Boiler Insurance Avoid EDF

[Harry Singh]

I have had this for a number of years. I probably don't need it but I've got it.

I change every year or haggle about the price as year two invariably doesn't include a free service.

This year I went with EDF. The advertise the first thing they will do is contact you and arrange an inspection and service.

I had the inspection and was advised I should have a service. I phoned and was old it would be at the end of the contract year and would need to pay for one if I wanted it now.

I complained and, after threatening to take it to the Financial Services Ombudsman, I got my service. The engineer seemed to do no more than the one who inspected the boiler but hey-ho. On the Work Completion Form no further works required.

Letter arrives from insurance company – engineer has found sludge and scale and a power flush recommended. Queried this with the insurance company, they checked with the engineer and customer services and it all appears to have been a mistake on their part. The boiler is fine.

I did ask if this was a standard letter all customers get and was of course assured that wasn’t the case. But it’s potentailly a nice little earner otherwise.

After careful consideration, for anyone considering boiler insurance, I regret I am not able to recommend EDF.

 

[ianmcd]

They are all the same, not just EDF

 

[Robert Stoubos]

Thanks for the advice Harry, I've had no experience with EDF, but that sounds very shady to me

 

[Harry Singh]

They are all the same, not just EDF

The different engineers I've had round have all seemed similar; but this is the first time I've had a customer services department who don't understand their contractual obligations and are seemingly programmed to robotically sell unnecessary and expensive add-ons.

 

[ianmcd]

Harry I have worked for a few of them and the pressure is always on to sell stuff, powerflushes are their favourite, then system filters then control upgrades, much better to find an independent installer that you trust to give you proper advice and look after your system instead of ripping you off, if the attending engineer doesnt try and sell you something their boss is on their aris like a nappy

 

[Harry Singh]

The first engineer was quite good in that respect. He mentioned filters but said he wouldn't recommened putting one on an old system only when the bolier was replaced - though perhaps he was building up for the biggy!

I contacted a local engineer who quoted me for replacing the EV. I suggested trying a simpler (cheaper) re-charge first and didn't hear from them again. Will keep trying, though.

 

[ianmcd]

The first engineer was quite good in that respect. He mentioned filters but said he wouldn't recommened putting one on an old system only when the bolier was replaced - though perhaps he was building up for the biggy!

I contacted a local engineer who quoted me for replacing the EV. I suggested trying a simpler (cheaper) re-charge first and didn't hear from them again. Will keep trying, though.

I said an independent that you trust, personally , I would never recommend replacing an EV without completely testing the existing one, water coming out of the shraeder valve does not meat that the vessel has failed

 

[75pete]

What ever you do, don't go to NPower.

 

[flameport]

Boiler cover is a tool used to get salespersons into the house so they can sell you a new boiler. It has no other purpose.

Far better to save the money instead of paying for the insurance cover, and pay for repairs as/when needed.
Boiler repairs are not typically thousands of pounds, despite what scaremongering adverts might imply.

Most boiler manufacturers offer fixed price repairs, as do many other companies.