A new report from the Gas Safe Register suggests that over half of UK homeowners could be left footing large unexpected bills, due to lack of awareness around household protection policies. The research found that over 12 million homeowners are unclear on what can invalidate their boiler warranties or insurance coverage for repairs.

Despite the majority of UK homeowners (79%) admitting how important it is to have protection policies in place for house-related emergencies, more than half (54%) could unwittingly see a future claim – in relation to their gas boiler – rejected, by underestimating some of the typical clauses of home insurance emergency cover policies, as well as boiler warranties.

Meanwhile, one in five (21%) homeowners wouldn’t be able to afford to pay out any more than £1000 for any kind of emergency home repair, without relying on a loan or help from others. This figure rises to more than a third (36%) of homeowners that couldn’t afford to pay more than £2,000 on any given emergency repair.

One in ten (9%) said they had made a claim to insurers that was rejected – often due to simple errors that make a policy invalid. 11% have had to rely on credit cards or loans to pay for unexpected repairs, 6% have had to call on family or friends, and 5% claim they’ve been left in debt as a result.

Public campaign for safety

To help educate consumers, Gas Safe Register has turned to experts including property expert Martin Roberts and consumer advocate Martyn James to warn homeowners of the financial and safety implications of not regularly servicing and safety checking their gas boilers, and the importance of taking action during the spring months after a cold winter of usage.

The experts recommend homeowners get all gas appliances (boilers, cookers and fires), flues and pipework, regularly maintained and serviced annually by a suitably qualified and competent Gas Safe Registered engineer. However, today’s new data reveals that for more than one in five (22%) homeowners, their gas boilers were last serviced by a registered engineer more than a year ago.

Checkatrade estimates the average cost is £100 a year to have a gas appliance safety checked, to avoid unexpected and potentially more serious issues occurring.

With a quarter (26%) of homeowners admitting they’ve never read their policy in full and 15% claiming it confuses them, the Gas Safe Register’s team of experts is encouraging everyone to get up to scratch on the T&Cs to avoid being left out of pocket and potentially without hot water and heating if it’s a boiler-related issue.

Martyn James, consumer rights expert, columnist and presenter, says: “Let’s face it, understanding the small print of your cover or policy is likely to be the last thing you think about – that is – until the worst happens and you need to make a claim. The last thing you want to be worrying about is how you’re going to pay for a breakdown, repair or replacement of an essential home appliance such as the gas boiler, and there are some key things to watch out for when it comes to policies and a potential claim.”

Martin Roberts, homes and property TV expert, adds: “After a bitterly cold winter, I know we’re all looking forward to switching off the heating and easing-up on our fuel usage. But, the best way of being
prepared for future cold snaps, is to get ahead with maintenance and get your boiler serviced during the spring months, rather than waiting until it’s in heavy need again.”

Gas Safe Register, Martyn James and Martin Roberts are encouraging households to stay S.A.F.E this spring:

S
Stay alert to the ‘silent killer’. An effective way for you to keep yourself and everyone in your house safe from potential carbon monoxide leaks, is to have an audible carbon monoxide alarm. It could save your life.
A
Always ensure all your gas appliances are regularly serviced and safety checked every year. If you rent your home, ask for a copy of the current landlord’s Gas Safety Record.
F
Find a Gas Safe registered engineer in your area, by searching your postcode, town or city. You can use Gas Safe Register’s website online search, or call 0800 408 5500.
E
Ensure you understand the terms of your boiler cover. Familiarise yourself with the details of your home emergency cover or boiler warranty – including what is covered and any stipulations. With many, for example, you are required to complete a regular/annual service to ensure your boiler is safe. If you don’t, any future claim may not be valid.