
**Boiler age**

The age of your boiler is important. Some insurers won’t cover a boiler if it’s between seven – ten years old. Others stipulate that the boiler can’t be over 15 years. It’s believed that the older the boiler the more frequently it’ll break down and this cost won’t be covered by your premium.

**Property condition**

The condition of your house really matters. Insurers will take normal wear and tear into account but if you have neglected your property and not kept up with essential repairs, you may have a problem claiming for emergency cover.

**Conventional house insurance v home emergency and boiler cover**

Not all standard house buildings and contents insurance policies will cover emergencies, or you may find that you’ll have to pay a hefty excess if this option is included in your policy. With emergency home insurance/boiler cover in place, there’s no limit to the number of claims you might need to make during the term of the policy. A standard annual premium is all you’ll have to pay to ensure you’re protected against all emergencies.

**Exclusions**

Always read the small print when taking out this type of insurance. A home that’s been empty for over thirty days and suffered damage won’t be protected. If an emergency happens within the first 14 days of the policy starting, you may have difficulty making a claim. Sometimes it can be tricky to make a claim should your boiler fail over the course of the summer – the Ts & Cs will clarify whether this applies to just heating or includes access to hot water.

**Comprehensive Annual Service**

One unique factor to consider is whether the boiler cover policy includes a comprehensive annual service. An annual service not only ensures your boiler runs efficiently but also helps identify potential issues before they become costly repairs. Look for policies that provide a thorough service, including checks for gas leaks, efficiency optimization, and safety inspections, as this can save money and prolong the life of your boiler.

**24/7 Emergency Support and Response Time**

Not all boiler cover policies are equal in terms of customer support. Consider the availability of 24/7 emergency support and the average response time for service calls. Boilers can fail at inconvenient times, and quick access to professional help is crucial. Ensure the insurer offers prompt response times and has a network of certified engineers who can attend to emergencies swiftly, minimizing inconvenience and potential damage.

**No-Claims Discount**

Some boiler cover insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, rewarding you with lower premiums if you don’t make any claims within a certain period. This can significantly reduce your overall costs over time. Investigate if the insurer provides this incentive and how it works, as it can be a great way to keep your insurance affordable while maintaining coverage.

**Coverage for Boiler Replacement**

While most boiler cover policies focus on repairs, consider whether the policy includes coverage for boiler replacement if it’s deemed beyond economical repair. Boilers have a finite lifespan, and replacing them can be expensive. A policy that contributes to the cost of a new boiler, either partially or fully, can offer substantial long-term savings and peace of mind.

**Inclusion of Central Heating System Components**

Boiler issues can sometimes be related to the broader central heating system. Ensure your boiler cover policy includes components of the central heating system, such as radiators, thermostats, and pipes. Comprehensive coverage means that related issues are addressed, reducing the risk of being left without heating due to an uncovered component failure. This holistic approach ensures your entire heating system is protected and maintained.

By focusing on these unique considerations, you can choose a boiler cover policy that not only protects your boiler but also provides additional value, savings, and peace of mind.


Things to consider when taking out home emergency and boiler cover


**New or refurbished protection**

Does your policy protect you if your gadget is a refurbished model? With many trying to save money at the moment, refurbished electronics have become increasingly popular. Check the small print of your policy to ensure that you’re fully protected.

**Warranties**

Some insurers aren’t keen on reimbursing you for loss or damage if your gadget is still under warranty. Always hang on to your proof of purchase.

**Losing your gadget.**

Always ensure that you look after your electronic gadget. If you’re careless with your phone or laptop, for example and just leave it in public sight, you may not be covered for its loss.

**Calls on your phone**

Should your device be stolen, and it’s discovered that a thief has used your device to make very expensive calls that will be charged to your account - make sure that your insurance will cover the cost of these calls.

**Coverage Details and Limits**

Understanding the specifics of what the insurance covers is paramount. Typical gadget insurance should cover accidental damage, theft, loss, and sometimes even mechanical breakdowns. Check the limits on each type of coverage—such as the maximum payout for repairs or replacements and whether there's a cap on the number of claims you can make. Make sure the policy covers all the devices you want to insure and offers sufficient protection based on the value and importance of your gadgets.

