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

LONDON, August 12, 2010 - 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 GBP200 for theft of personal belongings and up to GBP500 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
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
(http:/money.marksandspencer.com/cards/credit-card/overview/credit-card/overview/)
and the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK. M&S Money also
offers a range of insurance cover, including family pet insurance,
(money.marksandspencer.com/insurance/pet-insurance/overview/)
home insurance
(money.marksandspencer.com/insurance/home-insurance/overview/)
and fully comp car insurance,
(money.marksandspencer.com/insurance/car-insurance/overview/) 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.

    For further information please call the M&S Money press office:

    Simon Coughlin
    Media Relations Manager
    M&S Money
    8 Canada Square
    Canary Wharf
    London
    E14 5HQ
    +44(0)20-7992-1574
    money.marksandspencer.com

For further information please call the M&S Money press office: Simon Coughlin, Media Relations Manager, M&S Money, 8 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HQ, +44(0)20-7992-1574, money.marksandspencer.com