They might do cracking sandwiches and lovely flowers, but now it seems that Marks & Sparks is the place to go to get a fabulously cheap car insurance deal too.
Because the April 2006 issue of Which?, an independent consumer magazine, revealed Marks & Spencer as the motor insurance provider with the ability to offer 'good value for most drivers'.
The decision was reached after an analysis of 6,450 premiums from 41 different UK car insurance firms, comparing price, quality of cover and the provision of a courtesy car if the owner's vehicle is too badly damaged to be used.
Which? put great emphasis on the supply of a courtesy car and only included in their research motor insurance policies that came with such a provision, therefore some companies - notably specialist women's car insurance firms - that could have been cheaper were automatically discounted.
David Mackay, Commercial Director at Marks & Spencer, commented, "We are delighted by the recognition that M&S Car Insurance has achieved in the Which? report."
A spokesperson for CoverGirl Car Insurance Services, the women's car insurance experts, congratulated M&S but said, "You should remember to shop around before you buy an insurance policy.
"Everyone's needs are different, so don't simply follow someone else's advice. Find out for yourself what the best deal is."