I N S U R E N
United Kingdom

Home Emergency Cover - Protection When You Need It Most

In most cases, issues at home can happen at any time. Whether it is a burst pipe, boiler breakdown, electrical fault or storm damage, there are always issues that can hinder your comfort and safety at home. With Clarity Compare, you can find home emergency cover that gives you fast access to licensed tradespeople to help you navigate the urgent issues you may have, and do it at a cost that is not too far out of reach.

  • Compare licensed insurers in 5 minutes or less
  • Cover heating, plumbing, electrics and more
  • Save money and enjoy perks by switching to Clarity Compare
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How Do I Obtain Home Emergency Cover?

There are three main avenues of cover:

1. As an add-on to home insurance

Many insurers give you the option of including emergency cover as part of buying buildings or contents insurance.

2. As a standalone policy

you have more flexibility and generally greater cover when you buy as a standalone product. Several products heading all their own emergency cover provide benefits like an annual boiler service.

3. Through your energy provider

Some energy suppliers offer emergency protection in hand with a gas and/or electricity plan. The service is usually centred around boilers or heating systems.

Is Home Emergency Cover A Wise Investment?

If a repair does happen, the costs can be significant – and these issues rarely happen at a convenient time. Having a cover in place means that you could save money and have less hassle.
Here are the average costs of repairs without home emergency cover: 

Repair/job type Typical cost
Emergency boiler repair ------
Burst Pipe ------
Emergency Plumber Call Out ------
Drain patch repair ------
Emergency locksmith call-out ------

In most cases, you would not pay these bills upfront when you have emergency cover, and more, you would have access to a service which provides you with quick help when you need it.

What's Not Included With Home Emergency Insurance?

Most policies will typically exclude/include some of the following types of service/work or problems:
1. Routine servicing or works
2. Problems of damp, mould, and rot Low-level issues (dripping taps or low boiler pressure)
3. Boilers typically last 10-15 years (or wherever specified by the individual insurer);
4. Pest infestations that are found in garages or outbuildings;
5. Damage caused through wear and tear, or neglect;
Always check the policy details, as limits and exclusions can vary.

What Affects the Cost of Home Emergency Cover?

Premiums depend on:

1. Type of cover

Add-on or standalone policy

2. Level of cover

Basic boiler-only vs. full home protection

3. Excess amount

A Higher excess usually means lower premiums

4. Payment choice

Annual payments often cost less than monthly instalments

5. Provider

Each insurer sets different limits, features, and prices

By comparing with Clarity Compare, you can easily find the right balance between cost and cover.

How to Reduce the Risk of Emergencies

While not all problems can be prevented, these steps can help:
1. Service your boiler annually
2. Insulate pipes in winter
3. Keep drains and gutters clear
4. Test smoke alarms regularly
5. Avoid overloading plug sockets
6. Bleed radiators once a year
7. Call professionals for electrical or plumbing issues rather than DIY

Why Choose Clarity Compare?

1. Quick and easy quotes in just a few clicks
2. Compare leading UK insurers side by side
3. Choose a tailored cover that suits your budget and home
4. Avoid stress and unexpected costs when emergencies strike
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What Can I Do To Reduce Home Emergency Risks?

While it's basically impossible to prevent all home emergencies, especially because of the unpredictability of UK weather,
there are some common-sense measures you can take to reduce the risks and avoid costly call-outs:

1. Be Mindful with Drains

Avoid putting food waste, oils or wet wipes in the sink and toilet; they cause blockages which can lead to a potentially costly plumbing emergency.

2. Insulate Your Pipes

Fitting lagging (pipe insulation) can prevent pipes from freezing and subsequently bursting during cold conditions.

3. Service Your Boiler Annual

Having a qualified engineer service your boiler every year can identify and resolve any issues before they become a major threat to your home's warmth and safety.

4. Stay Safe with Electrics

Don't overload your plug sockets or ignore tripping circuits. If you notice something's not right, call an electrician as soon as you can.

5. Clear Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters leaves less opportunity for blockages that lead to leaks and intermittent damp or water damage.

6. Be Careful with DIY

Prior to drilling things in the wall, always check what you might encounter; a stud detector can assist you in detecting pipes and electrical cables.

7. Regularly Test Smoke Alarms

Regularly testing your smoke alarms helps with the assurance that they are operating correctly when it’s important.

6. Bleed Your Radiators

Bleeding the radiators once a year allows the heating system to perform efficiently and will help avoid potentially expensive failures.

Home Emergency Cover – FAQs

1. Do I need home emergency cover if I have home insurance?

Home insurance usually doesn’t cover emergencies like boiler breakdowns or burst pipes. You will need to add emergency cover as a separate policy.

No, emergencies are often the landlord’s responsibility. However, their insurance can add emergency cover.

No, emergency cover is for urgent repairs to make your home safe to live in. Permanent repairs may be covered by your buildings insurance.

Most insurers won’t cover a boiler that is over 10-15 years old. Check for age restrictions in your policy before buying.

Most policies include a one-off electrical failure, such as power loss, if the cause is due to internal wiring being faulty, but confirm the specifics in your policy.