Boiler Maintenance Contracts

Sounds high to me. For that money I would expect the whole heating system to be covered.

I would get a quote for an annual service from a recommended local gas fitter. Say £75-£100.

Then if your boiler breaks down every 4 years (unlikely?) you'd have to pay around £400 per time before you've paid more than your maintenance contract would have cost.

Of course, if you're always short of cash you won't have the £400 when it comes down to it, that would have been spent!

Alternatively - is breakdown insurance available on boilers like it is on white goods?

I have just taken out entire CH cover, boiler, rads, pipes, HW cyl, pump etc etc with Powergen for £13 pm (£156 per annum). Other gas / electricity providers also offer a similar cover. Think British gas now offer a service where they will fix your problem for a fixed fee.