News from the RSGB

a) Individual insurance arrangements formerly through Bluefin:

Following the previous announcements about the withdrawal of Bluefin from the amateur radio insurance on the 31st March 2012 (for new policies and renewals), the Society is pleased to announce that two brokers are now offering insurance cover for radio amateurs. Whilst we do not and cannot recommend or endorse insurance companies, we can confirm the details as follows:

South West Broking Ltd

This company is offering insurance that has been negotiated specifically for amateur radio enthusiasts. They have gained the commitment of an insurer within Lloyd’s of London who offer cover for both radio equipment and third party liability insurance. Cover is available to both individual members and clubs.

Contact: Julian Dent of South West Broking Ltd. On 01454 806503 or by email at:Julian@southwestbroking.co.uk and they will be pleased to provide further information.

Quotedesk

A specialist insurance cover is also now available from a company Quotedesk. They are offering an all risk cover for your Amateur radio equipment along with Public Liability cover.

Contact: Phone +44 (0) 845 073 7137 or visit www.quotedesk.co.uk

b) Public liability Insurance for beacons and repeaters.

This policy expires today. Earlier this week we were told that the insurer (AXA) wanted to decommit from the business. They were embarrassed that, despite the renewal having been under discussion for weeks, they bounced this on us. They have now agreed to extend existing cover for a 14 day period and we have a proposal with them now which I hope will solve the problem.

c) NoVs for beacons

A large number of NoVs for beacons expire 31 March. We have agreed with Ofcom a process for extending existing NoVs until 31 December 2012, to allow an orderly issuing of new NoVs. Sadly the extension NoV wording has been delayed in Ofcom, and we now expect it next week. As soon as it is available we will go live with a portal on the RSGB website which will be similar to the NoVs for GQ and GO calls, which will allow beacon keepers to extend their NoVs through a webform.