Marks and Spencer Embrace BYO Insurance Policies

Marks and Spencer know how to keep travellers happy. Last month the retailer put aside profit-first boosterism in favour of customer satisfaction when it offered to refund foreign currency purchased by customers left stranded by the collapse of package agency Holidays 4 U.

By offering disappointed holidaymakers the opportunity to change their foreign banknotes back to British Sterling at the same rate they exchanged for, M&S conveyed a clear message of goodwill and underlined the reputation they have accrued as a top travel insurance provider.

In that vein, Marks and Spencer Money are launching a new ‘build-your-own’ type of insurance, targeted at travellers desiring cover specified to their individual requirements.

Moreover, the policy’s individualistic make-up will allow consumers to shape features and options, and eschew paying for unnecessary services they do not need.

In order to tailor the existing insurance profile, Marks and Spencer offer variable excesses, cancellation cover and even nonpartisan baggage and tip limits with the new provision. An additional option can be included in the BYO policy, offering cover for ‘travel disruption’ such as delayed departures or missed flights.

Not bad for an insurer that already offers a 20% discount for online customers, and 250 M& S Points for every policy. This attitudinal deference to the consumer has seen the company become the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK.

Will BYO work? It’s hard to see why not. Which traveller doesn’t scrutinise their policy and second-guess some of the bizarre provisions enshrined within the small print. BYO? Bring it on.

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