Central heating cover

Boiler cover focuses on emergency breakdown of the boiler itself. Central heating cover is broader - it also protects eligible faults with the connected system that distributes heat, such as radiator valves, the circulating pump, motorised valves, controls and internal heating pipework.

With Smart Cover, our Smart Boiler plan is boiler-focused, while Smart Heating and above include the domestic central heating system. Cover for each component is subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions, so please check the IPID and T&Cs for full details before buying.

The domestic central heating system is included on Smart Heating, Smart Home and Smart Home Plus. Smart Boiler covers emergency boiler breakdown and the internal gas supply pipe but not the wider heating system.

If you already hold boiler cover, you can typically add central heating for around £2.22 more per month, subject to your plan and terms.

It may be worth considering if you want support with certain emergency heating repairs. A central heating system can be costly to repair if a pump, valve or the boiler fails unexpectedly, and cover can help with eligible faults.

It isn't a replacement for routine maintenance or servicing. Before buying, check what's included, what's excluded, any excess and the claim limits that apply.

Yes - "central heating cover" and "central heating insurance" are generally used to mean the same thing, and both terms describe a home emergency insurance product rather than buildings or contents insurance.

Central heating cover pays towards eligible emergency repairs to the boiler and connected heating components, up to your plan's limits and subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions. It is not a warranty or maintenance contract, and it does not guarantee replacement of every part of the system.

Cold radiators while the boiler runs can have several possible causes, including a failed pump, a stuck valve, airlocks or circulation problems. These are examples of what might be behind the symptom, not a confirmation of cover - each claim is assessed against your plan, the emergency criteria and the policy exclusions before an approved engineer is arranged.

Issues caused by sludge, limescale or the need for a general system flush are usually excluded, as these fall under maintenance rather than emergency breakdown. Faults with the radiator body itself, such as leaks, corrosion or split panels, are also generally excluded and may require replacement rather than repair.

Yes - cover generally requires that your boiler has been serviced within the last 12 months. A boiler that hasn't been serviced as required may not be eligible for a claim.

An optional annual boiler service is available with our plans to help keep your system safe and your cover valid.

Many UK households set the thermostat between 18°C and 21°C, depending on comfort, health needs, insulation and the weather. Older people, young children or anyone with certain health conditions may prefer a warmer home.

If your heating struggles to reach the set temperature, it may be a sign the boiler, radiators or controls need attention.

Once a claim is reported and confirmed as eligible, we arrange an approved, Gas Safe registered engineer from our nationwide network to attend as soon as possible.

Timescales can vary with demand, location and the nature of the fault. Our claims team will keep you updated throughout.

We cover common UK central heating set-ups, including combi, system and conventional (heat-only) boilers driving radiators through the standard components. Cover is subject to the boiler being in good working order and serviced as required.

If you're unsure whether your system qualifies, our team can talk you through it before you buy.

Yes. Central heating cover includes the engineer's call-out, labour and parts as part of your monthly premium, with no separate call-out charge.

Each claim is subject to your plan's per-claim limit, up to £500 on Essential or £1,000 on Premium, and the terms, conditions and exclusions set out in your policy documents and the Smart Heating IPID.

Central heating cover has an unlimited annual claim limit, so there's no cap on the number of times you can claim in a policy year.

Each individual claim is still subject to your plan's per-claim limit (up to £500 on Essential, up to £1,000 on Premium), and must relate to a genuine emergency covered under the policy terms and conditions.

Yes. If you find an identical or better central heating policy at a lower price from another FCA-authorised UK provider, on the same terms, Smart Cover's Price Match Promise means we'll aim to match it, subject to our Price Match Terms and Conditions.

Email enquiries@smart-cover.co.ukwith the competitor's name, quote and policy details so we can review and confirm.

Central heating cover looks after the key working parts of your system: radiator valves, the circulating pump, motorised valves, the thermostat and controls, and the internal pipework connected to your heating system. This sits alongside boiler breakdown cover, which is included as standard from the Smart Heating plan upward. It does not cover the radiator body itself, general maintenance, descaling, sludge or hard water scale removal, or wear and tear, and is subject to the full list of exclusions in your policy T&Cs and the Smart Heating IPID.