Boiler insurance can avoid expensive repair bills, but only a fifth of home policies include it

Heavy snowfall covers much of the UK, leaving many households dependent on their central heating to keep warm.

It would be the worst possible time for a boiler to fail – but more frequent use and the risk of frozen or burst pipes means boilers are more likely to stop working during colder weather.

If your boiler breaks, it could cost thousands of dollars to get a new one – and only one in five home insurance companies will pay for it, according to new research.

New boilers normally cost £600 to £2,500, with labor costs of £300 to £600 on top of that, according to Uswitch.

Even an annual boiler service costs around £100, while repairs can cost hundreds of pounds.

But less than one-fifth (19 percent) of home contents insurance policies include coverage for boiler breakdowns, according to experts at financial information provider Defaqto.

This rises slightly to 22 percent of home insurance policies.

>> How to get the best deal on home insurance: read our guide

How much does it cost to take out a boiler cover?

You can pay extra for boiler cover with about half of home contents and building insurance policies.

Another possibility is to take out a separate ‘standalone’ boiler breakage insurance.

This is designed to protect a boiler against the cost of future breakdowns and normally costs £60 to £120 a year.

These deals will help cover the cost of any boiler repairs, but may not pay for a full replacement.

However, 78 per cent of available policies (35 out of 45) will cover the cost of at least £500 to help with the purchase of a new boiler.

Thirteen policies (29 percent) offer unlimited replacement cover, but this depends on the age and brand of the boiler.

A level higher than boiler insurance is home emergency coverage. This can be used to pay for, among other things, the costs of central heating failure, burst pipes, faulty electricity and roof damage due to bad weather.

Households pay around £200 to £300 a year for home emergencies, including an annual boiler service.

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Emergency housing insurance is sometimes added to the contents and buildings insurance.

It can also be included with package bank accounts or offered through utility companies, so it’s worth checking if you already have this coverage without realizing it.

Defaqto insight advisor Angela Pilley said, “With much of the country covered in snow this morning, having hot water and heating becomes a higher priority again.

A boiler repair or replacement can be extremely costly and if you don’t have the resources to afford it then a boiler breakdown policy may be a good option for you.

“Those homeowners looking for more comprehensive coverage may find an emergency home policy that offers more comfort, but coverage may be limited, so it’s always worth checking the market to find a policy that suitable for your circumstances.’

What to do if your boiler breaks down

If you think your boiler has stopped working, BoilerGuide experts have advice on what to do now.

Mind your safety

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, call the Gas Alarm Service as soon as possible.

In England the number is 0800 111 999. In Scotland it is 0800 002 001, for Wales call 0800 002 001 and in Northern Ireland 0800 002 001.

Also remember that some broken boilers can lead to leaks of dangerous gas carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.

Do not try to solve it yourself

This can be dangerous and will likely void your warranty or insurance.

Find a qualified engineer

Find a local trusted boiler technician and ask him to solve the problem.

Remember that some devices still work

If your house has an electric water heater, you will still have hot water.

Likewise, electric showers will still work, as will modern washing machines that heat their own water.