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 Marks & Spensers 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, Sainsbury's, 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark & Spensers online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money Direct website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from Marks n Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Money Direct in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Money Direct website.

Besides Mark & Spencers Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Buildings & Contents Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Money Direct Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

Terrain 550 Two-Way Radios, at Marks&Spencer
Vibration facility TRUSOUND - pioneering noise reduction technology delivering enhanced sound quality Long range - up to 5 miles (8km) depending on environment and terrain Up to 304 channel combinations Dual desktop charger pod in stylish design Rechargeable batteries SBS - Superbright illuminated backlit display VOX technology - handsfree conversations Supports headsets Stop watch facility 5 call tone melodies selection Dimensions: W5.2 x L11 x D3.4cm (excluding antenna) 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

Per Una Cotton Rich Hooded Dressing Gown, at Marks & Spenser
Modern and feminine, this pretty hooded dressing gown is made from soft cotton rich fabric so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Fairtrade Pure Organic Cotton Casual Cargo Trousers With Belt, at Marks and Spencers
Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade Fairtrade certification shows that suppliers have been paid a fair price for their products and their work. Our organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, using traditional farming methods

Lone Range Pinot Noir 2006 - Case of 6, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Suitable for vegetarians Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Limited Collection Water Fade Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spenser
Hook fastening Drop style Pear design

Bold Geometric Cushion, at Marks and Spencer
Square shape Geometric design L50 x W50, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Glass Globe Pendant Ceiling Light, at Marks & Spencer
Nickel plated steel Glass globe Diam25cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

TomTom XL LIVE IQ Routes™ Edition Europe Satellite Navigation System, at Marks & Spencers
Maps: Full door to door maps of the Western and Central Europe (42 countries) Display: XL 4.3" widescreen Safety Camera Database: Comes with fixed safety camera alerts pre-installed, to help you to drive more safely and responsibly Easyport™ Mount: EasyPort™ mount folds neatly onto the back of your device, making the whole navigation package fit into your pocket, bag or glove compartment Latest Map Guarantee: The latest map guarantee keeps you right up to date. If a new version of any map on this device is released within 30 days of your purchase, you can download a new one via TomTom HOME for free TomTom Mapshare™ Technology: Make corrections to your own map and benefit from thousands of corrections made by TomTom users every day - free of charge Updates from TomTom HOME: Get new software and download new maps via TomTom Home site, includes free and subscription services Sound: Loud and clear voice instructions Points of Interest: Pre-installed map has Points of Interest from petrol stations to hotels. Can be updated via TomTom HOME Traffic-Ready: Compatible with TMC Traffic Receivers, so your route can be altered to avoid the traffic ahead Plug & Go: Just plug in and tap the touch screen to begin using the intuitive user friendly interface Advanced lane guidance: Gives you extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions IQ Routes™ technology: Get a faster route to your destination, up to 35% of the time QuickGPSfix™: Get a faster route to your destination, up to 35% of the time Speeding alert: Alerts you that youre speeding, even if you''re not in navigation mode Help Me! menu: You can find help with local emergency service information at your fingertips. From hospitals to roadside assistance, this information will be useful in any area Accessories: Comes with USB car charger and USB cable Dimensions: 123 mm x 82 mm x 27 mm Weight: 185 grams Battery: Lithium-Ion (up to 3 hrs autonomous battery life) Memory: 2 GB internal flash memory TomTom Ticket 2 Drive savings when you purchase this product before 30th September 2009. Click here for more information

Collezione Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Rib Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this shirt to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

25 Cut Flowers Room Scenters, at Marks & Spencer
25 candles Floral scented Burns up to 4 hours, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mandolin Grater, at Marks & Spencer
4 grating and 3 chipping stainless steel blades Vegetable and cheese holder Double extendable stands Dimensions: L42cm x W18cm x H11cm Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Green Seersucker Stripe Bedset, at Marks and Spencer
Assorted stripe design Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Zip Funnel Neck Jumper with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this zip funnel neck jumper is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail makes it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Tribeca Large 2 Seater Sofa AU09 Newness, at Marks and Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Short Sleeve Ireland Football T-Shirt, at M+S
A must for football fans! This official Ireland football t-shirt features the Irish motif. A modern easycare style in soft comfortable cotton

Portfolio Basket Weave Dress with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this dress features a belt at the waist to define your figure. A fabulous, flattering look

Blue Harbour Tropical Floral Swim Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Practical and fashionable, these swimming shorts give a comfortable, flattering and secure fit

4 Maxim Stainless Steel Forks, at Mark & Spensers
4-piece set 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Prints - BRIGH S/SUCKER BS, at Marks and Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Luxury Leather Holdall, at Mark's & Spencer
This stylish and practical luxury leather holdall is ideal for business or weekend travel. It has plenty of space for all your essential items and has strong double handles and shoulder strap

3 Younger Boys' Cotton Rich Batman Trunks, at Marks n Spencer
A must for fans of Batman, these cotton rich trunks feature assorted Batman motif designs

Cotton Rich Stripe Vest Set, at MarksandSpencer
This fashionable stripe print bra is designed for a supportive and comfortable fit. The non-wired design is the best choice for first bras

Embroidered Frosted Circle Shower Curtain, at M&S
Embroidered frosted circle design L180 x W180cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gardening Male Cake, at Marks and Spencers
36 portions Chocolate cake: A rich chocolate cake filled with milk chocolate ganache 20.5cm square 1.95kg total weight Chocolate cakes can be eaten up to 5 days after collection As featured on page 64 of the Food to Order brochure Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Lightweight Butterfly Print Scarf, at Mark & Spencers
This sophisticated lightweight scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The butterfly print details add a stylish finishing touch

Mirrored Small Bathroom Cabinet, at Marks&Spencer
Smooth design 1 interior shelf Dimensions: H42 x W22 x D12cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Abstract Print Bandeau Swimsuit, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and delicate, this flattering swimsuit is designed in the latest shape. A stylish, shapely look

Younger Girls' Dora the Explorer Wellie Boots, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Dora the explorer motif Slogan: Hello butterfly! Hola, mariegold Butterfly and flower print Lined 2005 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved

Autograph Weekened Cotton Rich Floral Top with Silk, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

5 Floral Embroidered Midi Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
These floral embroidered cotton rich midis are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

When you're shopping at M+S 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at MarksandSpencer 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."