Home emergency cover typically covers situations like burst pipes, boiler breakdowns, electrical failures, plumbing issues, and sometimes pest infestations. 

It usually doesn’t cover routine maintenance, general repairs, or the cost of permanent fixes to underlying issues. 

It’s designed for sudden, unexpected emergencies that need immediate attention to prevent further damage or make your home safe. 

You can usually arrange for an approved tradesperson to fix the problem by contacting a 24/7 helpline provided by the insurer. 

It’s important to review the specific policy wording to understand the exact details of what is and isn’t covered, including limits and exclusions. 

Some insurance policies include home emergency cover as standard, especially with bespoke or advanced policies. 

• Boiler and central heating system breakdowns: This is a key component of many policies, protecting against the loss of heating and hot water, especially vital during colder months. Some policies may even contribute towards a new boiler if the existing one is beyond economic repair. However, exclusions often apply based on the boiler’s age or if it hasn’t been regularly serviced.
• Plumbing and drainage problems: This includes sudden leaks, burst pipes, and blocked drains that can cause significant damage if not addressed quickly.
• Electrical faults: Cover typically extends to total failure of the home’s domestic electricity supply, but generally excludes power cuts caused by external grid issues.
• Roof damage: Policies may cover sudden roof damage that compromises the home’s watertight integrity, particularly after storms. However, standard wear and tear or gradual deterioration are typically excluded.
• Home security issues: This includes situations like broken windows or doors after a break-in or accidental damage, and even lost keys, which can leave your home vulnerable.
• Pest infestations: Some policies include cover for vermin infestations like rats, mice, and wasp nests, particularly if they pose a health risk or cause damage. 

• Pre-existing issues: Problems that existed before the policy began are generally not covered.
• General maintenance and wear and tear: Routine upkeep, cleaning, servicing, and repairs due to gradual deterioration (like a dripping tap) are usually excluded.
• Cosmetic damage: Policies usually do not cover superficial damage to your property.
• DIY mistakes or poor workmanship: Damage resulting from faulty DIY or repairs carried out by unqualified individuals is often excluded.
• Certain appliances: Electric showers, appliances, and air conditioning units are sometimes excluded from standard policies.
• Unoccupied properties: Emergencies occurring after a property has been left unoccupied for an extended period (e.g., over 30 days) may not be covered. 

• 24/7 helpline: Access to a dedicated helpline for immediate assistance and to arrange for professional help.
• Fast response times: Insurers often guarantee rapid response times to address emergencies promptly and minimize potential damage.
• Professional repairs: Access to a network of qualified and approved tradespeople to carry out necessary repairs.
• Cost savings: Avoid potentially expensive emergency repair costs, including call-out fees, labour, and parts.
• Peace of mind: Knowing you have a safety net for unexpected household crises can significantly reduce stress and disruption. 

• Level of cover: Evaluate your specific needs and the types of emergencies you are most concerned about. Do you require comprehensive boiler breakdown cover, or are you primarily focused on plumbing and drainage insurance?
• Response times and availability of engineers: Check the insurer’s guaranteed response times and ensure they have a sufficient network of engineers to provide prompt assistance in your area.
• Exclusions and limits: Carefully review the policy wording to understand what is not covered and any limitations on the cost of repairs.
• Customer reviews and reputation: Research customer feedback to gauge the insurer’s reliability and customer service.
• Cost and value: Compare quotes from multiple providers to find the most competitive price and ensure it aligns with your budget.