All I would say is this - its your money and its your choice. There are plenty of organisations out there so there is no reason not to belong to at least one of them. As others have said all the associations offer more than just insurance, so check out what they do offer and deliver. The associations web sites are always a good start, and most should send you a copy of their mag to look at if you ask, then join the one that fits your needs… and pocket!
As for insurance - be careful - all liability policies are NOT the same, they all have conditions and endorsements on them, so check the policy wording before you part with your cash. Anyone selling you an insurance package by way of business MUST by law give you a document called a ‘key facts’ before they take your money, or read out to you over the telephone the key inclusions and key exclusions from the policy.
They have to give you a copy of the insurance policy, obviously so you know what you are buying. Again they have to give you this before you part with your money if you ask, but must send it to you anyway very soon after you have paid.
If someone tries to sell you an insurance policy, all be it wrapped up in a package, and they wont give you the ‘Key Facts’ document and will not give you a copy of the policy, you may well wonder why? After all, if you don’t get a copy of the insurance policy, how do you know what you are really covered for?
David