As the colder months approach, reliable home insurance becomes even more important for protecting your home against unexpected issues. Home Emergency Cover is included as a standard feature with all our policies, offering assistance in emergencies at no extra cost. This cover provides immediate help for sudden breakdowns in your home systems, such as heating, plumbing, or electricity. For more extensive protection, we offer an upgrade to Home Emergency Plus Cover, which expands coverage and increases claim limits.
What is Home Emergency Cover?
Home Emergency Cover provides immediate assistance for urgent situations that could affect the safety and habitability of your home. Included with all our policies, this cover protects against emergencies such as:
- Plumbing and Drainage Issues: A burst pipe or blocked drain? Emergency cover ensures a plumber is dispatched quickly to minimise damage and inconvenience.
- Electrical Failures: If your internal electrical system fails, emergency cover helps restore power promptly, keeping your home functional and safe.
- Pest Infestations: In the event of infestations by rats, mice, or wasps that pose health risks, this cover provides pest control services.
- Roofing Problems: Storm damage or unforeseen leaks are quickly addressed with emergency repairs to prevent further damage.
These services come at no extra cost, offering essential protection for common home emergencies.
Upgrade to Home Emergency Plus Cover
For greater peace of mind,
Home Emergency Plus Cover offers expanded protection beyond the basics. This upgrade is especially useful for added security for critical systems like boilers and heating.
- Extended Claims Limits: Higher claim limits offer more coverage for larger or complex emergencies.
- Boiler and Heating System Coverage: UK winters demand a functioning heating system. Home Emergency Plus Cover protects boilers up to 60 kilowatts per hour, provided they are maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Proof of maintenance may be required when making a claim.
- Enhanced Home Security: This cover also protects against home security emergencies, such as a broken window or door that needs immediate repair.
Common Misconceptions About Home Emergency Cover
Many homeowners assume that all types of home repairs are covered under Home Emergency Cover. However, it’s essential to understand the distinction between emergency cover and standard home insurance.
- Not a General Maintenance Plan: Home Emergency Cover is intended for sudden, urgent issues like a boiler breakdown or a burst pipe, not for routine maintenance. Regular servicing of your boiler, for example, is required to qualify for coverage.
- Unoccupied Properties: If your property has been unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days, emergency cover may not apply. It’s important to be aware of this condition, especially for properties that are temporarily vacant.
- No Coverage for Wear and Tear: Emergencies caused by gradual deterioration, such as a slow leak over time, may not be covered. Emergency cover focuses on sudden and unexpected incidents.
Understanding these distinctions helps homeowners manage their expectations and know exactly when to rely on their emergency cover.
Preventative Tips to Avoid Home Emergencies
While Home Emergency Plus Cover provides peace of mind, taking preventative measures can help reduce the likelihood of needing emergency repairs. Here are some tips for keeping your home systems in good shape:
Regular Boiler Servicing
Ensure your boiler is serviced annually according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This not only helps prevent breakdowns but also keeps your coverage valid.
Inspect Your Roof Before Winter
Check for loose tiles, damaged flashing, or any signs of wear that could lead to leaks. Early detection can prevent costly repairs during a storm.
Clear Gutters and Drains
Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow, leading to damage to your home’s walls and foundation. Regularly clearing gutters and downpipes can help avoid this.
Maintain Heating Systems
Bleeding your radiators and checking your thermostat before the colder months ensures your heating system is running efficiently, reducing the chance of failure.
Being proactive can help keep your home in top condition and minimise the need for emergency repairs.
Cost Breakdown Without Coverage
It’s useful to understand the potential financial impact of not having emergency cover. Here’s a comparison of typical repair costs for common household issues:
- Boiler Repair: £150-£400, depending on the issue. A full boiler replacement can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £4,000.
- Burst Pipe Repair: £100-£500, depending on the severity and location of the damage.
- Electrical Failure: A simple repair could cost £100-£300, but more serious electrical issues can easily exceed £500.
- Pest Control: Services for a pest infestation could range from £100 to £300, depending on the type of pest and the extent of the infestation.
Without cover, these costs can add up quickly. Home Emergency Plus Cover helps mitigate these expenses, providing financial relief when unexpected breakdowns occur.
Home Emergency Cover is essential for protecting your home against unexpected issues, especially
during the colder months. With standard policies, you’re covered for common emergencies.
Home Emergency Plus offers expanded protection, including higher claims limits and coverage for boilers, heating systems, and home security.
By understanding the risks and coverage options, you can make an informed decision to protect your home throughout the year. Explore your options and stay safe and secure.
