HomeServe not so Free Boiler

nc35

Regarding HomeServe Boiler Cover.

Parents have been advised that the “old” boiler is beyond economic repair “BER”.
So instead of temp fix or repair they switched the boiler off on Friday 1st March. Leaving them with no hot water or heating...
Today and engineer has been today to estimate the installation costs as a free replacement boiler is covered in the insurance.
The quote for labour and parts comes to approx. £1,500.

I feel that the engineer and HomeServe are taking advantage of my elderly parents, so I have asked another Heating Engineer to have a look.
JH Gas and Heating have quoted £1,700.00 or a new boiler installed 13 year parts and labour gtee – inclusive of VAT everything.... Also if we can get a free boiler from HomeServe they would install it of £350 inc.

Such a disparity I can’t believe. HomeServe are adamant the estimate is correct.

Any thoughts or advice where I can go from here???

Thanking you all in anticipation

jk0

I'd get the independant firm to see if they can repair the boiler for a few hundred. Insurers are notorious for finding boilers beyond repair, as it means they don't have to fix them.

nc35

I am more concerned about the installation costs being so out proportion...
Wondering if they are regulated as its and insurance product.

jk0

I tried.

nc35

Bit stoooopid, but I would prefer to spend £200 more and not have to pay the insurance to HomeServe for 13 years....

G_M

Check what 'installation' means to ensure you compare like-for-like.


So many new Building Regs it may require a new flu, or flue moving, or other extra work. Does it include a power flush and is that a condition of the new boiler warranty?


Worth checking.


But on the face of it, if you can get the boiler free and installed separately for £350 sounds like a good deal. Only other risk is if there's an issue down the line and the installer blames the boiler and the boiler supplier blames the installer..........

nc35

Unfortunately HomeServe won't just supply a boiler.

In my opinion they are covering the cost of the boiler with the exaggerated installation costs... Bit dishonest but not a bad business plan.

G_M

nc35 wrote: »

Unfortunately HomeServe won't just supply a boiler.

In my opinion they are covering the cost of the boiler with the exaggerated installation costs... Bit dishonest but not a bad business plan.

Indeed.


Not much you can do but shop aound for independant engineers to supply and fit, ensuring you get like-for-like quotes, and then compare against the Homeserve 'free' boiler price......


and then cancel your Homeserve contract.

southcoastrgi

Installation cost of £350 is a ridiculously low amount, I'm guessing your independent has quoted for a Alpha boiler ?

Ectophile

Get a good quality boiler installed by a manufacturer accredited installer, and it should come with a big long warranty - maybe 5 or 7 years. You can then cancel the boiler cover and save money every year.


But it will still need annual servicing or the warranty will be voided.