SSE Boiler Cover Review

SSE Energy Services was bought out by OVO Energy in January 2020. As a result, the retail sector of SSE responsible for home services and domestic energy is now handled by OVO, including its boiler cover. The boiler cover plans offered by SSE are comprehensive, flexible and affordable. 

In this article, we’ll explore all that is on offer to determine if SSE is the best boiler cover for you.

Is SSE Boiler Cover Worth It?

Yes, SSE boiler cover is a great cost-effective option. There are a variety of cover options and even the most comprehensive cover is generally cheaper than other policies. Homeowners can choose plans and payment options that best align with their budget.

What does SSE boiler cover include?

SSE boiler cover generally insures you for the following:

• Annual boiler service
• Gas central heating boilers
• Controls (thermostats, pumps, programmers, motorised valves)
• Valves and radiators
• System fittings and pipes
• Hot water cylinder, and expansion and feed tanks
• Parts and labour

Types of SSE Boiler Cover Plans

There are three types of SSE boiler cover plans on offer: 

Essentials cover

• Price: £15 or £20 per month (depending on excess)
• Excess: £60 or £0

Provides cover for:

• Gas boilers and central heating systems
• Annual boiler service

Starter cover

• Price: £18 or £24 or per month (depending on excess)
• Excess: £60 or £0

Provides cover for:

• Everything included in the Essentials cover
• Plumbing
• Electrics

Complete cover

• Price: £24 or £32 per month (depending on excess)
• Excess: £60 or £0

Provides cover for:

• Everything included in the Starter cover
• Boiler replacement
• Taps and toilet
• Internal and external drains
• Gas supply pipe
• Water supply pipe
• Priority helpline

What Are the Pros and Cons of SSE Boiler Cover?

Weighing up the pros and cons of what SSE has to offer is a great way to determine whether this boiler cover is right for you.

Pros

• 24/7 emergency helpline
• Excellent customer service
• Prompt response time
• Gas central heating cover across all plans
• Unlimited callouts
• Included cover for parts and labour
• Annual boiler service for all cover plans

Cons

• Coverage restrictions apply to boilers above a 45 kW capacity
• Coverage restrictions apply to commercial properties
• Does not cover electric or LPG boilers
• If your boiler is 7-10 years old, a contribution of only  £400 will be made towards new boiler costs (£2,500 for boilers less than 7 years).
  

SSE Claims Process

Since SSE Energy Services has been bought by OVO Energy, boiler claims and queries are submitted via the OVO website or by calling their listed number. OVO has a 30-day wait policy from the start of your insurance.

SSE Boiler Cover Vs Competitors

The best way to determine whether or not SSE Boiler Cover is the right fit for you is to compare it to its competitors:

SSE vs HomeServe

In terms of costs, HomeServe boiler cover is slightly cheaper than SSE. For example, HomeServe’s excess is £60 and their boiler and central heating cover is £13.50 per month.

The main difference between these two companies is in the online reviews. HomeServe has an impressive 4.5 Trustpilot rating while OVO has many one-star ratings with an overall score of 4.4.

SSE vs Scottish Power

SSE boiler cover is cheaper than that offered by Scottish Power, with a comprehensive plan for the latter costing £24.50 (£50) or £39.50 (£0 excess) per month. However, Scottish Power’s excess options are slightly lower, with a maximum excess fee of £50 (compared to SSE’s max of £60). Additionally, Scottish Power boiler cover has the added perk of servicing boilers up to 15 years old, provided they are in good condition.

SSE boiler cover vs British Gas 

British Gas HomeCare has four plans to choose from, and they are slightly pricier compared to SSE, with the Premium Plan costing £27 per month with an excess of £60. 

Both SSE and British Gas offer annual boiler servicing. 

Despite being one of the more sustainable companies, British Gas customers do not believe that their quality of service warrants their high prices.

Get a Boiler Cover Quote Today

Are you still unsure about your boiler insurance options? We’ve got you covered. Contact us at Eco Happy and our expert team will provide you with a free boiler cover quote that is best suited to meet your boiler needs.

FAQs

How does the OVO acquisition affect existing SSE customers?

Existing SSE Energy Service customers have by now been moved over to OVO Energy. This has in no way affected their power supply or policies. The main difference is that instead of contacting SSE for claims and call-outs, customers will now contact OVO.

Will my boiler cover be affected if I switch energy suppliers?

Many energy suppliers have clauses that state that boiler cover can only be provided as long as the customer is using their company for their energy. OVO has not made this clear in their policies; however, it is best to check with your provider. Your boiler insurance provider must also be notified if you have moved house or replaced your boiler.

Are there any exclusions to SSE boiler cover plans?

Yes, cover is not provided for the following:

• Pre-existing faults (installation or design)
• Underfloor heating and relevant controls
• Claims over £300 (each) within the first three months
• Damage as a result of freezing or weather
• Damage as a result of scale, debris or sludge
• Guesthouses, B&B and Landlords
• Commercial boilers or those above 45 kW
• Iron or steel pipes connected to central heating systems
• Repair or replacement for boilers older than seven years, should parts no longer be available
• Damage due to interruption of gas, electric or water supply to the home
• The first £60 of any claim (if selected excess is £60)

Our Verdict

SSE boiler cover is an affordable option and better than being without coverage. But if their reviews are throwing you off, get in touch with Eco Happy and we will help you make an informed decision.