M&S Money 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 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 Spencers 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 Tescos 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 UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money 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 Money 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 and Spenser, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

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 & Spensers are so useful. M&S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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 Money 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 Money Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

M&S Classic Blender, at Marks n Spencer
2 speeds Safety feature stops the motor when the lid is removed Pulse function Safety lock mechanism Stainless steel finish 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

Fresh Fruit Platter with Extra Thick Channel Island Double Cream, at Mark & Spensers
Serves 8 Ready to eat Suitable for nut allergy sufferers Cream: 227ml Fruit: 745g As featured on page 53 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Glitter Clutch Bag Sister Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: For a special Sister Inside message: With love on your birthday Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Blue Harbour Ultimate Linen Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
This Ultimate Linen shirt has a unique added performance that helps keep you cool, dry and fresh by drawing moisture away from the skin and reducing odour, while also helping your linen to stay smart throughout the day. It's also easy to iron, so looking your best is now easier than ever

Younger Boys' Tramline School Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Square toe Plain Tramline detail Slip on Flat sole Scuff Resistant Easy clean Slip resistant sole

Floral Charms Bracelet, at Marks & Spensers
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Floral charms

Catseye Goblet Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Catseye pendant Adjustable length Lobster clasp fastening Necklace length: 53cm

Travel Soap Leaves Pack, at Marks&Spencer
2 pocket size containers 1 laundry soap bar 1 face and body soap bar

Ascensio Hard Medium Rollercase, at Marks and Spencer
Built for durable practicality, this rollercase features a robust ABS outer shell and locking trolley system to ensure your belongings are safely secure and easy to transport

Collezione Pure Cotton Sateen Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
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

6 Summer Garden Hand Finished Multipack of Cards, at M & S
Cover Text: Both designs blank Inside Message: Blank for your own message 6 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 200 x 80 mm

Utensils & Gadgets - AUTOGRAPH LADLE, at Marks & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Griffin 6293-ITWAVBG AeroSport for iPod Nano 4G, at Marks & Spencer
Griffin's AeroSport Armband is the ideal (quite possibly perfect) combination of wear-all-day comfort and features that runners, walkers and athletes of every stripe demand. We start with a light, silky, flexible armband of super-wicking stretch fabric, cut wide so it stays put comfortably. Adjust to fit your arm, then clip the iPod case itself on to the band. Full screen protection for your iPod also allows you complete control

My Fab Friends Activity Book, at Marks & Spensers
Everyone loves having fun with their friends! With colourful friend-filled activities, this book is perfect for fun-loving girls. Plus, it includes fab hair accessories for her and her friends to enjoy

Enry the Elephant Sister Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: To a lovely Sister Message: Have a lovely day! Approx size: 150 x 150mm

5 Cotton Rich Full Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
This pack of 5 full briefs contains the following colours: black, white and cream. To see all 5 pairs go to "click for zoom and other views" under the photo

Pure Cotton Tonal Stripe Towel, at M & S
Tonal stripe design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Twin Pleat Stripe Morning Trousers, at M&S
The tailored cut of these smart trousers reveals a timeless style perfectly suited for refined formality, while twin pleats and stripes add a dash of debonair charm

Single Breasted 3/4 Sleeve Pleat Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Chic and stylish, this pleat detail jacket makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Pure Cotton Spot Print Cropped Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and practical, these spot print pyjama bottoms are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

My First Wood Hammer & Pegs, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Includes wood side panel, wood bench, plastic rings, pegs and beater This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Angel Cotton Rich Spot Print First Bra & Shorts Set, at Marks & Spenser
This simply styled great value spot print bra and shorts set is ideal for everyday wear. It's made with stretchy cotton for a supportive and comfortable fit and the non-wired design is the best choice for first bras

Classic Collection Floral Print Skirt, at Marks & Spenser
Elegant, stylish and comfortable, this maxi length pull-on skirt is finished with floral print design. The ideal match for blouses and fine knits in coordinating colours

Per Una Essentials Clover Embroidered Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Feminine and delicate, these stylish shorts are made from soft stretch lace. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Per Una Pure Silk 3/4 Sleeve Maxi Dress, at Marks&Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this long length dress is stylishly detailed with an animal print and flared hem

Gingerbread Print Reversible Bedset, at Marks & Spencers
Gingerbread print Reversible Set includes single duvet cover and pillow case Duvet cover: L198 x W137cm Pillowcase: L76 x W48cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Organic Cotton Twiggy Eco Shopper, at M&S
Shop greener by using this organic cotton shopper instead of plastic carriers. The portrait of model Twiggy was commissioned from eminent fashion illustrator David Downton, making this bag a must-have stylish accessory

Autograph Diamanté Key & Lock Keyring, at Marks & Spencers
Clasp fastening Key and lock pendants Diamant detail

Autograph Fold Over Flap Purse, at Mark & Spensers
Luxurious and beautiful, this purse is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's made from glossy hardwearing leather, and is useful and practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Painterly Floral Mum 70th Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Happy 70th Birthday Mum, Life's a little happier, A little sweeter, too, A little more delightful, All because of you! Inside message: Have a lovely day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Not so long ago, only banks and traditional insurance companies offered financial or insurance products, yet today it may often seem as if even the local corner shop is offering financial products. That's not quite true, of course, but many more companies do offer financial products than used to be the case, and it can sometimes be difficult to decide who is offering the best deal.

And, while MarksandSpencer once offered mostly fashion products, with the only hint of a credit card being when you paid for your shopping at the checkout, today you'll find as good a deal on M&S credit cards as you will with the latest range of M&S fashion.

In fact, these days Marks and Spencer, through its M&S Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.