tough haggling!

keystone

As most people would recommend on this forum, put the money aside in a bank account and when something does go wrong, just pay for a competant local plumber to repair it (as you did recently!)

Agree - Self insure.

Cheers