Common questions
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Questions about heating cover
What details do I need to give?
We need your postcode to check which plans are available in your area. We then ask you a few questions about your home and heating system, such as the number of bedrooms you have and the age of your boiler.
Using this information we can work out which plans you are eligible for. Then, if you decide to apply, we need some additional information, including your contact and payment details.
We only ask for the information necessary for processing your application. And you don’t have to worry, as our application pages are secure.
Questions about switching
Are there any hidden charges?
No. Our service is free and doesn’t affect the price of your heating cover. It would cost the same if you went directly to the provider.
We make our money through the small commission we are given by certain providers for introducing you to them. But, we include all providers in your results and our commercial interests do not affect the way the plans are ranked.
How long does it take to get cover?
Comparing and applying for cover is quick; it should take just ten minutes from start to finish.
Once you have completed your application, we send you a confirmation email with the details of your cover. Once your payment is processed, you are usually subject to an initial no-claims or waiting period of about 30 days. This will be specified in each plan when you compare heating cover on our site
If I switch my energy supplier, will I lose my heating cover?
No. Your heating cover is completely independent of your energy supplier, so you are free to switch your gas and electricity as often as you like. It will not affect your heating cover at all.
Questions about getting cover
What is (and isn’t) covered?
What’s included in your cover will depend on which plan you choose. You can get cover for just your boiler and controls or your entire heating system.
Some deals offer unlimited cover, whereas others are capped at £1,000 or £1,500.
This information is highlighted in your results table, so when you compare cover you can easily see what is and isn’t included.
If you still have some questions on cover read, ''What cover should I apply for?'
Can I switch from my current cover?
Check the terms and conditions of your current cover before switching to a new one. Each provider will have different cancellation procedures.
If you pay monthly, it may be as simple as contacting your current provider to inform them you are cancelling. But, if you have paid in advance, you should confirm that you’ll get a refund.
Can anyone get cover?
Heating cover is only available to homeowners. It’s not available on uSwitch.com if:
- You rent your property or are a council tenant. Your landlord or the local council is responsible for your heating
- You live in a mobile home or bedsit
- You have more than seven bedrooms, as your output will be too high to be eligible
- You use your property commercially
Also, you will have limited choices if your boiler is more than 15 years old.
To learn more about who can get cover read our article, 'Can anyone apply for heating cover?'
Questions about heating systems
Can I get cover for an old boiler?
Yes, but your choices will be more limited. When you make your comparison on our site, we ask for the age of your boiler so we can account for this when searching for suitable deals.
Are all boilers and units eligible for cover?
There is cover available for most boilers and units. You can check for yours in the list below.
- Conventional gas boilers
- Condensing gas boilers
- Combination gas boilers
- Condensing combination gas boilers
- Low water content boilers and system boilers
- Electric storage heaters
- Electric boilers
- Warm air units
- Solid fuel boilers
- Conventional oil boilers
- Condensing oil boilers
- Combination oil boilers
- Condensing combination oil boilers
If your boiler is more than 15 years old, you will have limited choices for getting cover.
Questions about making a claim
How much can I claim?
It depends on the cover you get. Some plans provide unlimited cover, whereas others are capped at £1,000 or £1,500.
When you compare cover on uSwitch.com, the results will show you the maximum amount you can claim per year.
When can I make a claim?
Once your cover starts you usually have an initial no claim period. This is to prevent people from exploiting providers by getting heating cover when they have an existing problem with their heating system.
No more questions? uSwitch is the answer
Once all your questions about heating cover have been answered, you’ll want to take the next step. To find the best heating cover for you, use our heating cover comparison service.
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