Does Home Insurance Cover Boiler Replacement?

We are Smart Gas and provide boiler installation in Edinburgh and the Lothians. If you’re wondering, “Does home insurance cover boiler replacement?”, the answer is: it depends.

Standard home insurance policies don’t usually cover boiler replacement due to wear and tear or age. However, if your boiler is damaged by an insured event—like a fire, flood, or theft—your policy might cover part or all of the cost, depending on the provider. Even then, most insurers won’t pay for a complete system upgrade or installation, so it’s wise to budget accordingly. If you’re considering replacing yours, you can go here > how much does it cost to install a boiler system in Edinburgh? to see what to expect.

Most building insurance protects the structure of your home, including damage from:

• Fire or smoke

• Flooding or storms

• Theft or vandalism

• Water leaks (from burst pipes, not wear and tear)

Boilers are considered part of your home’s “fixtures,” so if a qualifying event damages your boiler, your insurer may cover repairs or even replacement. But if it breaks down due to age, lime scale, sludge, or lack of servicing, it’s unlikely to be covered.

Some policies include home emergency cover as an optional add-on. This typically covers:

• 24/7 call-outs

• Emergency boiler repairs

• Temporary heating solutions

However, full boiler replacements are rarely included. You’ll usually get a fixed repair limit (e.g., £500–£1,000), which may help towards costs but not fully fund a new boiler.

If you do have boiler cover, check:

• Claim limits

• Age restrictions

• Whether parts and labour are included

If your boiler breaks down and isn’t covered by insurance, here’s a simple plan:

1. Check your policy – Look for any emergency cover or exclusions.

2. Contact your insurer – Start a claim if a covered event caused it.

3. Get a boiler quote – We can help with that here at Smart Gas.

4. Explore finance or grants – You may be eligible for government assistance.

We recommend servicing your boiler annually to prevent faults and maintain insurance eligibility.

If your boiler is:

• More than 10 years old

• Breaking down frequently

• No longer energy-efficient

…it might be more cost-effective to install a new system entirely. You can see what a new installation costs in your area by checking our guide:
👉 How much does it cost to install a boiler system in Edinburgh?