Heat Pump Breakdown Cover UK: Who Offers It in 2026?

Type	What it does	Watch out for
Manufacturer warranty	Covers faults in the heat pump itself for a set period, usually tied to correct installation and servicing	Length and conditions vary, so check your paperwork. Some require annual servicing.
Home insurance	Pays for damage from insured events such as fire or flood	Does not normally cover an appliance simply breaking down
Home emergency cover	An optional add-on that sends an engineer for a sudden heating failure, with a limit per claim, commonly £1,000	May exclude heat pumps, exclude routine maintenance and require a particular main heating type
Service plan	An annual service, and on some plans repairs or call-outs	Eligibility rules, such as the age of the heat pump or who installed it

 

Providers Offering Breakdown Cover for Heat Pumps

Image: “Direct line home insurance” by Karen Bryan, licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Here we’ll look at Direct Line, LV and Emergency Cover.

A spokesperson for Direct Line shared with Homebuilding & Renovating magazine in 2023,

“Our home insurance policies with Direct Line and Churchill come with an optional home emergency cover. This extra coverage is designed to handle emergency repairs if your main heating source breaks down. So, if your central heating pump is part of the main heating system, it's covered under our 'home emergency' terms.”

A “central heating pump” can mean the circulation pump in a boiler system rather than a heat pump, so please don't read this quote as confirmation. Direct Line's current home emergency page covers heating failure up to £1,000, including call-out, labour and parts, but does not mention heat pumps. Ask them directly.

Overview - Direct Line

Direct Line provides a suite of home insurance policies tailored to meet various needs. Their approach to home emergency cover is both flexible and comprehensive.

Optional Home Emergency Cover

In their policies, Direct Line includes an optional home emergency cover, which is worth considering.

Coverage Details

This optional cover will pay for emergency assistance if the main heating system in your home fails. If your heat pump is your main heating system, ask Direct Line to confirm in writing that it is covered under their “home emergency” terms.

So, you also mentioned LV?

In 2023, Homebuilding & Renovating reported that LV covers heat pumps provided they serve as the primary heating source in your home.

Overview - LV

LV Insurance offers home emergency cover for “heating, plumbing and drains”, up to £1,000 per emergency with no excess. Its current page names boilers and does not mention heat pumps, so check before you rely on it.

Coverage Details

Heat pumps were reported as covered if they are the primary source of heating in the home, under an additional Home Emergency cover. Get this confirmed in writing before you buy.

A crucial point

Each of these insurers offers this only through its Home Emergency cover, which you'll need to add on top of your regular home insurance.

With boilers, current policy documents show insurers contributing £250 to £500 towards a replacement if repairs aren't possible (£500 for Aviva and LV=, £250 for Direct Line). However, for heat pumps, some insurance providers don't offer any replacement options if the unit can't be repaired.

Check with your current home insurance provider if a heat pump breakdown is covered and, if not, if an extra policy for emergency breakdown is required.

Another strong contender in the market is Emergency Cover, a company that provides specialised plans tailored to various homeowner needs, including heat pumps.

Overview - Emergency Cover

According to Emergency Cover, they offer dedicated air source heat pump cover for homeowners. This includes protection from sudden breakdowns and emergency repairs, ensuring your system is restored to functionality swiftly. Its heat pump plans advertise cover from 65p a day, with a free annual service, parts and labour included, cover for any air source heat pump brand and a 30-day guarantee on repairs.

Conditions and Exclusions

Be aware of any conditions and exclusions in these policies. For example, routine maintenance issues may not be covered, so understanding the exact terms is vital.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Insurance Policy

Before selecting air source heat pump insurance, make sure to check the fine print with your provider, whether one of the three mentioned here or another provider.

Ensure you understand what is covered, especially the specifics of heat pump inclusion.

Look for any exclusions that might affect your coverage, such as conditions regarding the age or maintenance of the heat pump.

Do contact the insurer directly.

If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to the provider. A quick call or email can save you a lot of stress later on.

What to check before you buy

• Primary heating source: does the heat pump have to be your main source of heating for cover to apply?
• Age limits: is there a maximum age for the heat pump, or a condition about who installed it?
• Annual service: do you need one to keep cover or your warranty valid, and who must carry it out?
• Excess: how much will you pay towards any claim?
• Call-out limits: what is the limit per claim, and does it include labour and parts?

If you don't have cover yet, the practical complement is a regular service. S Fearn Plumbing & Heating can service and repair air source heat pumps across Leeds, and an annual check helps keep your warranty paperwork in order. See our air source heat pump installation page for more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Insurance for Heat Pumps

Why are some insurers reluctant to cover heat pumps?

The reluctance largely stems from the novelty and perceived complexity of heat pumps. Many insurers are still catching up with the technology and its associated risks. However, as more data becomes available and these systems become more common, we expect more inclusive policies to emerge.

What should homeowners do to ensure their heat pumps are covered?

Firstly, read your policy documents carefully. Make sure that heat pumps are explicitly mentioned as covered items, or that they fall under the category of the main heating system. Secondly, contact your insurer to double-check and get confirmation in writing if possible.

Are there alternatives if my insurance does not cover heat pumps?

Yes, if your current home insurance doesn't cover heat pumps, consider service plans offered by manufacturers or third-party service providers. Talk to us at S Fearn, and we can advise on a suitable plan. These plans often include routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and even replacement parts, providing an additional layer of protection. Do also give the 3 providers we mentioned a call: LV, Direct Line, Emergency Cover.

Details On The Air Source Heat Pump Grant

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a fantastic opportunity for homeowners in the UK looking to transition to more energy-efficient heating.

Here's what you need to know:

• Grant Amount: The scheme offers up to £7,500 towards the installation of air source heat pumps (ASHPs). This can significantly reduce the upfront costs, making it more feasible for many homeowners.
• Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the grant, you need to meet a couple of key conditions: You must own the property and be replacing an existing fossil fuel system.
• Financial Impact: While the grant covers a substantial part of the installation costs, it may not cover everything. It’s essential to budget for any additional expenses.
• Environmental and Financial Benefits: Switching to an air source heat pump helps cut your carbon footprint and can lower your energy bills over time. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and the environment.

This grant is a stepping stone towards greener living. If you're considering making the switch, now's a great time to tap into this support and make a positive change for your home and the planet.

Curious about how to get started or need a bit more guidance? S Fearn Heating & Plumbing are here to help.

The growing adoption of heat pumps calls for equally adaptive air source heat pump insurance solutions.

Some home emergency covers may include central heating pumps, ensuring your heat pump is protected as part of your primary heating system. Some insurance providers also cover heat pumps with their home emergency add-on, highlighting a positive trend towards more inclusive policies.

• Read your policy documents thoroughly,
• Understand any exclusions,
• Verify heat pump cover details with your insurer.

As with any insurance, the devil is in the details, so due diligence is key.

As heat pumps become more mainstream, we can expect more comprehensive cover options to emerge. In the meantime, it’s comforting to know that some providers are paving the way for a more secure and warm future.

Take the time to understand your coverage now to save you from potential headaches in the future. Stay warm with your new heat pump and stay covered!

Want to know more about air source heat pumps and cover? Pick up the phone and call 07791 586 147, and we’ll be happy to answer any queries you have.