**Exclusions and Conditions**

Every insurance policy comes with exclusions and conditions, and gadget insurance is no exception. Common exclusions might include:

- Pre-existing damage
- Loss or theft when left unattended in a public place
- Damage from misuse or negligence
- Wear and tear
- Cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect functionality Read the policy documents carefully to understand these exclusions and any conditions you must meet to ensure your claim is valid.

**Deductibles and Premiums**

The deductible (or excess) is the amount you have to pay out of pocket when making a claim, while the premium is the amount you pay for the insurance policy. Evaluate how the deductible affects the overall cost and affordability of the policy. A higher deductible often means lower premiums, but you'll need to pay more if you need to make a claim. Balance these costs to find a policy that offers the best value for your needs.

**Claim Process and Customer Support**

The efficiency and reliability of the claim process can make or break your experience with gadget insurance. Research the insurer’s reputation regarding claims handling. Look for information on:

- How to file a claim (online, by phone, etc.)
- The required documentation
- The average time taken to process claims
- Customer reviews and ratings about their claims experience Good customer support is also crucial for resolving issues quickly and effectively, so choose a provider known for responsive and helpful service.

**Worldwide Coverage and Additional Benefits**

If you travel frequently, ensure your gadget insurance provides worldwide coverage. This will protect your devices whether you’re at home or abroad. Additionally, check for any extra benefits the policy might offer, such as:

- Coverage for accessories
- Protection against unauthorized usage if your device is stolen
- Coverage for e-wallets and digital payments
- Multi-gadget discounts or family plans These additional benefits can enhance the overall value and convenience of your gadget insurance policy.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select a gadget insurance policy that provides comprehensive protection and peace of mind for your valuable devices.


Things to consider when comparing gadget insurance


**Health Insurance**

Covering medical expenses overseas can prove very costly, Travel insurance will provide cover so that these expenses can be made. Some policies will offer you £1m for Europe and £2m for the US. These policies should also protect you against the cost of being flown back home – repatriation – should you be affected by a medical emergency.

Your age and your health should also be taken into consideration when comparing policies.

**Trip cancellation and delays**

Very often things don’t go to plan, and you might have to cancel or postpone your trip but have already paid up- front for your accommodation and can’t reclaim this cost. Most insurers, if they agree that the circumstances are beyond your control, will offer you £2,000 or more to cover these costs.

Most insurers will help with compensation for any additional costs you may incur with £500 or more as long as you can prove that the delay or cancellation isn’t your fault.

**Length of your trip**

Different insurers offer different timescales for your travel. A single trip policy will insure you for a maximum of 180 days, but this figure does vary from company to company. Multi trip cover also varies from 31 to 91 days. The same rules apply for worldwide cover so please check the policy before booking

**Loss and theft**

If you’re waiting at the airport baggage carousel and your goods are missing, they may have been lost, damaged stolen. Your policy will provide compensation of £1,500 or more but this does depend on you reporting this loss within an allotted timeframe and providing airline confirmation to present to your insurer, if you believe they are responsible for the loss. Make sure you check all the Ts & Cs as policies do vary on the amounts they’ll offer you as compensation.

If you’re carrying cash or travellers’ cheques or credit cards and you lose these, or they are stolen your policy should compensate you for this loss. The amounts vary but all policies stipulate that you must report the loss or theft to the local police within 24

hours. You should also cancel your credit/debit cards so they cannot be used in any type of fraud

**Coverage Inclusions and Exclusions**

It's crucial to understand what is covered and what is not covered by the travel insurance policy. Common inclusions may consist of trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, flight delays, and personal liability. Equally important are the exclusions, which can include pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities, and incidents related to alcohol or drug use. Ensure the policy meets your specific travel needs and covers the activities you plan to engage in.

