The affected events were:

• Great Witchingham (1)
• Munstead (1)
• Cirencester Park
• Thoresby Park
• Goring Heath (1)
• Portman
• South of England (1)

As part of the negotiations we have included for the remainder of the policy cover specifically for DEFRA notifiable diseases – West Nile Virus, African Horse Sickness, Equine Infectious Anemia and Foot and Mouth. The cover for wet weather cancellations or abandonments – which is the most common claim – remains in place. However, ongoing cover for cancellation due to pandemic will not be included.

The Abandonment Insurance cover will remain in place for the 2021 season at the same cost as currently.

We would like to thank all those members affected for their patience whilst we have pursued this claim, and would like to thank our brokers, KBIS, for their continued help throughout the process. 

Charge Backs

Those members who recovered the entry fee money from BE using the ‘charge back’ process, available under their credit card provider or bank, will not be receive the entry fee again via this process. 

Reminder

The abandonment insurance policy covers the rider’s entry fees. BE collects the entry fee money on behalf of the organiser of the event. BE pays this money to the organiser, who uses the funds to run their event. Start fees are currently being collected with the entry fees and are not covered by the abandonment insurance. If the event does not run, for whatever reason, the start fee paid will be returned to the rider.

Timescales

We are processing refunds across the sport as quickly as we can and will process the abandonment claims as soon as possible following receipt of the money from the underwriters. We will process refunds within seven days of receipt of the funds and we aim that money will be with members within the next month.

Refunds in the case of another lockdown

As previously communicated, we have agreed a Pandemic Refund Policy for 2020 with our organisers. The amount refunded by the organiser will be a minimum of 30% of the net entry fee plus any applicable VAT, up to three days prior to the start date of the competition. This is only the case for a pandemic related cancellation.  Each organiser can return more money if they wish and will publish any additional refund information on their schedule. We would recommend that members check the Pandemic Refund Policy for each event prior to making their entry. Details of any refunds provided in excess of the minimum will be shown on their schedule on the BE website. 

Will the start fee be refunded?

Yes, the start fee will be refunded if you do not start the event.