Cover providers or insurers often specify how old a boiler should be to qualify for cover. Many companies may not cover boilers older than seven to ten years. Even if you find one that accepts to protect old boilers, it can be difficult to get an insurer to cover a boiler that's older than 15 years.

If the boiler in your home or property is very old, it may be time to get a new boiler installed rather than taking out a policy on an outdated boiler model. New modern boilers are more energy-efficient, better for the environment, and break down less frequently.

A boiler cover insurance plan protects you from the stress of unexpected boiler repair costs. Typically, you will make small monthly payments to a company that provides boiler cover. This saves you the hassles of paying for call-outs or works performed by engineers, depending on the level of cover you choose.

Carrying out regular checks can also save you the headache of frequent boiler breakdowns and the need to pay for repairs.

Usually, boiler service visits take under an hour. However, the exact time will depend on the level of work involved. If the engineer discovers faults with your boiler, the service may take longer.

If you are happy with your central heating system and just want to ensure that you get an annual boiler service every year but don't want to pay a lump sum every 12 months, you can break it down with a monthly boiler service plan.

If you think that your pipework and radiators are starting to become untrustworthy, then we suggest that you consider our more complete cover which includes these parts. You still get a free service with your boiler cover and we remember and contact you to book a boiler service every year so you don't have to.

Depending on the level of cover you choose, you can get the following included:

• Boiler & Controls
• Carbon Monoxide Test
• Boiler Replacement
• Free Annual Boiler Service
• Boiler and Central Heating System
• Electrics
• Gas Supply Pipes
• Drainage
• Roofing & Security
• Pest Removal
• Lost Keys

If you like peace of mind all year round and don't want to worry about paying a lump sum for your boiler service every year then it is for you. One of the best reasons to get boiler cover is for the free service. Not only do you get your boiler serviced every year without fail, you also don't have to remember — we will do it for you!

Boiler cover should be in place as soon as possible. Many providers have waiting periods that make it difficult to claim at the beginning of the policy. At Boiler Central you can't make a claim within the first 14 days of taking out your cover.

Boiler cover plans ensure that you don't have to pay out substantial lump sums of money in the event of a boiler breakdown. This makes them different to boiler insurance, where you would pay for the work yourself and then make a claim, which would then likely increase your monthly premium.

Unlike typical boiler insurance, your monthly payment doesn't change if you make a claim with boiler cover.

Most boilers can be covered, including oil-powered, gas, combi and condensing boilers. You should check with us before you sign up for a policy if you are unsure whether we can offer protection on your boiler or central heating — especially if your boiler is older than a few decades.

Should your boiler require any parts to be replaced, these will all be covered within your cover up to the specified amount in the terms and conditions. Anything that is considered part of the boiler is included in your cover, so new replacements for these parts shouldn't be a problem.

Many people seem to think that they can claim on their home insurance whenever their boiler is damaged or has a breakdown. However, this isn't the case — which is why boiler cover is such a useful thing to have. Any repairs or replacements for your boiler will come under boiler cover rather than home insurance.

If you decide to move house, ensure that you let us know and we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure that you can continue your boiler cover at a different property.