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

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Direct Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor 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 n Spencer 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor 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 Motor 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 and Spencer are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & 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, Buildings & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents 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 Buildings & Contents 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

M&S Money Direct Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Money Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

First Readers Rapunzel, at MarksandSpencer
'Rapunzel has been locked in a tower by a wicked witch. A prince falls in love with her. But then the witch finds out....'

Ultimate Single Breasted 2 Button Blazer with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
This high performance blazer is made to work as hard as you do. It's extra durable and added stretch keeps it in great shape while giving you enhanced comfort and ease of movement

Perfect Single Breasted City Coat with Cashmere, at Marks and Spencers
City chic gets a softer feminine touch with this smart wool coat. The bold colour and a touch of cashmere both add real warmth

Funnel Neck Tracksuit Jacket, at Mark & Spencers
Whether you're active or relaxed, this versatile tracksuit jacket makes a stylish and comfortable choice

Long Sleeve Stripe V-Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfy, this warm knitted v-neck jumper is outstanding value. A fashionable easycare style

Pure Cotton Stripe Shorties, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and breathable, pure cotton pyjamas are the natural choice for a comfortable night's sleep

Digital Alarm Clock, at Mark's & Spencer
LCD time and alarm display Rectangular design Front buttons Dimensions: 10cm x 16cm x 6.5cm 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dog Humour Son Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Super cool Son, Take it easy on your birthday... Inside message: ... Just like you do every day! Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Per Una Cotton Rich Roma Bootleg Jeans with Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Includes belt shown A fashionable pair of bootleg trousers in stretch cotton featuring a snake effect belt

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

Storage - NL CERAMC BISCUIT, at Marks & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bubble Fan, at Marks & Spencer
Bubble solution and dip tray included Double bubble blower Recommended for age 3 to 6 years This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Stripe T-Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
This fashionable top features a stylish scoop neck and stripe design for a cool contemporary look

Autograph Essentials Sleeveless Jersey Dress, at Marks and Spencers
Beautifully designed and luxurious, this exclusive wrap dress is detailed with rouched sleeve. A stunningly glamorous style statement, perfect for elegant occasions

Per Una Spot Print Low Rise Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Fresh and feminine, these stylish shorts feature a spot print and multiple bow detail. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Per Una Crinkle Stripe Panelled Skirt with Belt, at Marks & Spensers
A fashionable mid calf length skirt featuring panelled design. Matching buckle belt gives it a Per Una touch

Floral Earrings Set, at Marks n Spencer
3 part set Butterfly fastening floral earrings Stud earrings Hook fastening, drop style earrings

Moulded Lace Multiway Bra, at MarksandSpencer
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

M&S 4GB USB Memory Stick, at Mark's & Spencer
4GB storage space Hi speed USB 2.0 compliant Plug & play compatible Capless design Requires no external power or cables Operating system: 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, OS9.X, OSX and Linux Kernel 2.4 or higher Speed: read speed max. 11 MB /s, write speed 7 MB /s Dimensions: 68 x 19.6 x 10.2mm

7 Pairs of Freshfeet Square Design Socks, at Marks & Spencers
The innovative Aegis Active Freshness system will keep these socks smelling fresh and odour free and its permanently built into the sock to perform wash after wash. They're cotton rich for soft natural comfort and have a reinforced heel and toe for extra durability

Ultimate Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at M&S
Smart, practical and comfortable, our essential suits are made in stylish designs from durable fabrics. Ideal for everyday wear

His and Hers Calendar, at Mark & Spencers
Approx. size: 225 x 390 mm

Winnie the Pooh Age 1 Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: 1 today Inside message: Happy birthday Approx size: 174 x 126 mm

Winter Weight Pure Cotton Flat Front Twill Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
The perfect choice for colder days, these smart trousers are made from warm, hardwearing fabric

Ceriso Frill Fan Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Feminine and fashionable, this modern bra features a fan print and is finished with a frill trim. The padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fabulous fuller shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Bialetti Aluminium Teapot, at MarksandSpencer
Attached lid 6 cup capacity, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Plain Leather Gloves, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious, fashionable and elegant, these plain leather gloves are fully lined. This season's style at your fingertips!

Pure Cotton Frill Scoop Neck Top, at M+S
The striking frill scopp neck detail gives this pretty soft cotton long sleeve tee a stylish twist

Celebrate Gift Card, at Marks & Spencer
Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

7 Pairs of Freshfeet Square Design Socks, at Marks & Spensers
The innovative Aegis Active Freshness system will keep these socks smelling fresh and odour free and its permanently built into the sock to perform wash after wash. They're cotton rich for soft natural comfort and have a reinforced heel and toe for extra durability

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 Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark's & 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."