Is home emergency cover worth it?
What is home emergency cover and do you need it? We explain everything you need to know
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Whether it's a burst pipe or a burglary, when home emergencies happen they're a nuisance at best. At worst, they can force you out of your home.
Some calamities are more common in the winter, such as burst pipes or boiler breakdown, but others can crop up all year round, as anyone who's suffered a squirrel infestation or smashed window can attest.
But does your home insurance cover you for these unforeseeable mishaps? Should you buy standalone home emergency cover, or simply add it on to your existing policy?
What is home emergency insurance?
Designed to cover misfortunes like burst pipes or boiler breakdown, home emergency cover offers householders access to a 24-hour emergency helpline, meaning they should be able to get hold of approved tradesmen quickly and easily.
Policies will cover the cost of call-out, labour and materials for repairs, and may also offer cover for alternative accommodation if you have to stay elsewhere while repairs are being made.
Do I really need home emergency cover?
"Like most insurance policies, the level of cover you'll receive – and its price – varies from policy to policy," said GoCompare (opens in new tab)'s Ben Wilson
It's important to remember, too, that emergency cover could exclude equipment which hasn't been installed or maintained properly, like boilers.
"The failure of boilers or heating systems is usually only covered when they have been inspected or serviced by a qualified person within the preceding 12 months," said Wilson.
(MORE: Ways to keep your boiler happy)
How much does it cost and what does it include?
You could pay anything from £12 to £265, but most policies offer cover for around £35. The home emergency maximum limit can range from £500 to £4,000, and many have access to a 24-hour claims notification helpline included as standard.
Commonly covered household perils include:
- plumbing and drainage problems
- home security (broken doors or windows)
- domestic power supply failure
- central heating failure
- vermin infestation
- removal of wasp and hornet nests.
Always check your terms and conditions to see which home emergencies are covered.
Is home emergency cover included in my home insurance policy?
This can vary from provider to provider. Some may include home emergency cover as part of your contents insurance, while others offer it as an optional extra.
"If you're considering buying home emergency insurance, the first thing that you should do is to check your existing household insurance policy, which may already provide the cover you need," says Wilson.
As a freelance content marketer and copywriter, Emily has over five years of experience working with household brands & start-ups alike. She writes articles on insurance, energy, travel and personal finance.
-
-
Selling second-hand: do I need to pay tax?
If you sell on sites like eBay and Facebook – do you need to pay tax on money earned?
By Sue Hayward • Published
-
Broadband scams warning: scam calls cash in on upcoming price hikes
As broadband prices are set to hike from April, so are broadband scam - we explain how to spot the scams
By Vaishali Varu • Published
-
Revealed: the job titles that add £100s to car insurance - and the cheaper alternatives
Job titles that will see the biggest rise in car insurance costs in 2023 have been revealed - is your job title one of them? And how to find cheaper alternatives
By Vaishali Varu • Published
-
How to avoid sneaky car insurance fees
Some motor insurers are increasing fees and charges for motorists. We reveal how to avoid them
By Sue Hayward • Published
-
How to get cheap car insurance: 10 ways to cut the cost
If you’re a driver, you can’t hide from paying for car insurance but knowing how to get cheap car insurance can cut the cost without compromising cover quality.
By Vaishali Varu • Published
-
Amazon sells insurance: is comparing and buying an insurance policy through Amazon any good?
Amazon Insurance Store launches in the UK to sell home insurance
By Sue Hayward • Published
-
Life insurance: the risks and cost of cancelling your cover
If you’ve got life insurance but can no longer afford monthly payments – what are your options?
By Sue Hayward • Published
-
How to save on your home insurance and get the best deal
Home insurance is crucial protection but can be expensive. We highlight the ways to still enjoy the same level of cover but at a lower price
By John Fitzsimons • Published
-
8 mistakes that could invalidate your travel insurance
You don’t want to go to the effort of buying travel insurance and then find it doesn’t pay out when making a claim - we highlight some common mistakes to avoid
By Katie Binns • Published
-
Average home insurance premiums drop to record low - is now the time to switch?
Households get some “cost of living relief” as buildings and contents insurance prices fall
By Ruth Emery • Last updated