**Medical Coverage and Emergency Assistance**

Medical emergencies can be extremely costly, especially when traveling abroad. Check the extent of medical coverage provided, including hospital stays, emergency treatments, and evacuation services. Ensure the policy includes 24/7 emergency assistance, which can provide support and guidance in the event of a medical crisis. Also, consider whether the coverage amount is sufficient for the destination you're visiting, as medical costs can vary significantly between countries.

**Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage**

Trip cancellation and interruption coverage can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, natural disasters, or other emergencies. Look for policies that offer comprehensive protection, covering a wide range of potential issues that could disrupt your travel plans. This is particularly important if you've made significant non-refundable bookings or if your travel plans are complex.

**Policy Limits and Deductibles**

Be aware of the policy limits and deductibles associated with your travel insurance. Policy limits refer to the maximum amount the insurer will pay out for a covered event, while deductibles are the amounts you are responsible for paying out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. Evaluate these figures to ensure they align with your financial comfort level and provide adequate protection without excessive out-of-pocket expenses.

**Customer Service and Claim Process**

The quality of customer service and the ease of the claim process are critical factors in choosing travel insurance. Research the insurer's reputation for handling claims efficiently and fairly. Look for reviews and ratings from other customers to gauge their experiences. A responsive and supportive customer service team can make a significant difference in how smoothly any issues or claims are resolved during your trip.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a travel insurance policy that provides the right level of protection and peace of mind for your journey.


Things to consider when comparing travel insurance


Pet insurance is not compulsory. However, it can be useful to have if something unexpected happens to your pet. In this article we will give an outline of what pet insurance is, what it covers and explore some of the reasons why it is important. We hope this will give you enough information to decide whether pet insurance is a worthwhile investment for you and your furry friend.

**<ins>What is pet insurance?</ins>**

- Pet insurance assists with the costs of a pet’s medical care in the event of illness or injury.
- Pet insurance can be a major help if your pet needs urgent or intensive vet care, as it can help you avoid paying out of your own pocket for excessively high bills.
- Essentially, a pet insurance policy provides peace of mind that your pet will be covered in any unfortunate event that they would need to visit the vet outside of regular check-ups.

**<ins>What does pet insurance cover?</ins>**

There are four main types of pet insurance:

- **Lifetime cover**- Covers a pet for its entire life if the policy is renewed every year.
- **Maximum benefit cover** - Can also be known as per condition, provides a fixed sum to treat each injury and illness for as long as the policy is live.
- **Time limited cover - 12 months of cover** for illness or injury, works similarly to maximum benefit cover with fixed treatment amounts.
- **Accident-only cover** Only covers events of **accidental injury**, usually the cheapest insurance available as it is not as comprehensive.

If you would like to know more about the four main insurance types, [we explain them in more detail here.](/blog/posts/types-pet-insurance/)

- The coverage pet insurance provides is dependent on the type of policy chosen, but in broad terms the most basic policy will usually cover treatment costs for accidental injury (cuts, breaks, bites.)
- More comprehensive plans will cover illness (ear infections, gastrointestinal issues, skin disorders) as well as accidental injury.

Some insurance providers also offer **additional extras** that can be added onto a policy, these can include:

- **Dental cover** - Cost cover for emergency dental care
- **Death/Loss cover** - A pay-out in the unfortunate event of pet loss through death or theft.
- **Third party liability** (commonly only available for dogs) - Cover for costs accrued if a dog causes injury to another person, or another person’s property.

**<ins>Why is pet insurance important?</ins>**

- It is no secret that vet bills can be expensive, especially in the event of a pet needing surgery or ongoing intervention (such as a course of medication or follow up vet appointments.) Knowing you will not have to shoulder high vet bills alone can provide some peace of mind.
- Having the protection of insurance can make more expensive treatment options available to you if your pet is being seen for a particularly severe reason, which in turn can prevent some tough decisions needing to be made.

With the various policy and provider options available to you, it is possible to find the best pet insurance deal to suit you and your budget. Here at Find My Cover we make it simple for you to compare pet insurance options with our very own comparison tool, which you can find [here](/pet-insurance/#compare-insurance)!


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