M&S Money Direct offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car Insurance policies are much the same is usually a bad idea. At worst it can be a very expensive mistake - this is when you find out that your Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Direct Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with Mark's & Spencer 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, or Tesco Direct:

• Personal UK and European Breakdown Cover automatically included
• Comprehensive cover for trips abroad in the European Union - up to 90 days per trip
• Courtesy car during approved repairs automatically included
• Cover for Motor Legal Protection automatically included

So, it is clear that, besides being good value, M&S Car Insurance also provides much more extensive cover than some of the top competitors. Additionally, you don't even need to be behind the wheel to benefit from M&S Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Contrary to popular opinion, not every insurance company is out to get you, and it's not every insurance company that will disect the fine-print until they find some way of denying your insurance claim. However, you do need to shop around for the financial products and insurance policies that are the best suited for your individual needs.

That's why insurance policies, and other financial products, from Marks n Spencer are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spensers a profit, but there is no denying that they are also very good value for money, offering many features as standard which you'd often need to pay extra for at other insurance companies.

Take, for example, House Insurance policies. Usually, UK House Insurance policies have limits on particular types of items such as freezer contents, garden furniture and outdoor toys, outbuildings or cars, etc. These restrictions are called inner limits. However, the only inner limits on the M&S Money Direct House Insurance policy are £500 for cash; £2m for property-owners and personal liability; £10m for domestic employees liability and £40,000 for tenants liability. Even better is the fact that you're likely to pay no more for M&S Money Direct House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spenser, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Autograph Pure Cotton Camouflage Cargo Trousers with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Earth Sign Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Stretch style Beaded design Earth charms Diamant detail

Autograph Pure Cotton Jeans with Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, these cotton jeans are hardwearing and comfy. The additional stripe belt gives a trendy look

Limited Collection Spot Print Leggings, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Sony Camera Carry Case, at Marks and Spencer
Use this durable leather case to keep your camera safe when you are out and about

Ultimate Pure Wool Flat Front Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
aspirational copy

Cut Out Handbag Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Birthday wishes Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 125 x 230mm

Freshfeet Window Pane Check Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Window pane check design Flat sole Slip-on With built in Freshtech™ technology for fresh, odour-free slippers Freshtech™ technology combats the bacteria that causes bad smells and odours Freshtech™ technology is permanently built in to the slipper and still performs after many washes

M&S 2-Slice Toaster - White, at Marks n Spencer
2-slice cool touch toaster 700-800W Adjustable browning control Indication lights Cancel setting Automatic and manual switch off Removable crumb tray for easy cleaning Dimensions: H19 x W30 x D17cm M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Champagne Retirement Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Happy Retirement, Party like you don't have to get up in the morning Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 174 x 126mm

Wood Photo Frame with Mount 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at Mark's & Spencer
Rectangular shape Removeable mount card H29 x W24cm Aperture: 5 x 7in, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Platinum Diamanté Royal Band Ring, at Marks and Spenser
Plain Band Diamant detail Cluster design

Rochford Chair, at Mark's & Spencer
H80 x W73 x D85cm Seat: H48cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions made from fixed foam Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a dark finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 08457 624 624 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton V-Neck Cardigan & T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Woven Pure Silk Diagonal Stripe Tie, at M&S
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart multi stripe tie in pure silk

Vintage Lace Trim Brazilian Kinickers, at M&S
Brazilian briefs are the newest trend in knicker shapes with their flirty cutaway styling at the front and back. These flattering briefs are designed to make the most of your figure

3 Pure Cotton Plain Trunks, at Marks & Spencers
These essential plain trunks offer all the comfort of soft cotton at a great value price

Per Una Essentials Modal Rich Pintuck Shorts, at M&S
Feminine and delicate, these stylish shorts are made from a soft comfortable modal rich fabric. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Filigree Design Sunglasses, at Marks and Spenser
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Linen Blend Circle Embroidered Skirt, at M&S
Fashionable and contemporary, this linen blend skirt is designed to fit and flatter. A contemporary look that will take you through the season in style

Large Stud Earrings, at Marks n Spencer
Butterfly stud fastening Large stud design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Autograph Pure Cashmere Long Sleeve Jumper, at M&S
Elegant and feminine, this crew neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate softness. Exclusive, luxurious and beautiful

3 Pairs Of Trainer Socks, at Marks&Spencer
Designed to hide neatly inside your trainers, these breathable cotton rich socks are made with added stretch for comfort, superior shape retention and durability

Little Acorns Thank You Cards - Pack of Ten, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: thank you Inside Message: Blank for your own message Pack contains: 10 cards, 1 design Approx. size: 120 x 120 mm

Graphic Birds & Flowers Mother's Day Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy Mother's Day Inside message: With Love Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Collezione Apron Suede Lace-Up Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Lace-up Block heel

Fraser Large 2-Seater Everyday Sofa Bed, at Mark & Spencers
H99cm x W209cm x D102cm (opens to L236cm) Seat: H48cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a medium finish Mattress: L178 x W132 x D5cm Sprung mattress rests on a slatted wooden base Mattress recommended for everday use Sofa bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ribbed Thermal Leggings, at Marks and Spencer
Keep your legs feeling warm during the colder months with these cosy thermal leggings. Pair with a skirt for a great winter look or wear them under your trousers for a snug extra layer

M&S 15'' LCD TV with Built-in DVD Player - Silver, at Marks & Spencer
Display: 15 inch flat screen, 1280 x 800 pixels Contrast Ratio: 400:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: H34.5 x W38 x D17.5cm Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors:1 x HDMI input, 1 x Scart socket DVD Player: Built-in Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 Use wall mount

Pure New Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Twill Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Beautifully tailored and finished with careful attention to detail, this luxurious jacket is made from pure new wool

When you're shopping at Marks & Spencer online store for your summer outfit, or looking for furniture to give your home a makeover, then spend a moment to also consider products from M&S Money Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to House Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Money Direct. With images of volcano ash still fresh in many traveller's minds, it's good to remember there were many travellers who ended up wishing they had spent just a few pounds extra to obtain travel insurance for their trip. Of course, unfortunately, after the event is too late!

In fact, had you purchased travel insurance from M&S Money Direct, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Money Direct website would have seen a message stating that although claims relating to volcanic eruptions are not normally covered by travel insurance, that on this particular occasion, they would "allow claims from UK customers affected by the volcanic ash that has recently grounded flights."