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British Gas vs manufacturer cover vs local independents — what each costs and what they actually cover.
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Top tips
Hiring a central heating, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Old boiler exclusion
Many providers won't cover boilers over 7–10 years old, or with significant exclusions.
Excess on every claim
£60–£100 excess every emergency adds up. For occasional issues, pay-as-you-go cheaper.
Long wait for non-emergency
Non-emergency repair waits weeks. Pay-as-you-go quicker.
Cancellation difficulty
Plans often auto-renew with annual price increase. Read carefully.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
British Gas HomeCare 100 (boiler only)Annual, excess £60
£180–£300
British Gas HomeCare 200 (boiler + heating)Annual, excess £60
£250–£400
British Gas HomeCare 400 (full plumbing)Annual, excess £60
£400–£700
HomeServe boiler coverAnnual, varying excess
£150–£300
EDF boiler coverAnnual, energy bundle
£120–£250
Local plumber service-only contractAnnual, no cover
£100–£250
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
InfographicThe Central Heating briefing.
Infographic
Central Heating quick-view
Boiler cover plans pay a monthly premium for emergency repairs and annual service. Expect to pay £8–£40 per month in the UK depending on cover level. Some plans give peace of mind; others are expensive vs paying as needed.
What Does the Work Involve?
Plans typically include: annual service visit, emergency repair (with excess), parts cost, sometimes whole-house plumbing emergency. Highest-tier plans include radiators, controls, drains. Pay-as-you-go alternative: budget £200–£600 per year average for boiler maintenance (varies wildly).
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Gas HomeCare 100 (boiler only) | 180 | 300 | Annual, excess £60 |
| British Gas HomeCare 200 (boiler + heating) | 250 | 400 | Annual, excess £60 |
| British Gas HomeCare 400 (full plumbing) | 400 | 700 | Annual, excess £60 |
| HomeServe boiler cover | 150 | 300 | Annual, varying excess |
| EDF boiler cover | 120 | 250 | Annual, energy bundle |
| Local plumber service-only contract | 100 | 250 | Annual, no cover |
| Pay-as-you-go average year | 100 | 500 | Varies hugely |
How Long Does It Take?
Setup: 30 minutes online. First service: 1–2 weeks lead time. Emergency response: typically 24–48 hours, faster for premium tiers.
DIY or Professional?
Cover plan only — annual service and any repairs are by the provider's engineers.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Compare plans on excess, parts cost, and exclusions. Read small print — many "comprehensive" plans exclude key components. Local plumber service contract often cheaper for established homeowners with reliable boiler.
UK Regulations
Cover providers must be Gas Safe registered. Plans regulated by FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).
Common Problems
- Old boiler exclusion: Many providers won't cover boilers over 7–10 years old, or with significant exclusions.
- Excess on every claim: £60–£100 excess every emergency adds up. For occasional issues, pay-as-you-go cheaper.
- Long wait for non-emergency: Non-emergency repair waits weeks. Pay-as-you-go quicker.
- Cancellation difficulty: Plans often auto-renew with annual price increase. Read carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
British Gas vs HomeServe?
British Gas: established, 24/7 emergency, premium price. HomeServe: cheaper, broader plumbing coverage, sometimes slower response.
Worth getting boiler cover?
For new boilers under manufacturer warranty (10 years): probably not — call-outs and parts free. For 8+ year-old boilers: yes if you can't afford a £500 surprise.
Local plumber service contract?
Often cheaper than national providers — £100–£250 annual for service. Doesn't include cover for unexpected breakdowns. Reliable local plumber + emergency budget often cheapest.
Cover for radiators and pipework?
Premium tier plans cover. Mid-tier usually boiler only. Check small print before signing.
Excess on emergencies?
£60–£100 typical. Pay-as-you-go avoids excess but no guaranteed response time.
Will service plans cover power flushing?
Rarely. Power flush is separately charged £400–£900. Some plans include if part of recurring claim diagnosis.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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