Boiler cover is a service plan or insurance policy that helps you manage the cost of boiler breakdowns, repairs, and servicing. Most standard policies require you to pay an excess—a fixed fee (typically £60 to £95) every time you call out an engineer. Some policies also cap the number of callouts you can make in a year, leaving you exposed if your boiler suffers multiple faults.

Boiler cover with no excess and unlimited engineer callouts removes both of these financial barriers. You pay a slightly higher monthly premium, but in return:

• You pay £0 excess every time an engineer visits.

• You can call out an engineer as many times as you need within the policy year, with no additional charges.

• Parts and labour are almost always included (subject to policy terms).

As one industry expert puts it: “Master Gas boiler cover plans give you reliable protection against unexpected heating breakdowns – with no excess, unlimited repairs, and fast response from qualified engineers”.

This type of cover is essentially the premium tier of boiler protection. You’re paying for predictability and peace of mind—knowing that a breakdown won’t cost you a penny beyond your monthly direct debit.

Why Choose No-Excess, Unlimited Callout Cover?

1. Zero Surprise Costs

The biggest advantage is financial predictability. With a £0 excess plan, you never have to scramble for £60–£95 when your boiler fails. For households on a tight budget, that’s a game-changer.

2. Protection Against Multiple Breakdowns

Older boilers especially can suffer from recurring issues. If your boiler breaks down three times in a year, a standard policy with a £60 excess would cost you £180 just in call-out fees. An unlimited, no-excess plan covers all three visits at no extra cost.

3. Encourages Early Reporting

When there’s no financial penalty for calling out an engineer, you’re more likely to report minor issues before they escalate into major (and more expensive) problems. This can extend the life of your boiler.

4. Same-Day Service Priority

Many premium plans—including those from British Gas—offer same-day service for customers who report no heating or hot water before 11am. British Gas reports that 80% of customers contacting by 11am receive same-day service.

5. Annual Service Included

Almost all no-excess, unlimited callout plans include an annual boiler service worth £80–£120. This not only keeps your boiler running efficiently but also helps maintain your manufacturer warranty.

What’s Actually Included?

A typical no-excess, unlimited callout boiler cover plan includes:

Source: Switcheroo boiler cover comparison

Provider Examples

British Gas HomeCare offers unlimited callouts and repairs across all tiers, with the option to choose either a £60 excess or a £0 excess plan. All HomeCare packages include a full annual boiler service, parts and labour, and a 24/7 UK-based helpline.

Hometree provides unlimited callouts and a 24/7 emergency line even on its most basic boiler cover plan. Customers can choose from £0, £60, or £95 excess tiers to tailor their monthly premium.

Domestic & General Gold offers a £0 excess plan from approximately £17.50 per month, covering boilers up to 14–15 years old.

WarmZilla includes unlimited callouts, no value limit on repairs (terms and conditions apply), covers all parts and labour, and includes an annual service.

The Key Exclusions You Must Know

No boiler cover policy covers everything. Understanding the exclusions is just as important as understanding the inclusions. Here are the most common catches:

1. Pre-Existing Faults

You cannot sign up for a policy and immediately claim for a boiler that was already broken before the cover started.

2. Initial Exclusion Period

Most policies have a waiting period of 14 to 30 days before you can make a claim. British Gas, for example, has a no-claim period in the first 14 days of signing up.

3. Boiler Age Limits

Some providers won’t cover boilers over a certain age—typically 7 to 15 years. Others, like Hometree, have no age limit on boilers covered. Always check before buying.

4. Boilers Deemed Beyond Economical Repair

If the cost of repairing your boiler exceeds its value, many plans will contribute towards a replacement rather than fully covering it.

5. Sludge and Limescale

Most policies exclude removal of sludge and limescale from your heating system. British Gas explicitly states this is not covered at any level.

6. Cosmetic Issues and External Damage

HomeCare doesn’t cover cosmetic issues, repairs to appliances not listed in your plan, or some outdoor systems.

7. Appliance Exclusions

Boiler cover typically doesn’t cover gas or electrical appliances beyond the boiler itself—you’d need separate cover for those.

Boiler Cover Comparison Table (2026)

Note: Prices are indicative and were accurate at the time of research. Always confirm current pricing directly with the provider before purchasing.

Pros and Cons of No-Excess Unlimited Callout Plans

Pros

✅ No surprise costs – Every engineer visit costs you nothing beyond your monthly premium.

✅ Unlimited protection – Multiple breakdowns in a year won’t leave you out of pocket.

✅ Annual service included – Keeps your boiler efficient and helps maintain warranties.

✅ Priority response – Many providers offer same-day service for emergencies.

✅ 24/7 support – Access to engineers around the clock, even on weekends and bank holidays.

✅ Peace of mind – Particularly valuable for older boilers or households that can’t afford large unexpected bills.

Cons

❌ Higher monthly premiums – You’ll pay more each month compared to policies with an excess.

❌ May not be cost-effective – If your boiler rarely breaks down, you might pay more in premiums than you would in excess fees.

❌ Exclusions apply – Pre-existing faults, sludge, limescale, and boilers beyond economical repair aren’t covered.

❌ Waiting periods – You typically can’t claim in the first 14–30 days.

❌ Age restrictions – Some providers won’t cover boilers over a certain age.

❌ Not all plans are FCA-regulated – Some are service agreements, not insurance policies.

How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Home

1. Check Your Boiler’s Age and Condition

If your boiler is under 5–7 years old and still under manufacturer warranty, you may only need an annual service to keep the warranty valid. Full cover with no excess might be overkill.

If your boiler is over 10 years old or has a history of issues, no-excess, unlimited callout cover can be excellent value.

