Gas Boiler Maintenance

hansi

When all is said and done, this cover is like any other insurance. Take car insurance as as instance. I have been driving for over 40 years and must have paid thousands in premiums yet have only had to claim once. Yes, i know it's compulsory but the principle is the same, ie, it's good to know it's there, and no, I am not one of those people who buys extended warranties with electrical goods etc, but I have more peace of mind knowing I'm covered for central heating and plumbing problems.

MarkyMarkD

Agreed hansi, each to their own.

But with motor and household insurance, you can reduce the premiums significantly by opting for a larger excess and (in the case of motor) not protecting your no claims discount.

cattie

But BG do NOT include an annual service.  The alternative is a far better deal.

As with all forms of insurance, it is NOT worth having this sort of cover unless you couldn't afford to pay for the repair in an emergency.  It's better to build up your own emergency fund (in a savings account) to pay for repairs (of all sorts) rather than buying boiler insurance/extended warranties.

If you want an annual service, have an annual service and pay for it separately.  Then pay for repairs if you need them.  Your are far LESS likely to need repairs if you have a proper annual service than if you have BG coming out and doing naff all once a year.  They make their service SEEM beneficial by not doing any meaningful preventative maintenance.

I too am confused by the statement that BG do not actually carry out an annual service on their 3 star cover. I've had this cover for many years now & as well as my boiler being serviced each year & any necessary parts being replaced, BG have also replaced 2 leaking radiators. This has all been part of my service contract, with no additional monies payable by me for parts or for labour.

Also I have to comment on how quickly they respond if you do have a problem & need to call them out.

MarkyMarkD

I'm passing this on secondhand - I've never had BG cover and wouldn't ever have it either.

But apparently they changed the terms of the cover, quite a few years back, replacing an annual SERVICE with an annual INSPECTION. They didn't change the wording for no reason - they changed it because they are doing less.

If you think you've saved money compared to getting faults fixed when they need fixing, that's very good for you.

zain

MarkymarkD -
I was just on the verge of signing up for the £11.99 a month and now you have made me think twice!
How expensive are boiler repairs in general? And presumably if you need a new boiler they don't cover that? Do they?
Thanks

djohn2002uk

It's not only how much plumbers charge but try getting one when you want one. Just hope we don't have a white Christmas and Sparkeys boiler gives up on Christmas day. I know I feel happy paying British Gas for the last 20 Yrs.

zain

My wife has convinced me to sign up for nationwide gas cover, which i have now done.

It is £11.99 a month and i plan to use it through the winter ( i know a cold spell is predicted!) and if i can, cancel it in Spring.

I am due to receive a pack of info in the post soon and will let you others know, if interested.

I should also get a free service and safety check within 28 days. This is all new to me and i am very curious to see what the 'free service' actually consists of!

MarkyMarkD

I'd be interested to know how you get on with the £11.99 crew.

And LOL at the white Christmas comments. If my boiler broke on Christmas day (apart from the fact I won't be at home) I would huddle up with Mrs MMD in the living room with the gas fire and the sleeping bags and it would be fine! We also have an electric fan heater which would do for the study (where the PC is) and electric showers so no problem with washing.

Whilst central heating is nice, it isn't so vital to me that I'll pay £2000 in 15 years just in case it goes wrong. If that makes me odd, then so be it.

hansi

I too am confused by the statement that BG do not actually carry out an annual service on their 3 star cover. I've had this cover for many years now & as well as my boiler being serviced each year & any necessary parts being replaced, BG have also replaced 2 leaking radiators. This has all been part of my service contract, with no additional monies payable by me for parts or for labour.

Also I have to comment on how quickly they respond if you do have a problem & need to call them out.

my point exactly cattie. Last Bank Holiday, my ball valve in my toilet leaked all over the floor and BG were there is less than than an hour. Last week that one leaked topo and they replaced t within te hour. Try getting a plumber to give you that sort of service, and more importantly, try getting a plumber on a Bank Holiday!

Chrol

Here is a copy of my post in "Grab it while you can " After a bit of research I found this to be the best and cheapest deal. -


I have found a great deal for Central Heating Breakdown cover with Powergen " Heatcover"

They are currently offering cover for £13 a month and will give you 3 months free in your first year. You will only pay £117 in your first year and this includes an annual service. The second year is guaranteed to stay at £13 a month. On the leaflet put through my door its says " for a limited time only ".

I am not a Powergen customer and they gave me the impression this was for Powergen customers only but were happy to give me this deal as a leaflet was put through my door.

There is no mention of the 3 free months on the website so to get this deal ring 0870 242 4204.


http://www.choosepowergen.co.uk/pg4/prod_hcover.html