Which Insurance Providers Offer Air Source Heat Pump Insurance?

Air source heat pump installation in Leeds outside a house in garden

Saving energy, Cutting our carbon emissions. Striving for a greener future to save the planet. Not a day goes by without hearing the ecological message from a source online or the news. In the topics we hear about, the much talked about alternative heat source is heat pumps. 

Some say it's a big misunderstood energy source. Yet the pros vastly outweigh the cons. But there is a problem in the UK.

How to make sure the heat pump is adequately covered by your home insurance's air source heat pump insurance.

In the ever-evolving landscape of home energy solutions, heat pumps have become increasingly popular. They provide efficient heating for homes, significantly reducing carbon footprints and energy costs.

But, like any other crucial home system, they can break down, and finding an insurance provider that offers breakdown cover for heat pumps can be a bit of a challenge.

That's where we step in, to guide you through the maze and help you find the right cover to keep your home warm and your mind at ease.

Chat with us at S Fearn Heating and Plumbing about heat pumps. Call Steve on 0113 513 5130 and we'll answer any questions you have about heat pump installations in Leeds.

The Current Landscape of Air Source Heat Pump Insurance Coverage by Insurance Providers

The market is somewhat divided. Some big names like Admiral, Aviva, and Saga tend to exclude heat pumps from their standard home emergency policies. This gap in coverage often leaves homeowners in a bind, especially when an unexpected breakdown occurs.

The primary reason is the relative newness and unfamiliarity of heat pumps to many insurers. However, the good news is that some providers are stepping up to fill this crucial coverage gap.

Providers Offering Breakdown Cover for Heat Pumps

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."

Direct Line is then one of the more proactive air source heat pump insurance providers on their home emergency cover.

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. Crucially, this includes central heating pumps. In essence, if your heat pump is integrated into your main heating system, it’s covered under their "home emergency" terms.

So, you also mentioned LV?

LV has also mentioned that heat pumps are included, provided they serve as the primary heating source in your home.

Overview - LV

LV Insurance offers home emergency cover that extends to heat pumps.

Coverage Details

Heat pumps are covered if they are the primary source of heating in the home, under an additional Home Emergency cover. This is a significant step towards comprehensive protection for environmentally-conscious homeowners.

A crucial point

All three insurance companies only make this offer through their Home Emergency cover, which you'll need to add on top of your regular breakdown cover.

With boilers, many insurance providers may cover up to £1,000 for a replacement if repairs aren't possible. 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.

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 albeit 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.

heat pump for home

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Insurance for Heat Pumps

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

There are home emergency covers that 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.

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