An Estimated 8m[1] Uninsured Boilers Leave Brits at Risk of Hefty Repair Bills This January
LONDON, February 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
Recent research shows that a third of Brits wouldn't know who to call if their boiler broke down
Plunging temperatures in the UK this month mean our boilers are more important than ever as we brace ourselves against the cold temperatures. According to new research conducted on behalf of EDF Energy, over a quarter of UK boilers have broken down without being insured, with the average cost of repair racking up a £314[2] bill. As a result, two fifths of Brits say that they'd have to borrow money to cover the repair cost or have no choice but to go without heating if their boiler broke down.
Also despite boilers needing to be serviced at least once a year, 10% of respondents say that their boiler has never been serviced and 20% have no idea when their last service was.
The research coincides with the launch of "EDF Energy Protect", a new range of home emergency insurance products, provided by Intana. The products cover everything from boilers to wiring, which gives peace of mind that you have protection against unexpected emergencies occurring within the home this winter, without hidden costs.
The research, conducted on behalf of EDF Energy, amongst 2,007 UK adults also reveals:
- 13% of people said that they don't actually know if their boiler is insured
- 31% of respondents said they don't know a registered plumber who could help them if their boiler broke down
- 48% of men, 67% of women and 63% of people aged 18-34 don't know how to check the pressure on their boiler
Noeleen Keane from EDF Energy said: "It's startling to see so many people are unprepared for the potential impact of colder weather on their heating system. EDF Energy Protect means you can get protection on your boiler from £17.75** a month and better yet, it's available to everyone, not just EDF Energy electricity or gas customers."
With the new "EDF Energy Protect" range of insurance products, both homeowners and landlords can insure against home emergencies for less than you'd expect, whilst benefiting from:
- No excess on claims - unlike some other providers
- Unlimited call-outs up to £1,000 per claim with no charges
- 24 hour Claims Helpline, every day of the year
- Same price whether you pay monthly or annually
Prices under the EDF Energy Protect range for homeowners start from as little as £1.75* per month on the "Wiring Protect" policy. To protect boilers, radiators and thermostats homeowners can choose the "Heating Protect" policy for just £17.75** per month, which includes an annual service.
For more information and to purchase "EDF Energy Protect" insurance from Intana visit http://www.edfenergy.com/protect or call +44-(0)1444-442878. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 9.00am - 5.00pm.
NOTES TO EDITORS
[1] Estimate based on:
- Number of gas boilers (2011)= 22,704,000 - Source DECC Energy Consumption in the UK Domestic Data Tables 2013 update
- Percentage of owner occupiers in the UK population (2013 - 2013) = 65% - Source http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-2568559/Home-ownership-England-slips-lowest-level-seen-25-years.html
- Number of owner occupier households with gas boilers =14,803,008
- Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,007 UK adults aged 18+ from 16th to 17th December 2014 on behalf of EDF Energy. Percentage of Opinium Research survey respondents that said they did not have heating insurance cover = 57%
- Owner occupier households with gas boilers that do not have boiler insurance = 8,437,715
[2] Research conducted by uSwitch.com, consumer opinion panel in September 2013 of 1,250 adults with bill paying responsibility for their household energy. Survey on boiler cover, boiler breakdowns and average cost of repair.
Product details
EDF Energy Heating Protect
- Costs only £17.75** a month (£213** per annum)
- Don't get caught out by colder weather or by having to pay over the odds if your boiler breaks down. Heating Protect provides the cover you need. Protection for your boiler providing it's less than seven years old, radiators and thermostat
- No excess and unlimited call-outs of up to £1,000 per incident
- Labour included and parts supplied with a 12 month warranty
- Annual boiler service and safety check
EDF Energy Wiring Protect
Most of the time the electrical wiring in our homes does its job quietly and efficiently, but if there is a problem it can be a real headache. Wiring Protect can offer peace of mind that if an electrical wiring issue arises, it can be taken care of promptly and safely.
Protects against breakdown and provides for the repair or replacement of:
- Permanently installed electrical wiring inside your home
- Wall socket and switches
- Bulb sockets and light fixtures
- Fuse boxes, circuit breakers and transformers
- Costs from £1.75* a month (£21* per annum)
General information
EDF Energy Protect is a range of insurance and pay on use products for homeowners and landlords provided by Intana across the mainland of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland plus the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. EDF Energy Protect is sold and administered by Collinson Insurance Services Ltd trading as Intana. The policies are underwritten by Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) PLC which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register number 202715.
EDF Energy Customers Plc is an Appointed Representative of Collinson Insurance Services Limited (t/a Intana) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register number 311883.
This information can be checked on the Financial Services Register.
* Monthly price of £1.75 (£21.00 annually) is for EDF Energy Wiring Protect and is correct as at 02/01/15 based on no excess, paying by direct debit and homeowner. Prices for landlords will vary.
** Monthly price of £17.75 is for EDF Energy Heating Protect and is correct as at 02/01/15 based on homeowners with a standard boiler (less than 60kw/hour) under 7 years old, no excess, paying by direct debit (£213.00 annually). Prices for landlords will vary.
*** Prices for EDF Energy Boiler Response include call out and one hour's labour and are correct as at 02/01/15 - parts and additional labour will result in an additional charge.
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