What is Landlord Boiler Cover?

What is landlord boiler cover? 

If you’re a landlord and unsure about whether to invest in a landlord boiler cover, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Landlord boiler cover is an insurance policy that’s crucial in ensuring that your tenants remain warm and comfortable. While also protecting you from unexpected boiler breakdowns.

Boiler cover also referred to as gas boiler cover or boiler breakdown cover, provides insurance for your boiler in case of breakdowns or faults. If your boiler develops a problem, the boiler cover takes care of the costs of engineer call-outs and labour. Additionally, it includes an annual boiler service, which is essential for maintaining the manufacturer warranty and ensuring that the boiler is in perfect working order.

For landlords, boiler cover is designed to cater to the unique needs of rental properties. Therefore, landlords' specific requirements tailor certain features of these packages. In this regard, we’ll explore what home boiler cover for landlords entails and whether it’s the right choice for you.

Landlord Boiler Cover - Do I Need One?

As a landlord, it falls under your responsibility to shoulder the expenses for repairing a faulty or broken boiler and arrange for an engineer to fix the issue. If your engineer advises the need for a new boiler, you would also take responsibility for its replacement.

Since tenants cannot arrange for boiler repairs or cover the costs themselves, it is crucial to have appropriate cover in place. With your authorization and landlord boiler cover, your tenant may be able to arrange for an engineer call-out or repair if the boiler malfunctions while you are away.

If you have landlord home insurance, you may already have boiler cover included in your buildings and contents insurance policy. You should check your current policy details to discover what it includes.. As it may already cover landlord boiler care or gas central heating.

What if I have a warranty?

If you have a modern boiler, it likely comes with a manufacturer warranty that can last up to 10 years, depending on the installer. By using an installer that's approved by the manufacturer, you can get an extended warranty for your boiler. For instance, Vaillant Advanced and Worcester-accredited installers offer extended warranties for Vaillant and Worcester Bosch boilers, respectively. All boilers installed by PlusHeat also come with an automatic 10-year warranty.

However, relying solely on the manufacturer's warranty may not be enough to protect you in case of boiler faults or breakdowns. The warranty only covers issues that occur within a certain number of years. And may not cover problems caused by physical damage or limescale. Also, if your boiler is older than 15 years, you may have to pay more for cover. As it's more likely to break down due to age and may be out of warranty.

This is where landlord boiler insurance comes in. With this type of cover, you won't have to worry about paying a large sum of money to repair your boiler or replace it. You'll also get an annual service to keep your manufacturer warranty valid and access to a helpline and unlimited callouts. Plus, the landlord boiler cover may include repairs to the boiler's controls if they develop a fault.

It is important to recognize that certain boiler cover plans may have specific conditions regarding whether they can provide coverage if the boiler has already experienced a breakdown. Therefore, it's important to double-check that you're getting the best deal possible with your landlord boiler cover.

What’s the difference between homeowner and landlord boiler cover?

Typically, boiler cover for homeowners offers repair services for both the boiler and its controls, an annual boiler service, and a set number of call-outs included in the monthly fee. However, landlord boiler cover has an additional feature: a Landlord Gas Safety Record. This legal document proves that you have had your gas appliances inspected annually, as required by law.

Landlord Boiler Cover vs Central Heating Cover

It may be difficult to distinguish between landlord boiler cover and central heating cover. Generally, boiler cover will only protect your boiler and controls, whereas a central heating cover will cover your boiler, controls, radiators, pipework, and cylinder. Central heating cover is often referred to as boiler and heating cover as it covers more than just the boiler.

In the context of landlord insurance, central heating cover is typically defined as covering everything that boiler and heating cover covers for landlords. This distinction is important because it differs slightly from the central heating cover that homeowners receive.

What landlord boiler cover do I need?

When it comes to choosing landlord boiler cover, most packages will offer similar benefits, but there are still some important factors to consider. Checking the number of included callouts, the cover cost, 24/7 helpline availability, and the possibility of scheduling evening and weekend repairs is essential.

However, the most critical consideration is that the cover meets your specific needs. As a landlord, you want complete peace of mind knowing that your property is protected even when you're not there. Some policies may have a limited number of repairs and breakdowns covered in a year. While others may offer an unlimited number of callouts for a fixed price. It's crucial to compare different landlord boiler cover packages and choose the one that suits your needs best.

What is an Annual Service visit?

To maintain the validity of your boiler warranty, it's essential to have an annual boiler service, during which a gas-safe engineer will conduct routine checks. The service includes a visual inspection of the boiler and controls. As well as an examination of the boiler's internal components, to ensure it's firing properly and in good condition.

Fortunately, most landlord boiler cover packages include an annual service for free, along with a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate.

What is an Excess?

When you claim boiler repair, you may be required to pay an excess charge. The excess is the amount that you will need to pay for an engineer to visit your property and fix your boiler. While some landlord cover packages include an excess fee in their monthly price. Others may charge you an additional fee of around £50 for each call-out. Look for landlord-cover plans that offer no excess to avoid having to pay this additional fee.

Can I switch to a different landlord boiler care provider?

Switching your landlord boiler cover provider is a straightforward process and can potentially save you money. However, before you make the switch, make sure to review the terms and conditions of your current policy to avoid any cancellation fees.

Most landlord boiler cover policies have a 12-month term. So you can either wait until it expires. Or, if you are dissatisfied with your current policy, you can pay the cancellation fee.

It's important to do your research and compare different options before selecting a new package. To ensure it meets your needs and provides adequate protection for your property. Remember, insurance is a crucial aspect of safeguarding your property. So it's worth taking the time to find the right fit for you.