2. Compare the Total Annual Cost

Don’t just look at the monthly premium. Calculate the total annual cost and compare it against the potential cost of repairs. The average boiler repair costs around £300, with emergency repairs averaging around £450.

3. Read the Exclusions Carefully

Pay special attention to:

• What’s not covered (sludge, limescale, pre-existing faults)

• The excess amount (if any)

• The waiting period before you can claim

• The boiler age limit

4. Check the Engineer Network

Are the engineers Gas Safe registered? This is a legal requirement for anyone working on a gas boiler. Some providers, like BASI, employ their own engineers rather than subcontractors, which can mean more consistent service.

5. Consider the Response Time

In winter, a 48-hour response time can feel like an eternity. Look for providers offering same-day service for emergencies.

6. Look Beyond the Big Names

While British Gas is the market leader with over 2 million customers, smaller providers like Hometree, WarmZilla, and 247 Home Rescue often offer competitive pricing and strong customer reviews.

Is It Worth It? The Honest Maths

The honest answer is: it depends on your boiler and your circumstances.

When It’s Worth It

• Your boiler is over 7–10 years old and out of manufacturer warranty.

• You would struggle to find £500–£3,000 for an unexpected repair or replacement.

• Your boiler has a history of breakdowns.

• You value peace of mind over potentially saving a few pounds.

When It’s Not Worth It

• Your boiler is new and still under a long manufacturer warranty.

• You have savings set aside specifically for home repairs.

• Your boiler is reliable and you rarely have issues.

The Numbers

• Average boiler repair: £300 (ranging from £120 to £750)

• Emergency repair average: £450

• Annual boiler service (standalone): £80–£120

• Annual boiler cover (no excess): ~£250–£460 (depending on provider)

If your boiler breaks down once in a year, a no-excess plan costing £250–£460 may be comparable to or slightly more than paying for a repair and service separately. But if it breaks down twice or more, the no-excess plan almost certainly saves you money.

Which? magazine has historically been sceptical about boiler cover, suggesting that paying for repairs as and when needed often works out cheaper over several years. However, they also note that 22% of people with boiler cover have a £0 excess—and for many, the peace of mind is worth the premium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does “no excess” mean on boiler cover?

No excess means you don’t pay a fixed fee each time you call out an engineer. With a £0 excess policy, every engineer visit is fully covered as part of your monthly or annual premium, with no additional out-of-pocket costs.

2. Are unlimited engineer callouts really unlimited?

Yes, most providers genuinely offer unlimited callouts within the policy year. However, there may be limits on the value of repairs in some policies, or exclusions for certain types of faults. Always read the terms and conditions.

3. How much does boiler cover with no excess cost?

Prices vary widely. British Gas offers a £0 excess option from around £38.50 per month. Hometree offers a £0 excess option from approximately £22.90 per month. Domestic & General Gold starts from about £17.50 per month. Always check current prices directly with providers.

4. Can I get no-excess boiler cover for an old boiler?

Some providers, like Hometree, have no age limit on boilers covered. Others, like Domestic & General, cover boilers up to 14–15 years old. Always check the provider’s age restrictions before purchasing.

5. What’s not covered by boiler cover?

Common exclusions include:

• Pre-existing faults

• Sludge and limescale removal

• Boilers deemed beyond economical repair

• Cosmetic issues and external damage

• Gas or electrical appliances beyond the boiler

6. Is there a waiting period before I can claim?

Yes, most policies have a waiting period of 14 to 30 days before you can make a claim. British Gas, for example, has a no-claim period in the first 14 days of signing up.

7. Is boiler cover with no excess worth it?

It depends on your boiler’s age and your financial situation. If your boiler is over 7–10 years old or you can’t afford a sudden £500–£3,000 repair bill, a no-excess, unlimited callout plan can provide excellent value and peace of mind. If your boiler is new and reliable, you might be better off with a cheaper policy or no cover at all.

8. Do I need boiler cover if I have home insurance?

Some home insurance policies include home emergency cover that may cover boiler breakdowns. However, these often have lower limits—typically £500–£1,000 per claim—and may not cover the full cost of a major repair or replacement. Always check your existing policies before buying separate boiler cover.

Conclusion

Boiler cover with no excess and unlimited engineer callouts represents the gold standard of boiler protection. You pay a higher monthly premium, but in return, you get complete financial predictability—no surprise fees, no limits on how many times you can call out an engineer, and typically an annual service thrown in.

For households with older boilers, limited savings, or a low tolerance for financial surprises, this type of cover can be a lifesaver. The peace of mind alone—knowing that a winter breakdown won’t cost you a penny beyond your monthly direct debit—is worth the premium for many families.

However, it’s not for everyone. If your boiler is new, reliable, and still under manufacturer warranty, you might be better off with a cheaper policy or simply saving for repairs as needed.

The key is to do your homework. Compare providers, read the exclusions carefully, and calculate the total annual cost against your likely repair needs. And remember: the cheapest policy isn’t always the best value—especially when your heating fails on the coldest night of the year.

Key Takeaways

✅ Boiler cover with no excess and unlimited callouts means you pay £0 per engineer visit and can call out an engineer as many times as you need in a year.

✅ Higher monthly premiums are the trade-off—typically £17–£39 per month depending on the provider.

✅ Annual service is included in most plans, saving you £80–£120 per year.

✅ Common exclusions include pre-existing faults, sludge, limescale, and boilers beyond economical repair.

✅ Best for older boilers (over 7–10 years old) or households that can’t afford unexpected repair bills.

✅ Always check the waiting period—most policies have a 14–30 day no-claim period.

✅ Compare providers carefully—British Gas, Hometree, Domestic & General, and WarmZilla all offer competitive no-excess, unlimited callout plans.

✅ Read the exclusions before you sign—what’s not covered is just as important as what is.