The scenario
Your boiler is 10–12 years old. It's still working but you're increasingly worried about a breakdown. Should you take out boiler insurance (£200–£300/year) or invest in a new boiler (£1,299–£1,799)?
The cost of insurance over time
£250/year × 5 years = £1,250 in insurance premiums. Your old boiler may or may not have broken down. You still have a 15-year-old boiler at the end.
The cost of a new boiler
£1,299 supply and install. Comes with 5–12 year manufacturer warranty. Energy savings vs 70% efficient old boiler: approximately £250–£350/year. After 4–5 years, the boiler has paid for itself in energy savings alone.
The reliability factor
An old boiler is increasingly likely to have expensive repairs (heat exchanger, PCB). Insurance pays for repairs but not the ongoing energy inefficiency. A new boiler eliminates both the repair risk and the efficiency loss.
When insurance makes sense
If you're renting (can't decide on boiler replacement), if you genuinely can't afford even 0% finance, or if you have a boiler under 8 years old in otherwise good condition.
Verdict
For most homeowners with a boiler over 10 years old: a new boiler with manufacturer warranty is more cost-effective than years of insurance premiums, particularly when factoring in energy savings. Use our 0% finance to spread the cost — often less per month than insurance premiums.