Public Liability Insurance for Allotments

john9159

On 20 September 2011 I applied for membership to Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) on behalf of my allotment society. I was aware that far cheaper options were available but the application to RHS was not my choice.

Joining RHS was predominantly to acquire public liability insurance (PLI) and involved paying £44 for affiliation to RHS and a further £90 for PLI.

No communications were received from RHS although they did claim an information pack was sent by post when I 'phoned on 16 Oct.

On 24 Oct I received a letter with a form with what appeared to be a further request of £69.20, I have no idea what this was for as money had payment of £134 been sent.

I have sent several e-mails in which I have insisted on a refund but have received no reply; it appears all e-mail, post and 'phone calls go to a single person in the members division.

I get the impression to scheme is being run by some little old biddy in a quiet office somewhere in the depths of the RHS building (or maybe even from home) as in the Wonga ad on TV where the characters are supping tea and chatting all day.

I have just got the name of Dan Wolfe who is the Director of Members but I need to know which body outside of the RHS I can make a complaint to, someone with some serious clout as I have parted with the societies money and have no insurance or anything else to show for this.

Thank you

InsideInsurance

According to the FSA the RHS are an authorised introducer to Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Limited.

The Insurance contact at RHS is Mr Mark Godfrey on 01483 211 11.

Alternatively you could put a complaint in writing to the broker https://www.alanboswell.com. As an authorised firm to them they carry a liability for the introducers actions.

If that doesnt work you can then escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service either after 8 weeks or after the brokers final response, which ever comes first.

john9159

Thank you for the very useful information.
Although I have had a reply from Alan Boswell who say they have not insured RHS since 2008.
Where can I find info on the insurers of RHS?