M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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 and Spenser 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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 Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at M&S than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Financial Services. 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 Financial Services, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Financial Services 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."

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 M & S are so useful. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & Spencer 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Financial Services Property 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 Financial Services Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Leather Tassel Purse, at Marks and Spencers
Glam up your look with this gorgeous purse. Just the right size for your make up and phone

Self Stripe Pintuck 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, at Mark's & Spencer
Elegant and stylish, this self stripe top features a striking pintuck detail for a fabulous feminine look

Flat Front Straight Leg Plain Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers

Portfolio Sleeveless Cross Over Neck Jersey Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Sophisticated and elegant, this short sleeve dress features a cross over neck. A flattering, stylish look

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Button Stripe Top, at Marks n Spencer
This 3/4 length sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features smart stripe print for a stylish casual look

Pure Silk Zig Zag Tie, at Marks & Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart zig zag design tie in pure silk

Footglove™ Wide Fit Slingback Wedge Shoes, at M & S
Round toe Ruched detail Slingback style Buckle fastening Wedge heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Palataia Pinot Grigio 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Grigio Country of origin: Germany Closure: Screw cap Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Saint Bris Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Piece Pure Cotton Yee Ha Dungaree Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
Fun and practical, this cute 2 piece dungaree outfit features a cowboy motif and slogan. It's made from pure soft cotton to keep him comfy

Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Designed to give a shapely silhouette, these on-the-waist trousers are feminine and flattering

Abbey Corner Chaise - Left-Hand, at Marks & Spensers
H95 x W291 x D106cm Length L164cm, seat H54cm (all dimensions are approximate) Left-hand chaise - Chaise is on the left side when viewed from the front of the sofa Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 dark finish 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Crozes-Hermitage Cave de Tain White 2008 - Case of 6, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Marsanne, Rousanne Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Chuggington Actions Book, at Marks&Spencer
Chuggington fans will love this fun book. It's filled with great stories featuring Chuggington Action

DeLonghi Espresso Icona ECO310BK Coffee Maker, at Marks and Spencer
High performance 15 bar pump pressure Stylish onyx black high gloss finish Traditional stainless steel cappuccino milk frother Professional 2 in 1 filter holder suitable for ground coffee or ESE pods Includes free illy pods Built in tamper and incorporated crema device for perfect crema Removable 1 litre water tank Built to accommodate either 2 full sized cappuccino cups or 2 espresso cups Stainless steel removable drip tray Separate coffee and steam boiler for faster use and optimum temperature control Adjustable steam emission Cup warmer Easy to use - 3 button operation Measuring spoon Dimensions: H38 x W29 x D34cm Boxed-product Weight: 6 Kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Bone China Dinner Plate, at Marks and Spencers
Plain Diameter: 27cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Multifaceted Pebble Necklace, Earrings & Bracelet Set, at Marks and Spencer
3 part set Multifaceted pebble design Hook fastening drop earrings Clasp fastening necklace with adjustable length Stretch bracelet Necklace length: 46cm, extendable by 8cm Bracelet length: 19cm For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Hooded Faux Fur Trim Jacket, at M&S
Fashionable and practical, this hooded coat is outstanding value. An easycare style at a great price

Dualit Vario 2-Slice Toaster - Cream, at Marks & Spencer
1200 watt 2-slice toaster Manually operated eject lever - keeps items warm until needed Selector switch - use only the slots required Adjustable inner wire guard to grip toast Parts are Replaceable/ repairable Mechanical timer to control toasting High lift mechanism to remove small items easily Extra wide 28mm slots to accommodate larger items and the optional sandwich cage Concealed crumb tray Adjustable rear foot Easy to clean stainless steel cover Weight: 3.5kg Designed for use in commercial kitchens Dimensions: H22 x W31 x D21cm 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

Freshfeet Suede Moccasins, at Marks n Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Centre bow feature Slip-on Flat sole Lined With built in Freshtech™ technology for fresh, odour-free slippers Freshtech™ technology is permanently built in to the slipper and still performs after many washes Freshtech™ technology combats the bacteria that causes bad smells and odours Antibacterial for fresh feet comfort

Corale Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry, medium to full bodied Grape variety: Montepulciano Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. 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

Autograph Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Fine Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Little Adventurer Splash Bats, at Marks n Spencer
Suitable for ages 3-6 years Game for two players 2 splash bats and a ball This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Cropped Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
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.

Fruity Beauty Bath Sugar Gift Set, at Mark & Spencers
6 bottle set Contains: wowee plum, zingy lemon, funky orange, shocking raspberry, luscious lemon, supercool berry Bath sugars

3 Authentic Woven Pure Cotton Boxers, at MarksandSpencer
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy boxers are ideal for everyday wear

Detroit Bookcase, at Marks and Spencer
H180 x W90 x D40cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawer boxes made from solid European hardwood. Draw fronts made from oak veneer Solid oak legs Shelves made with oak veneer All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered Care & Cleaning: Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Medium Square Jewellery Box, at M+S
4 drawers Square design

Per Una Crochet Bikini Top, at Mark & Spensers
Modern and colourful, this flattering bikini top is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at M&S
Relaxed and stylish, this stripe shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

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

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Property 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 & Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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