@jamespa this is what I thought when I read the policy but then upon conversation with their customer service they said there was nothing to update as they do not even mention them in the policy (and booklet). As per above, I then accepted the argument. Upon revision, I see that in the booklet they only mention the wording heating systems (so I guess I should be covered at least in terms of damages even if I won't have emergency service as they would offer for a gas-based system). Soon for an updated post on the newly installed system!

Posted by: @eliuccio

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@jamespa this is what I thought when I read the policy but then upon conversation with their customer service they said there was nothing to update as they do not even mention them in the policy (and booklet). As per above, I then accepted the argument. Upon revision, I see that in the booklet they only mention the wording heating systems (so I guess I should be covered at least in terms of damages even if I won't have emergency service as they would offer for a gas-based system). Soon for an updated post on the newly installed system!

If it says heating system it should cover you for damage unless there is an exclusion.  I would challenge them if they claim otherwise, then keep a record of their response!

@eliuccio this is the ambiguity that is really getting my under skin when it comes to heat pumps. A central heating system is a central heating system.

Our previous policy had us "heating system" and when we had an issue that was related to the heating, not the heat pump specifically they enquired and called us back to say that heat pumps were not covered. Which is ridiculous. 

If there are no personal details in your booklet can you send it to me? DM or editor@renewableheatinghub.co.uk 

I'll keep you "anonymous" but I will raise this with the powers-that-be for comment, and ruffle some feathers.

Posted by: @editor

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Our previous policy had us "heating system" and when we had an issue that was related to the heating, not the heat pump specifically they enquired and called us back to say that heat pumps were not covered. Which is ridiculous. 

... and incorrect given the wording you quote.  I bet they would lose if you challenged it in court or through the ombudsman.  As you say

Posted by: @editor

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A central heating system is a central heating system.

It seems to me that, if it says 'heating system' then there is no ambiguity and, unless heat pump based systems are expressly excluded, the internal components are clearly included.  The definition of the 'house' or 'home' may however exclude the outside, in which case the ODU (but not the internal components) may be excluded by default. 

A contract is a contract; someone from a call centre cant change the contract unilaterally, however much they may be incentivised to do so!

To make things clear, lots of insurance companies cover heat pumps, some dinosaurs will not, a few have been known to waffle on about 'units in the garden' at which point you tell them it is physically attached to your plumbing and heating (but make a mental note to look elsewhere for cover upon renewal).

Emergency cover is a whole otra cosa and you need to check the terms carefully because you don't want some random gas guy turning up to fix your heat pump and afaik most won't cover heat pumps (although they 'may' cover the hot water.)

However, when you install a heat pump you are supposed to notify your insurance company BEFORE work starts. This is notifiable building work in terms of building regs and it has an impact on your physical property so your insurer will want to know your installer is covered. 

I was actually surprised when both Tesco and one of the basic cheapies didn't blink when I said heat pump. Tesco said: "of course".  So it's not difficult to get cover but don't take it for granted - check and get the answer in writing.

Really, we should just make a list of insurers that are ok covering heat pumps (not heating unspecified) and make it a sticky because threads like this get a bit repetitive and it might help people before installation. (And we can shame by omission 😁) 

I told Tesco last year I would share the insurance info in a heat pump forum. 

My home insurance renewal is due soon meaning I am doing the annual getting quotes routine. Like @editor, I do so wish we didn't have to go through this routine with so many things these days - home insurance, car insurance, energy supplier, broadband and phone, and each of us will have other things as well - as frankly it is tedious and boring work but it does save a few bob which is why I do it.

My current home insurance policy, the one due to expire soon, is with Policy Expert. Given past posts in this thread, and there is no mention either way in my policy wording, I asked specifically about heat pump cover (I was using 'live chat'). I was told heat pumps were covered by virtue of this clause in the definitions:

"Buildings also includes the permanent fixtures and fittings in or mounted upon the buildings that could
not easily be removed and reused, such as fixed solar panels (that have been professionally installed), fixed
sanitary fittings (for example, toilets, sinks and baths) and laminated, wood-effect or vinyl floor coverings."

I then pointed out that a typical heat pump is neither "in" nor "mounted upon" the buildings (though it is connected through pipework and wiring), and the person on the other end of the chat (defo not a bot) said, among other things:

"We would not list every specific type of item that we would cover, we only list what we would not cover. We do cover air source heat pumps in our home insurance." (which is pretty explicit)

"The chat transcript will be automatically sent to you once our chat session has ended to confirm this in writing for you." (good, but not the same as it being explicit in the policy wording)

and in response to the specific neither in not mounted question

"I understand your concern, but I can confirm that we do not have an issue when it comes to covering these [these being heat pumps] if for example there was a fire we would look at replacing it for you either way"

I am inclined to think the sum total of all that adds up to my heat pump is covered by Policy Expert for normal building risks. But my chat isn't with them isn't a generic answer, so if you have or take out a policy with them you will need to get your own confirmation, unless and until they explicitly add heat pumps to the policy wording. 

I agree with @lucia, a sticky on this question (insurers that do/don't cover heat pumps) is a good idea!  

Posted by: @eliuccio

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Just discovered upon communicating ongoing installation that my insurer (Privilege) don't even mention Heat pumps at all in their policy nor provides support in the emergency cover. So if wanted it ensured I would need it to be covered by someone else...

 

Yup just spoke to Privilege to inform them of my impending "heat pump boiler" (their words) install and (after a lot of back and forth) they told me the outside part of the install wasn't covered, but it didn't impact the rest of my buildings or contents cover, except they now no longer will provide Emergency Cover.

When I asked them what Emergency Cover is, they struggled to explain it (!), but seems like it's just someone to show up quick.  Frankly if the heating is off the last person I'm going to be calling is a frikin insurance company (I took 20 minutes to even speak to a human).

Rang Aviva today to check whether my HP would be covered in the quote I’d received. I was asked whether it was installed internally or externally (anyway, once past that they confirmed it would be). 

@davesoa Just following up on my original post, I am going through the process of adding home batteries to my electric system and, just in case, I contacted my insurer Ecclesiastical. The batteries will be installed in a detached garage next to the house. They confirmed that they do not affect my insurance and will be covered.

I realise that its probably no different to having an all electric car in the garage but I thought I would ask as you never know with insurance companies.

For example the saga with Policy Expert. They definately confirmed to me, after them speaking to their under writers that they wouldn't cover it, yet other members on this forum have had differing responses.

I am happy that Ecclesiastical specifically say in the policy document that they cover heat pumps and not rely on any telephone transcript.

I chose Tesco in the end. Unambiguously cover HP, PV and batteries. Which recommend their level of cover as well.