Boiler cover guide

Is boiler cover worth it?

An honest guide to the costs, the benefits and when you might not need it.

If your boiler is getting older, or an unexpected repair bill would put pressure on your finances, boiler cover could be a sensible investment.

But if your boiler is new and still under warranty, paying for an annual service separately may work out cheaper. Which? says paying as you go is cheaper for most people over several years. Here’s how to decide which suits you.

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The basics

What is boiler cover?

Boiler cover is a monthly plan that helps with the cost and hassle of boiler problems. Depending on the plan, it can include:

Boiler cover

What it can include

Depending on the plan you choose

Engineer call-outs
A qualified engineer comes out when your boiler breaks down.
Parts and labour
Covered repairs, without a surprise bill for the work.
Your annual service
Keeps your boiler safe, efficient and your warranty valid.
Radiators, controls and pipework
On plans that cover your whole heating system.
A 24-hour helpline
Someone to call, day or night, when something goes wrong.

Some plans cover only the boiler. Others include your whole heating system. Always check what’s included.

Compare our plans

Boiler cover costs

How much does boiler cover cost?

Which? found homeowners paid an average of £183 a year for boiler cover in 2025. Prices vary widely depending on what’s covered, from boiler-only plans to cover for your whole heating system, so compare what’s included as well as the price.

Saltire boiler service plans

Plans from £8.99 a month

Silver

from £8.99 a month

Gold

from £19.99 a month

Platinum

from £25.99 a month

Each level adds more cover. Check exactly what’s included in each plan before you choose.

See what each plan includes

Repair costs

What does a boiler repair cost without cover?

It depends on the fault and the parts needed. Checkatrade’s repair cost guide (2023) puts typical boiler repairs at £100 to £500, and some repairs cost more.

Common problems include:

No heating or hot water

Often caused by a failed part, a fault code or a problem with your controls.

Low boiler pressure

Pressure that keeps dropping can point to a leak somewhere in the system.

Boiler leaking water

Water around your boiler can mean a failing seal, valve or internal component.

Faulty pump, fan or ignition

Unusual noises or a boiler that won’t fire up often need a replacement part.

Without cover or a warranty, you pay for the diagnosis, labour and parts yourself.

Is it right for you?

When is boiler cover worth it?

Boiler cover suits some homes better than others.

Compare the two sides to see where you fit.

When cover is worth it

It’s most useful when a breakdown would be hard to deal with, financially or practically.

Your boiler is getting olderThe chance of a breakdown rises with age, especially past 10 years or after earlier faults.
An unexpected bill would be hard to payA fixed monthly cost is easier to budget for than a repair bill of several hundred pounds.
You rely on your heating through winterYou know exactly who to call when something goes wrong.
You want your annual service sortedWhere a plan includes servicing, it keeps you on schedule and your warranty valid.
You’re a landlordTenants need quick repairs and you have legal gas safety duties. See Saltire landlord cover.

When it may not be worth it

Paying for a service and any repairs as you go may work out cheaper.

Your boiler is new and under warrantyThe manufacturer’s warranty may already cover most faults if you keep up the annual service, so you don’t pay twice.
You have savings set aside for repairsPaying as you go can work out cheaper if you’re comfortable with the risk of a bigger bill. See how much a boiler service costs.
Your boiler may soon need replacingIf repairs keep adding up, a new boiler may be the better long-term choice. Explore our boiler installation offers.

Compare our plans

View boiler offers

At a glance

Boiler cover or pay as you go?

	Boiler cover	Pay as you go
Monthly cost	Fixed	None
Annual service	Often included	Booked and paid for separately
Breakdown repairs	Eligible repairs, depending on plan	You pay the full cost
Budgeting	Predictable	Varies
Choice of engineer	Your provider	Anyone, when you need them

Before you sign up

What to check before you sign up

Not all boiler cover is the same. Ask these seven questions about any plan you’re considering before you commit.

Saltire Gas Safe engineer working on a boiler

What’s coveredJust the boiler, or radiators, controls and pipework too?
Parts and labourAre both included in the price?
Call-out excessDo you pay a fee each time an engineer visits?
Claim limitsIs there a cap on repair costs or call-outs?
Annual serviceIs your yearly boiler service included?
Boiler ageSome providers won’t cover older boilers.
Renewal priceWhich? found some providers’ prices more than doubled after the first year.

See what each Saltire plan includes

Why choose Saltire?

Looking after homes across central Scotland for over 25 years

When your heating stops, you want someone local, qualified and easy to reach. That’s what we’re here for.

25+

Experience you can rely on

Looking after homes across central Scotland for over 25 years.

Daikin

Backed by the Daikin group

Part of the Daikin group, a global heating and cooling manufacturer.

Gas Safe

Qualified engineers

Gas Safe registered engineers covering Glasgow, Lanarkshire and central Scotland.

24 hrs

Help, day or night

Our contact centre is open 24 hours a day, so you can report a breakdown any time.

See our boiler service plans

0330 202 0444

Customer reviews

Don’t just take our word for it

Households across Scotland trust Saltire to keep their heating running. Here’s what some of our customers say.

View Trustpilot reviews

From start to finish the services has been exellent. Initial chat, no hard sell just information and advice to enable me to make an informed choice.

We had an issue with low water pressure in our boiler, which meant no heating or hot water. Called Saltire and they sent an engineer out same afternoon. Identified issue and made repairs quickly and effectively.

Just had saltire out to put new boiler in our house. Class work done, engineers done a fantastic job – 10 out of 10.

I’m with trust housing and had a gas leak so the guys from Saltire were called in. John and Ross went above and beyond to track and repair the fault I can’t recommend this company enough.

This company have been marvellous. My mum (who has now passed away) had great service from Saltire. They were always so prompt coming out when she needed help with her boiler.

Really outstanding service. A real cut above the rest when dealing with central heating companies in the past.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions

Is boiler cover worth paying for?

It can be, if you’d find an unexpected repair bill hard to pay or your boiler is getting older. If your boiler is new and you have savings for repairs, paying as you go may be cheaper.

Do I need boiler cover for a new boiler?

Not always. A new boiler usually comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. Check what it covers, and keep up the annual service it needs.

Does boiler cover include an annual service?

Some plans do and some don’t, so check before you sign up.

Can I get cover for an older boiler?

It depends on the provider. Some have age limits or exclude faults that existed before you joined.

Does home insurance cover boiler breakdowns?

Not usually. Standard home insurance rarely covers a boiler breaking down. Some policies offer home emergency cover as an extra, which may differ from a boiler plan.

What if my boiler can’t be repaired?

It depends on your plan. Some providers offer help or a discount towards a new boiler, and others don’t. Check the terms.

Find the right cover for your home

Saltire’s boiler service plans start from £8.99 a month, with Gas Safe registered engineers and a 24-hour helpline.

Call 0330 202 0444, 24 hours a day

Compare boiler service plans

Call 0330 202 0444