Energy tariffs with free boiler cover (UK): compare what’s really included

Looking for an energy tariff that bundles boiler cover at no extra cost? We’ll show you how these deals work in the UK, what to check, and how to compare them against a normal tariff + separate cover.

  • Understand what “free boiler cover” usually means (and what it rarely includes)
  • Compare bundle value vs a cheaper tariff plus separate boiler cover
  • Get a whole-of-market energy quote with clear assumptions (no guarantees)
Get your energy quote How to compare bundle deals

Boiler cover availability, eligibility and terms vary by supplier, postcode, meter type and payment method. Always check policy documents and exclusions before switching.

Fast answer: are energy tariffs with “free boiler cover” worth it?

Sometimes—if the bundle is genuinely included (not just discounted), you meet eligibility rules, and the tariff price premium is lower than what you’d pay for comparable boiler cover on its own. In many cases, the cheapest route is still a competitively priced tariff plus separate boiler cover (or a savings buffer for repairs).

When it can make sense

  • You’re on a standard credit or Direct Debit tariff where bundles are offered
  • Your boiler is within the supplier/insurer age limits and has been serviced
  • The cover includes meaningful limits (labour/parts) and a realistic excess

When it usually doesn’t

  • Prepayment meters (often fewer bundle options)
  • Older boilers, known faults, or no service history
  • You’d pay a high unit-rate premium vs the best-value tariff

Key takeaway

Compare the total annual energy cost (standing charge + unit rates) and then add the equivalent annual cost of boiler cover. If the bundle’s premium is lower—and the policy is solid—it may be good value.

Important: “Free boiler cover” is marketing shorthand. It can mean limited-time inclusion, a fixed discount, or basic boiler-only cover (not central heating, radiators, plumbing or electrics). Always check the policy summary and exclusions.

Compare tariffs first, then judge the boiler cover add-on

The safest way to compare is to start with the best-value tariffs available for your postcode, meter type and payment method—then see whether any bundle (or add-on) gives you fair value.

You’ll typically need

  • Your postcode
  • Payment method (Direct Debit / cash or cheque / prepay)
  • Meter type (smart / standard / Economy 7)

Boiler cover checks

  • Boiler age and condition
  • Service history (some policies require it)
  • Whether you want boiler-only or full heating/plumbing

Tip: If you rent, your landlord is usually responsible for the boiler and central heating repairs. You may still want cover for internal plumbing, but check your tenancy agreement first.

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How “free boiler cover” tariffs work in the UK

1) It’s usually a bundle

The supplier either includes boiler cover within the tariff price or applies a discount to a separate cover product for a fixed period.

2) Terms vary by insurer

Cover is typically underwritten/managed by a third party. Limits, exclusions, excess and engineer availability can differ from supplier to supplier.

3) Eligibility matters

Older boilers, pre-existing faults, lack of servicing, or certain property types can be excluded. Some policies have a waiting period before claims.

Editor’s note: If a tariff looks meaningfully more expensive than similar non-bundle deals, treat the “free” cover as paid for through the tariff. The right comparison is total cost, not the word “free”.

The only fair way to compare: energy cost + equivalent cover cost

A bundled tariff can be good value, but only if you compare like-for-like. Use this method:

Step 1: Price the tariff properly

Estimate annual energy cost using your expected kWh (gas + electricity), the unit rates and the standing charges. Check if prices are fixed or variable and whether an exit fee applies.

Step 2: Work out the cover value

Compare the bundled cover to a standalone option with similar limits (boiler-only vs full heating/plumbing), excess and call-out rules.

Step 3: Check eligibility & friction

Look for boiler age limits, servicing requirements, waiting periods, exclusions and any requirement to keep your energy tariff to maintain cover.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These are illustrative estimates to show the maths. Your prices depend on region, tariff, payment method, and usage.

Scenario A: Medium-use household, boiler-only cover bundle
Assumptions: 2–3 bed home, gas + electricity; annual use: 11,500 kWh gas and 2,900 kWh electricity; Direct Debit; single-rate electricity meter.
Option 1 (bundle): Tariff costs an estimated £90/year more than the best comparable non-bundle tariff; boiler cover included.
Option 2 (separate): Cheapest comparable tariff + standalone boiler cover estimated at £13/month (˜ £156/year).
Estimated outcome: bundle may be better value by about £66/year (because £90 premium is less than £156 cover) if cover terms are comparable and you’re eligible.
Scenario B: Low-use flat, premium bundle with higher tariff
Assumptions: 1–2 person flat; annual use: 7,500 kWh gas and 1,800 kWh electricity; Direct Debit; single-rate electricity meter.
Option 1 (bundle): Tariff costs an estimated £220/year more than a strong-value non-bundle deal; cover included.
Option 2 (separate): Cheapest comparable tariff + standalone cover estimated at £12/month (˜ £144/year).
Estimated outcome: separate cover may be better value by about £76/year (because £220 premium is more than £144 cover), unless the bundle includes broader heating/plumbing you’d otherwise buy.

What to match when comparing cover

  • Scope: boiler-only vs boiler + controls vs full central heating
  • Plumbing: are internal pipes, leaks, or drains included?
  • Excess: per claim excess can change the real value
  • Claim limits: maximum per repair / per year
  • Waiting period: some policies don’t allow immediate claims
  • Boiler age cap: often applies and varies by provider
  • Service requirement: may need evidence of annual servicing
  • Parts availability: older models may be excluded if parts are obsolete

Quick check: If the bundle is “boiler only” but you want radiator leaks or a seized pump covered, you may need a higher tier. Don’t assume “boiler cover” equals “central heating cover”.

