Energy News

HomeServe steps in to rescue stranded HomeCall+ customers

Monday 23 May, 2011

By Garnet Roach - garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

Customers of the bankrupt home emergency service HomeCall+ are being offered cover for just £1 from rival HomeServe.

HomeCall+ was one of the UK’s biggest firms offering home emergency cover - until it went bust last week, leaving thousands of customers without protection.

Customers who had signed up to HomeCall+ before 3 December 2010 would have their policies honoured, because they were underwritten by Brit Insurance.

However, there was concern over what would happen to people who had signed up to one of the company’s boiler, heating or other home emergency policies after that date.

But now for just £1 and proof they purchased a HomeCall+ policy, stranded customers can sign-up to HomeServe Home Emergency Cover - usually priced at £132 for a year.

The package covers the following emergencies:

• External underground drains
• Internal plumbing and drainage emergencies
• Domestic electrical emergencies
• Gas central heating boiler or electrical heating breakdowns
• Lock and glazing emergencies
• Up to £500 per claim
• Up to three claims per year (maximum one for gas).