British Gas Homecare vs Homeserve - advice please

[Happydaze2]

We’ve had annual cover with BG for years and it’s renewal time, but after trying to negotiate the renewal premium to bring the cost down I’m still unhappy. Time for a change, I think. Homeserve seem to have a better reputation - if you have experience of them I’d welcome hearing your comments. We are looking for just basic cover - for central heating, boiler and controls, and annual service

Homeserve were a nightmare for my mum. Her boiler was using ridiculous amounts of gas and the house was cold. The woman on the phone wouldn't send anyone one out insisting the condenser pipe was frozen.

I didn't know much about boilers at the time and it wasn't long after my dad died.

Turns out the boiler wasn't a condensing boiler and a part inside had broken, the boiler was unrepairable due to the parts being discontinued.

My mum had been told it was a replacement policy, but it wasn't, so they offered her a discount on a new boiler. When she got other quotes the boiler with discount was still more expensive than the local plumber's quote.

There are lots of different companies out there too. We are with You Repair, which was much cheaper and we have used for boiler, drains and plumbing call outs. All attended really quickly, from same day to about 24/48 hours. Annual Boiler service included too.

(I'm probably going to end that cover at the end of this 4th year though, as I got cover added onto our Home Insurance.)