Home emergency insurance covers urgent repairs like boiler breakdowns, burst pipes, and electrical failures. It’s a specialised type of cover separate from standard home insurance.
What It Covers
| Emergency | Typical Cover Limit | Response Time |
|---|
| Boiler breakdown | £500-£1,500 per claim | 24 hours |
| Loss of heating (winter) | £500-£1,500 | 24 hours |
| Burst pipe | £500-£1,000 | 24 hours |
| Blocked drain | £250-£500 | 24 hours |
| Electrical failure | £250-£500 | 24 hours |
| Roof damage (emergency) | £500-£1,000 | 24 hours |
| Pest infestation | £250-£500 | 48 hours |
Cost
| Cover Type | Annual Cost |
|---|
| Boiler-only cover | £100-£200 |
| Full home emergency | £150-£300 |
| Via energy supplier | £150-£250 |
| Via home insurance add-on | £30-£80 |
Waiting Period
Most policies have a 14-30 day waiting period before you can claim. Pre-existing problems are excluded.
When It Makes Sense
| Scenario | Worth It? |
|---|
| Boiler over 10 years old | Yes — higher failure risk |
| No savings for emergencies | Yes — protects from big bills |
| Single person / vulnerable | Yes — quick response matters |
| New boiler with warranty | No — already covered |
| Good savings (£3K+) | No — can self-insure |
| Landlord | Yes — legal obligation to provide heating |
What’s NOT Covered
| Exclusion | Why |
|---|
| Pre-existing faults | Must be in working order when policy starts |
| Routine maintenance | Not an emergency — plan and budget |
| Replacement of old boiler | Emergency repair only |
| Damage caused by lack of maintenance | Policyholder’s responsibility |
| External pipes (your responsibility) | Check policy wording |
Call-Out Costs Without Cover
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|
| Boiler repair | £150-£400 |
| Plumber call-out | £80-£150 |
| Emergency electrician | £100-£200 |
| Drain unblocking | £100-£250 |
| Emergency locksmith | £80-£200 |
One emergency call-out can cost as much as the annual premium.
The Self-Insurance Calculation
| Annual Premium | Over 5 Years | Average Claims Likelihood |
|---|
| £200 | £1,000 | 1-2 claims in 5 years |
If you save the premium instead:
- £1,000 in 5 years
- Covers 2-3 emergency repairs
- If no emergencies, you keep the £1,000
Bottom Line
Home emergency insurance is a personal decision. If you can afford a £300 emergency repair without stress, self-insure. If an unexpected £300 bill would be a problem, the peace of mind is worth the £150-£200 annual premium. For landlords, it’s nearly essential — tenants have legal rights to heating and hot water.
This content is for educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Do your own research before investing.