The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products we can track; we don't cover every product on the market...yet. Unless we've indicated otherwise, products are shown in no particular order or ranking. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations), aren't product ratings, although we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it; this is subject to our terms of use. When making a big financial decision, it's wise to consider getting independent financial advice, and always consider your own financial circumstances when comparing products so you get what's right for you.
M&S car insurance review
Car insurance from Marks and Spencer comes in three levels of cover. Compare the options, including pros and cons of cover and how to find the right cover for you.
M&S is best known as a posh high street department store, but it also offers a range of financial products, including car insurance. We’ve looked at the levels of cover available, the claims process involved and what customers think of the brand as an insurer.
Compare M&S car insurance policies
Who is M&S Bank?
M&S Bank was set up by the famous Marks and Spencer brand in 1988 but is currently part of the HSBC Group. M&S Bank prides itself on customer service, and has been operating for over 30 years.
Who underwrites M&S Bank’s car insurance?
M&S Bank’s car insurance policies are arranged and administered by BISL Ltd using a panel of more than 10 insurers including Ageas, Allianz, Aviva, Covea, LV=, Sabre, Zenith, and Zurich.
The specific insurer underwriting your policy will be displayed on your policy documents.
What types of car insurance cover can I get?
Third party cover
Third party cover is the most basic form of car insurance legally accepted on UK roads. Third party car insurance at M&S Bank includes cover for:
- Liability to others
- Driving other cars extension
- Travelling abroad
TPFT Cover
Third party fire and theft cover offers slightly more protection than third party car insurance. Third party fire and theft car insurance at M&S Bank includes cover for:
- Liability to others
- Driving other cars extension
- Loss of damage to the car by fire or theft
- Car audio, navigation and entertainment equipment
- Travelling abroad
Comprehensive cover
As the name suggests, comprehensive cover is the most expansive type of car insurance you can get. It offers the highest level of protection for you and your car. Comprehensive cover at M&S Bank includes cover for:
- Liability to others
- Driving other cars extension
- Loss of damage to the car by an accident
- Loss of damage to the car by fire or theft
- Car audio, navigation and entertainment equipment
- Glass damage
- Personal belongings
- Medical expenses
- Personal accident
- Replacement locks
- Child car seat cover
- Uninsured driver promise
- Emergency transport and accommodation
- Travelling abroad
What cover levels can I get with M&S?
M&S Bank offers two different levels of car insurance cover for their customers, standard cover or premier cover. Each differs in price and cover.Standard cover
M&S Bank’s standard car insurance cover is designed for drivers looking for low premiums. It provides a good level of cover for a fair price. Features of standard cover include:
- Uninsured driver protection
- 3 year guarantee on repairs carried out by M&S Bank’s approved repairers
- Child seat cover
- Personal belongings cover
Premier cover
M&S Bank’s premier car insurance cover offers more features and benefits than their standard cover. These additional benefits mean that with this level of insurance you can expect to pay slightly more.
- European and UK breakdown cover
- Guaranteed replacement car for up to 28 days after an accident, fire or theft
- Motor legal protection
Cover benefits of Marks and Spencer car insurance
| Cover benefits | Premier cover | Standard cover |
|---|---|---|
| Breakdown cover | ✓ | Optional |
| Uninsured driver protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motor legal protection | ✓ | Optional |
| Guaranteed replacement car | ✓ | Optional |
| Courtesy car – subject to availability | ✓ | ✓ |
| European Union travel – unlimited trips up to 90 days per cover period | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loss, theft, damage to personal property in vehicle | ✓ | ✓ |
| Personal accident cover for you and your spouse – up to £10,000 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child seat cover up to £150 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Approved repairs guaranteed for 3 years | ✓ | ✓ |
| Claims line with personal claims manager | ✓ | ✓ |
How do I make a claim?
M&S Bank offers each car insurance customer a personal claims manager should you need to make a claim. Your claims manager will act as your main contact throughout your claims process.
If you need to make a claim on your M&S Bank car insurance policy then you can call the claims team on 0344 412 2160 with your policy number to hand.
The M&S Bank claims team is available 24/7.
M&S car insurance customer reviews
On customer review platform Trustpilot, M&S as a company has 1.2 out of 5 stars and a rating of “Poor”, based on more than 100 reviews.
On similar platform, Review Centre, the company’s car insurance service also has 1.2 out of 5 stars, based on more than 140 reviews. Only 6% of customers say they would recommend the service.
Some customers report good service, but many complain of poor service, poor claim handling and price hikes (updated December 2020).
Pros and cons of M&S Bank car insurance
Pros
- Uninsured driver’s promise – M&S Bank offers protection against uninsured drivers with its standard and premier policies.
- £50 M&S voucher currently offered with the purchase of a premier policy.
- You’ll get a personal claims manager assigned to you if you make a claim.
Cons
- Information on the M&S Bank website only refers to comprehensive standard and premier policies.
- No online chat available for instant help.
Verdict
Although it looks as though M&S Bank only offers comprehensive car insurance in either a standard or premier policy, it does actually offer third party, third party fire and theft or comprehensive policies.
If you do opt for a comprehensive policy, you’ll benefit from a range of features including the usual, as well as child seat cover, uninsured driver protection and European travel cover.
Shop around and compare the car insurance deals on offer to you.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
M&S credit card points
How to earn and redeem M&S points using a credit card plus the pros and cons of this reward scheme.
-
M&S Bank Transfer Plus Offer Mastercard review 2021
The longest introductory 0% deal available from M&S Bank also lets you earn M&S points on all your spending.
-
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card review 2021
Enjoy 0% on purchases, balance transfers and M&S perks aplenty with this versatile all-rounder.
-
M&S Bank Reward Plus Credit Card review 2021
Everything you need to know about M&S Bank’s Reward Plus Credit Card. Fast and simple overview of rates, fees, credit limits and eligibility requirements. Compare this card against similar products from a range of lenders.