You’ve just seen the headline: the company that fitted your boiler has gone into administration.

Now you’re wondering:

• Is my warranty now useless?
• Who do I call if it breaks?
• Have I just lost my deposit or finance deal?

Deep breath. Your boiler isn’t suddenly unsafe, unusable or “illegal” – and in many cases, you’ve got more protection than you think.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what actually happens when a boiler company goes bust, what it means for your warranty and finance, and the practical steps to keep your heating and hot water on track.

In most cases, your manufacturer warranty still stands. You’ll simply need a new, reliable installer to look after you from here.

What Does It Actually Mean When Your Boiler Company “Goes Bust”?

When a boiler company “goes bust”, it usually means they’ve gone into administration or liquidation.

In normal human terms, that’s:

• They’ve run out of money
• An external firm steps in to sort out debts and assets
• Phones stop being answered and day-to-day work grinds to a halt

Here’s the key bit most people miss:

Your installer is one business. Your boiler manufacturer (Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal, etc.) is a completely separate one.

So even if the installer vanishes off the face of the earth, the boiler on your wall hasn’t. And as long as it was registered properly, your manufacturer warranty will usually still be alive and kicking – you’ll just need someone new (and reliable) to look after it from now on.

What Happens to Your Boiler Warranty If the Installer Goes Bust?

Most new boilers come with a manufacturer warranty – often 5, 7, 10 or even 12 years. So what happens to that if the installer disappears?

Manufacturer warranty

If your boiler was properly registered, this usually still applies, because it’s provided by the manufacturer, not the installer.

Installer-backed guarantees

Any extra “lifetime workmanship guarantee” or extended cover offered directly by the installer may no longer be valid – there’s simply no company left to honour it.

Servicing requirements

Most warranties require an annual service by a Gas Safe engineer. If you miss this (for any reason), your warranty could be at risk – regardless of who fitted it.

What you can do now

• Dig out your paperwork/emails to confirm your boiler brand, model and warranty length
• Check if the warranty was registered (sometimes you’ll have a certificate or confirmation email)
• If in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly with your boiler’s serial number

Many reputable installers will help you keep on top of servicing and paperwork, but ultimately it’s worth knowing exactly what cover you have and what’s required to keep it valid.

What If You’ve Paid a Deposit or Paid in Full?

Money already handed over? Here’s how it usually plays out:

You paid by credit card (over £100)

You may be covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which can make your card provider jointly liable if the company fails to deliver.

What to do:

• Contact your card provider
• Explain the situation and ask about making a Section 75 claim

You used a finance agreement

If you took out boiler finance, this is normally with a separate lender, not the installer themselves.

• Check your finance paperwork
• Contact the lender and explain that the installer has gone bust
• Ask if they have arrangements with alternative installers to complete the work

You paid by debit card or bank transfer

You may be able to request a chargeback, particularly if you’ve paid for work that hasn’t been done. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s worth asking your bank about.

Golden rule: keep every email, invoice and receipt. The more evidence you have, the easier it is to make a claim.

(This isn’t financial advice; always check with your bank/card provider.)

My Installation Was Booked but Never Happened – What Now?

If you had a boiler install date booked and the company has now gone quiet or announced they’ve gone bust, you’re in “stranded customer” territory.

Here’s what to do:

1. Confirm the situation

• Check their website, social media and any official announcements
• Look for mentions of “administration” or “liquidation”

2. Stop chasing them for new dates

If they’re in administration, they’re unlikely to complete the work.

3. Contact your bank/card/finance provider

• Ask what protections you have for work not carried out
• Follow their guidance on chargeback, Section 75 or finance complaints

4. Get a replacement quote

• Get like-for-like quotes from reputable alternative installers
• Make sure you understand what’s included (warranty length, flushing, controls, pipework, etc.)

If you’re without heating or hot water

Don’t wait weeks for an administrator to reply. Prioritise getting a trusted installer booked – you can sort the money side (refunds/claims) in parallel.

Who Looks After Your Boiler From Now On?

With your original installer out of the picture, the question becomes: who do you call next time something goes wrong?

You have three main options:

1. Manufacturer service team

Many brands have their own engineer networks for warranty call-outs and fixed-price repairs.

2. Local Gas Safe engineers

A trusted local engineer can carry out annual services and minor repairs, keeping your warranty intact (as long as they’re Gas Safe registered).

3. Larger digital or national installers

If you’d prefer a more modern experience (fixed online prices, transparent reviews, quick availability), you can move your boiler care to a larger installer that offers online quotes and clear service plans.

They can typically help with:

• New boiler installs if yours fails outside warranty
• Replacements where the old system isn’t worth repairing
• Ongoing servicing to keep your warranty valid

How to Protect Yourself When Choosing a Boiler Company in Future

Sadly, boiler companies going bust isn’t new. But there are ways to protect yourself next time:

• Check trading history & reviews Look for plenty of recent, verified reviews (e.g. on Trustpilot) and a solid trading history – not a brand-new company with no track record.
• Make sure the warranty is manufacturer-backed That 10- or 12-year warranty should be with a major boiler brand, not just “our own guarantee”.
• Use safe payment methods Where possible, pay at least part by credit card for added protection, or through reputable finance providers.
• Look for clear, fixed pricing Avoid vague quotes that can balloon later. The more transparent the price, the fewer surprises if anything goes wrong.

No installer is completely risk-free, but doing these checks makes it far less likely you’ll be left stranded.

FAQs: Boiler Company Gone Bust

Can I still get my boiler serviced if my installer has gone bust?

Yes. Any Gas Safe registered engineer can service your boiler and keep your manufacturer warranty valid. You don’t have to use the original installer.

Is my boiler warranty void now?

Usually not. If it’s a manufacturer warranty and was registered correctly, it should still apply. Check your paperwork or contact the manufacturer.

Can another company take over my warranty?

The warranty itself stays with the boiler and manufacturer, but another installer can take over servicing, repairs and any future replacement.

Will I get my money back for an installation that never happened?

It depends how you paid and what stage the job reached. Contact your bank, card provider or finance lender as soon as you can and explain that the company has gone into administration.

Should I wait to see what the administrators say before booking a new boiler?

If you’re without heating or hot water, don’t wait. Prioritise getting a new, reliable installer; financial claims and refunds can be pursued alongside.

The Bottom Line: Your Boiler Isn’t Doomed

Having your boiler company go bust is stressful – especially if you’ve just spent thousands on a new system or you’re still waiting for it to be fitted.

The key things to remember:

• Your boiler manufacturer warranty often still stands
• You may have payment protection via your bank or finance provider
• You’re free to choose a new, more reliable installer to look after you from here

From there, it’s simply about getting your heating back on, your paperwork in order, and choosing a company you’re happy to deal with in the long run.