Before you join any club, go on a rally, visit a beach or go on your own permission, my advice is to get insured!

You can join the AMDS (Association for Metal Detecting Sport) who for only £5 per year, will provide you with public liability insurance of £10,000,000! You can find out all about the insurance which is included with the membership here.

Alternatively, you can join the NCMD (National Council for Metal Detecting) who for only £8 per year, will also provide you with full liability insurance. You can find out all about the insurance which is included with the membership here.

Most of the Facebook groups below will allow you to pay to attend a dig provided you have valid insurance. They usually cost between £15 and £30 per day to attend a dig and are a great way to meet new people, experience the finds first hand, get advice and of course get to visit some great permissions.

If you are able to get your own permissions then great, but give your land owner that extra confidence in you by having some insurance. If you dig a hole and an animal injures themselves or you damage a water pipe accidentally, I know I’d rather have the insurance to cover both myself and the land owner.