Bundle vs separate: quick comparison table

Use this to decide which route is more likely to suit you. Always confirm details in the supplier’s tariff info and the cover policy documents.

What you’re comparing Tariff with “free” boiler cover Cheaper tariff + separate cover Best for
Total annual cost May be higher unit rates/standing charge; cover included in bundle price Often lowest energy cost; cover paid separately (monthly/annual) People who want cost clarity and control
Cover scope Can be basic boiler-only unless stated otherwise You choose boiler-only or wider heating/plumbing Households with specific cover needs
Eligibility risk May have strict boiler age/condition rules; waiting periods possible Also has rules, but you can shop around more easily Older boilers where you need flexible underwriting
Switching flexibility Switching may end the cover; check tie-in/exit fees You can switch energy supplier without changing cover People who switch often
Admin & simplicity One bundle (but still two sets of terms) Two products to manage Anyone prioritising fewer moving parts

Decision checklist (save and use)

  • Is the tariff fixed or variable, and for how long?
  • Are there exit fees if you switch before the end date?
  • Is the cover included for the full term or only for a promotional period?
  • What’s the excess per claim and any annual claim limit?
  • Does it cover labour + parts, or labour only?
  • Any waiting period before you can claim?
  • Any requirement for annual servicing and proof?
  • Does your boiler model/age meet the criteria?

Who it suits (and who it doesn’t)

Often suits

  • Homeowners with a reasonably modern, serviced boiler
  • People who value predictable monthly costs
  • Households that won’t switch again soon

Often not ideal

  • Renters where the landlord covers repairs
  • Anyone needing full heating + plumbing but bundle is boiler-only
  • People on prepayment with limited bundle eligibility

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)

These issues are where “free boiler cover” can disappoint. Check them before switching.

1) Excess per visit/claim

A low monthly price can be offset by a high excess each time you need an engineer. Compare excess levels across policies and consider how often you might need call-outs.

2) Limits on repairs and parts

Some policies cap the value of parts or total repairs per year. Others may not cover “non-standard” parts or may treat certain components as excluded.

3) Boiler age/condition rules

Older boilers can be excluded, and pre-existing faults are usually not covered. If your boiler has been unreliable, read the exclusions carefully and consider a specialist standalone product.

4) “Boiler cover” vs “central heating cover”

Boiler-only may not include radiators, pipework, cylinders or system controls. If you want protection for the whole system, look for wording like “central heating” or “heating & plumbing”.

Watch for bundle tie-ins: if the cover is conditional on keeping the tariff, switching supplier could cancel the policy. Check whether cover can continue independently.

Payment method & meter type: some offers are only available for Direct Debit customers and may exclude prepayment meters or certain multi-rate meters (e.g. Economy 7).

If you’re in a vulnerable situation

If you rely on heating for health reasons, or you’re struggling with bills, prioritise tariff affordability and support options. You can also check eligibility for the Priority Services Register with your supplier and seek independent guidance.

FAQs

Are there UK energy suppliers that include boiler cover for free?

Offers come and go. When available, they’re typically bundle tariffs where the cost is built into the deal or included as a time-limited promotion. Availability depends on your postcode, meter type and payment method.

Does “free boiler cover” include parts and labour?

Not always. Some cover includes both; others limit parts costs or exclude certain components. Always look for a policy summary showing what’s covered, excess, limits and exclusions.

Can I get a bundle deal on a prepayment meter?

Sometimes, but options may be more limited. Many bundle promotions target Direct Debit customers. If you’re on prepay, focus on overall tariff affordability first, then check if cover can be bought separately.

What happens to the boiler cover if I switch energy supplier?

It depends. Some policies are conditional on you staying on the tariff; others may continue independently. Check the tariff terms and the policy wording before you switch again.

Do I need an annual boiler service to be covered?

Many policies require the boiler to be properly maintained and may request evidence of servicing, especially for older boilers. Lack of servicing can be used as a reason to decline a claim.

Is boiler cover worth it in the UK?

It can be, if you prefer predictable costs and your boiler is eligible. But it’s not always best value—especially if the energy tariff is noticeably pricier than alternatives. Compare the tariff premium against equivalent cover costs and check exclusions.

If I rent, should I pay for boiler cover?

Usually, landlords are responsible for the boiler and heating repairs in rented homes. Check your tenancy agreement. You might still consider cover for things you’re responsible for (for example, some internal plumbing), but don’t duplicate what your landlord must provide.

Could the bundle tariff have exit fees?

Yes. Fixed tariffs can include exit fees if you leave early (though rules vary, and some fees may not apply in certain circumstances). Always read the tariff information label before switching.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page accountability

Written by:
EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by:
Energy Specialist
Last updated:
February 2026

How we assess “free boiler cover” energy tariffs

We aim to help you compare value without relying on marketing language. Our editorial approach:

  • Total cost first: we compare tariffs using estimated annual energy cost (unit rates + standing charges) for typical usage profiles.
  • Like-for-like cover: we assess whether the bundled policy is boiler-only or includes wider heating/plumbing, then compare against common standalone options with similar scope.
  • Eligibility and friction: we flag common UK constraints: payment method, meter type, region, boiler age/condition, servicing requirements, waiting periods, and how cover interacts with switching.
  • Plain-English caveats: we highlight exclusions and where you need to verify policy wording before relying on it.

Limitations: We can’t guarantee that a supplier will offer a boiler-cover bundle in your area or that you’ll be accepted for cover. Pricing and terms can change, and final eligibility is decided by the provider/insurer.

Sources (UK)

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Reminder: Always read the tariff information and the boiler cover policy wording before committing. Costs and cover are estimated and can change.

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Updated on 24 Feb 2026