Terms of BusinessThe Financial Services Authority Hamilton Robertson Insurance Brokers Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Our FSA reference number is 301157. Our permitted business is advising, arranging, dealing as agent and assisting in the administration and performance of general insurance contracts
You may check this on the FSA’s register by visiting the FSA website, www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.
Our role is to advise you and make a suitable recommendation after we have assessed your needs. In situations where we are able to arrange insurance for you but do not offer advice, we shall confirm the position to you in writing. We will not in any circumstances act as an insurer nor guarantee or warrant the solvency of any insurer.
- We select motor insurance products from a range of insurers.
- We select household insurance products from a range of insurers.
- We select travel insurance products from a range of insurers.
You may ask us for a list of the insurers we deal with for these products.
We select commercial insurance products from a range of insurers but, for certain products, we may only deal with a single insurer or select from a limited number of insurers.
The shares in Hamilton Robertson Insurance Brokers Ltd are held as follows:
Alex Hamilton 50%
Graeme Robertson 50%
We aim to provide you with a high level of customer service at all times, but if you are not satisfied, contact us:
in writing
Hamilton Robertson Insurance Brokers Ltd
2 Catherine Street
Kirkintilloch
Glasgow
G66 1LJ
by phone
Alex Hamilton 0141 777 7199
Managing Director 0141 776 7600
If you are still not satisfied, you may refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman (except in the case of commercial customers with a group annual turnover of £1m or more, or trustees with a net asset value of £1m or more). We are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). You may be entitled to compensation from the scheme if we cannot meet our obligations. This depends on the type of insurance, size of the business (if a commercial customer) and the circumstances of the claim. Further information about compensation scheme arrangements is available from the FSCS.
We normally receive commission from the insurers or product providers but make charges for handling your insurances as agreed: - in the event of a mid term alteration we make a charge of £15.00 in addition to any charge made by the insurer.
- in the event of a policy being cancelled we make a charge of £15.00 in addition to any charge made by the insurer.
- for duplicate cover notes or certificates we make a charge of £15.00 in addition to any charge made by the insurer.
- should you wish us to recover uninsured losses on your behalf where legal expenses cover was not purchased a charge of 10% of the recovery made will be payable.
You will receive a quotation which will tell you the total price to be paid, showing any fees, taxes and charges separately from the premium, before your insurance arrangements are concluded. Full payment of premium and fees is due before cover commences, or as otherwise stated under terms of credit, or in the invoice or statement issued to you. We make a 2% charge for all payment made by credit card.
We hold all client money collected for onward transmission to the Insurers and return premiums/credits/claims payments due to clients from insurers in a Client Bank Account under a Statutory Trust in accordance with the authorisation we have from the Financial Services Authority to do so. For the purpose of some transactions, client money may pass through other authorised intermediaries before being received by the insurer. Where we collect or hold money as agent of the Insurers you will be notified accordingly. Interest will not be paid to customers in respect of money held in client bank accounts.
You should make any request for the cancellation of a policy in writing and any relevant certificate of insurance should be returned to us or to the insurer concerned. In the event of cancellation, charges for our services will apply in accordance with the Tariff of Fees above. The terms of your policy may allow insurers to retain the premium in full or to charge short-period premiums in the event of cancellation.
Occasions can arise where we or one of our associated companies, clients or product providers will have a potential conflict of interest with business being transacted for you. If this happens and we become aware that a potential conflict exists, we will write to you and obtain your consent before we carry out your instructions, and detail the steps we will take to ensure fair treatment.
You may terminate our authority to act on your behalf with 14 days notice or as otherwise agreed without penalty. Notice of this termination must be given in writing and will take effect from the date of receipt. Termination is without prejudice to any transactions already initiated, which will be completed according to these terms of business unless otherwise agreed in writing. You will be liable to pay for any transactions or adjustments effective prior to termination and we will be entitled to retain any and all fees or brokerage payable in relation to policies placed by us prior to the date of termination.
You are responsible for providing the complete and accurate information, which insurers require in connection with any proposal for insurance cover. This is particularly important before taking out a policy and at renewal, but it also applies throughout the life of a policy. If you fail to disclose any material fact or other information material to the insurance this could invalidate the policy and mean that claims may not be paid. You should check all details on any proposal form or Statement of Facts and pay particular attention to any declaration you may be asked to sign.
You should read all insurance documents issued to you and ensure that you are aware of the cover, limits and other terms that apply. Particular attention should be paid to any warranties and conditions as failure to comply with them could invalidate your policy.
You should take note of the required procedures in the event of a claim, which will be stated in the policy documentation. Generally, insurers require immediate notification of a claim or circumstances that might lead to a claim.
You should inform us immediately of any changes in circumstances that may affect the services provided by us or the cover provided by your policy.
If you are unsure about any matter, please contact us for guidance.
All personal information is treated by us as confidential and is processed in accordance with the relevant legislation. We will not use or disclose personal information without your consent, other than in the normal course of arranging and administering your insurances, except where we are compelled by law (including by regulators or law enforcement agencies) to disclose such information. In such instances personal information held by us may be disclosed on a confidential basis, and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, to such third parties.
We will employ due care and skill if we act on your behalf in respect of a claim.