E.on have tried several times to get into the central heating maintenance market - and previosuly all have ended up in a pretty dire placeThey've tried a variety of methods of manaing it - they tried to outsource the work which failed miserably and then they just through money at it and tried launching an in-house offering which was going pretty badly.

Their latest attempt so far is faring much better, its appearing highly on uswitch and is now on paper better than BGAS's offering. Offering the same level of services at a cheaper price (about £70.00 a year cheaper) , have a lower complaints ratio, higher first time fix ratio (i.e when the come out and are able to repair the problem without leaving the custoemr's proeprty first) and a lower time to fix (this is the time taken to visit a property, order parts and fitting). I was informed of this when taking out my own cover, and was pretty impressed have to say thus far its all going well -- but there is time for the boot to drop.

This doesn't mean they're the best at it, just that they've had a huge number of problems in the past elading to the poor service reviews you've seen. The WB boiler is a little more costly than most, but for a very good reason its very efficient and relaible as well as parts being widely available. Defiantley worht consideration.

As for weather its worth it or not, its a very good question. I suppose its a bit like marmite you either like the odea or you hate it. Self-insuring works great unless you get a problem in the first few months, some aprts of the boiler are pretty pricey some as much as £1000.00 depending on the make and mode of course. Using a "friend of the family" works well as you get mates rates, yet generally you'll always be second to a full paying customer and your more than likely fitting around them all the time. Using a local guy can be a god-send or complete nightmare - i'm sure we've seen the articles in the press and watchdog reports of the cowboys.

Ultimately weigh up all the infoamtion you have as well as the answers to the questions Jalexa has raised and see what's best. It maybe the reassurance of having a package in place is well worth the money, of course it maynot be.

Aeropars:

The boiler is 5 years old I beleive and is a worcester-bosh

In that case I would suggest you look first at a Worcester-Bosch service contract. WB have a extensive service organisation.

Thanks for the replies guys.

In answer to some of your questions it is a combi boiler so produces the hot water as well. Hot water is essential in our house although I could do without heating for a small amount of time during the winter. The boiler is 5 years old I beleive and is a worcester-bosh so parts should be readily available.

I apreciate I could self insure but this is where my lack of self control might take over and I coudl end up delving in to the pot for other problems that may arrise so I figured a monthly installment would be the best bet.

I was scared off the Eon scheme having heard a lot of bad reviews. I guess people mainly write reviews to say how bad something is yet if something is fine then they tend no to bother.

So is the concensus that the British Gas policy would be the best one to go with?

I self insure; by placing the equivalent monthly payments into a separate pot, should the worst happen I know a local reputable heating engineer who will attend the same day. After Three + years I almost have enough in the pot to buy a new boiler and fitting should the worst happen. !

If I had to take out a service contract; only the British gas service contracts would be given due consideration, at least they usually attend and stay with a problem until it's sorted.

Aeropars:

Impossible for somebody else to answer for you but these are some factors to influence the decision.

1. How long can you manage without heat? Could you use electric heaters to keep warm?

2. Does the boiler also do hot water. How long could you manage without hot water?

3. How old is your boiler? These policies don't replace old boilers. You need to check the small print.

4. Is you boiler a lemon? These companies won't renew cover on a lemon.

5. All boilers should be "serviced" annually (sometimes just a safetry check).

6. Most boilers only breakdown infrequently.

7. Some boilers break down frequently.

8. Some spare parts are VERY expensive.

9. Is someone at home all day to admit the repair person when he/she calls at a time of his/her choosing and then goes away for spares only to return another day.

If its a major brand boiler and you are risk averse then consider a maintenance contract with the boiler company's scheme, not a utility where you have no control of the service engineer's experience and spares holding with your particular boiler.

The electric cover I reckon is a total waste of money.

there is not one single heating cover scheme i would recommend. this is for the following reasons:

1) They charge you through the nose if you have to get your boiler replaced. Sometimes up to twice as much as it would cost to have this done by a private heating engineer.

2) you're paying money every month for a service you rarely use. Considering that it's cheaper to get a private engineer to take care of point 1, are you really getting your money's worth? Say if a valve goes on your boiler, that's about £250 max including labour to fix.

Hi guys,

I'm hoping you can help me out with a dilema.

I was thinking of getting the E.on central heating care with electrics cover but have read some horrible reivews on this site which has made me think twice. I'm based int he midlands and I have my gas and electrcity through E.on.

Can anyone give me advice on whether these type of plans are worth it? If so then what are the most reputable companies to get cover from? The last thing I want is to be without a boiler should the worst happen!

THanks in advance!