M&S Pet Insurance Reveals 42% of Brits Would Choose Dog or Car Over Partner

LONDON, February 15, 2011 - M&S Pet Insurance has revealed that if it came down to "it's me or the
pet", 42% of people would always choose their cat or dog over their partner,
according to a recent survey it conducted.

The survey found that almost 42% of cat and dog owners would cancel a
date if their pet was ill. So people who find themselves without a date this
Valentine's Day may want to blame the dog instead of their partner.

Yet despite the nation's love for their dogs and cats, take-up of pet
insurance (money.marksandspencer.com/insurance/pet-insurance/overview/
) is still relatively low. Only 42% of dog owners and 26% of cat owners have
insurance for their pet*.

Andrew Ferguson, M&S head of insurance, said: "Our survey shows that
Britain is truly as a pet-loving nation. It is surprising therefore, that
ownership of pet insurance remains relatively low. Taking out insurance can
avoid the need for large payments when your pet needs treatment.

"Pet owners should make sure the policy they choose offers the
appropriate level of cover. M&S Premier Pet Insurance (
money.marksandspencer.com/insurance/pet-insurance/premier-cover/)
offers up to GBP7,000 a year in vets' fees for illness and injury.'

"M&S Pet Insurance not only provides cover if your dog or cat needs
treatment. There are a range of other benefits, including access to a
24-hours advice line. Vetfone nurses provide concerned animal lovers with
immediate advice on a pet's condition and can decide whether emergency
medical treatment is required."

M&S Money was named 'Best Pet Insurance Provider' at the 2011 Consumer
Moneyfacts Awards.

Notes to Editors:

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample
size was 2044 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26th - 28th January
2011. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and
are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

* According to Mintel report 'Pet Insurance, Finance Intelligence,
January 2011'.

About M&S Money:

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.

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 home insurance, travel insurance (
money.marksandspencer.com/insurance/travel-insurance/overview/) and
car insurance, as well as loans, savings and investment products.

    PR Contact:

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

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