M&S Money Urge Drivers to Make Car Security a Priority This Summer

LONDON, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- M&S Money has revealed a new survey that reveals thousands of drivers are risking invalidating car insurance claims by failing to make vehicle security a priority.

The poll* found that more than half (56%) of UK motorists have been victims of car crime - 12% of car owners have experienced maliciously damaged paintwork, 8% have had a windscreen smashed and 8% of motorists have been victims of theft of personal belongings from their car.  

While 60% of car owners have an alarm installed in their vehicle, many risk invalidating car insurance claims by failing to activate the alarm when the vehicle is unattended.

The survey found that 40% of Brits do not always use their car's security system. A further 12% of motorists never use their security facilities, while nearly half of people (43%) admitted to having left their cars unlocked.  

The M&S Car Insurance policy states that when a vehicle is unattended drivers must ensure the car is locked, windows are closed, any security system activated and any keyless entry systems removed.

In July the 2010 British Car Crime Survey** announced that car crime had dropped by 17% in comparison to last year.

Andrew Ferguson, M&S Head of General Insurance, said: "It is good to hear that car crime is falling, however it is always important to make sure vehicles are locked and secure. During the summer months, many drivers unwind windows and leave roofs open - it's important to make sure the vehicle is secure when unattended, especially as failure to do so could invalidate any insurance claim.

"If the worst should happen and a car is broken into, M&S Car Insurance can help cover the cost of damage and loss of personal belongings. We insure up to 200 pounds Sterling for theft of personal belongings and up to 500 pounds if these are items are bought from M&S."

Notes to editors:

*Figures from OnePoll.  Total sample size was 3000 UK adults aged 17 and over. Of those 77% owned a car. Fieldwork was undertaken on 18th -22nd June 2010.  The survey was carried out online.

**2010 British Car Crime Survey http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs07/bcs25.pdf

M&S Money (the trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc, making 2010 the company's 25th anniversary.

The company is a top-ten credit card provider and the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK.  M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including family pet insurance, home insurance and fully comp car insurance, as well as loans, savings and investment products.

In November 2004, Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC. HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 8,000 offices in 88 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of US$2,364 billion at 31 December 2009, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. HSBC is marketed worldwide as 'the world's local bank'.  M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.

SOURCE M&S Money