12 January 2010

Drivers Urged To Prepare Before Getting Back In The Car

• M&S Money Premier Car Insurance policies include UK and European breakdown cover, covering the policyholder not just their car

As freezing weather conditions continue to hit much of the UK, M&S Money Car Insurance is advising motorists to be prepared before getting back into their vehicle.
Many cars have been left unused for the past week, blocked in by the heavy snow which has swept across the country.

David Wells, M&S Money Head of Insurance, said: 'Motorists living in areas where roads are icy should heed police advice and not make unnecessary journeys. Before getting back into your vehicle clear all snow and ice, making sure that you have clear visibility. Also ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy, including checking the tyre conditions and that all lights are working.'

M&S Money Car Insurance tips for safer driving in wintery conditions:

• Check your anti-freeze levels, carry some de-icer and an ice scraper
• Check the tread and pressures of tyres and make sure lights and wipers are in good working order
• Top-up windscreen washer fluid and use a mixture containing de-icer
• Prepare an emergency kit for your car, in case of delays - including a torch, fully charged mobile phone, blanket/sleeping bag, warning triangle, tow rope, sat-nav or map (in case of diversions) first-aid kit, hot water bottle, a shovel, snacks and a flask containing a hot drink
• Allow more time for journeys and only travel if absolutely necessary.

And when you get on the road:

• Make sure there's plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front
• Always look as far ahead as possible while driving, to give plenty of time to spot hazards 
• Adjust driving to suit weather conditions and slippery roads: avoid sudden turns of the steering wheel, sudden braking or accelerating – as this could result in skidding
• Avoid distractions like eating or drinking, changing radio stations, disruptive passengers, and talking on mobile phones
• Try eating or drinking before you leave or stop off en route and eat somewhere
• Plan your journey to include a 15-minute break every two hours
• Don't start a long trip if you're already tired
• Remember the risks if you have to get up unusually early to start a long drive

For more information about M&S Money Car Insurance or to apply, customers can visit www.marksandspencer.com/carinsurance or telephone 0800 107 1819

ENDS

For further information and to request a case study please call the M&S Money press office:

Simon Coughlin on 020 7992 1574
simon.coughlin@mands.com

Liz Neild on 01244 686 068
liz.a.neild@mands.com

Notes to Editors

M&S Money Premier Car Insurance features include:

• M&S Money Premier Car Insurance has been Five-Star Rated for features and benefits by Defaqto, an independent research company. M&S Money Standard Car Insurance also available;
• UK and European Breakdown Cover included, covering you not just your car;
• Guaranteed car hire for up to 14 days after an accident, fire or theft;
• Keycare, giving you up to £1,000 towards new keys, locks and locksmith services;
• £100,000 Motor Legal Protection to help you claim for any uninsured losses;
• M&S Money Cardholders will receive 1000 M&S Money points, when they take out a new policy.

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 retailer in the UK.  M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance and 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 8,500 offices in 86 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of US$2,422 billion at 30 June 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.

M&S Money car insurance is arranged by BISL Ltd using a panel of insurers.