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 M&S 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.

Besides Marks and Spenser Motor Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct House 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 & Spensers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier House Insurance and Standard House 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.

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 House Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spenser 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."

Mini Check Tassel Scarf, at M&S
Keep out the cold in style with this warm, soft check scarf

Autograph Tie Waist Sequin Prom Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in smart styles and high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Classic Cakes Cooking Book, at Mark & Spensers
Rejuvenate the art of baking classic cakes with this useful book, create delicious home baked cakes for your family to enjoy

Pure Silk Micro Square Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart micro square tie in pure silk

Handcrafted Sepia Photo Husband Valentine Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: Once upon a lifetime I fell in love with you x For my Wonderful Husband Inside Message: With all my love and kisses to my one and only dream come true Happy Valentine's Day Approx size: 220 x 220mm

Sleeveless Twin Button Dress, at Marks & Spencers
Sleek and chic, this sleeveless dress is tailored to fit and flatter. A stylish choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

Blue Harbour Real Cool & Fresh Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Our pure cotton polo shirts make summer dressing a breeze. Wear them with shorts and sandals for a perfect warm weather look

Rabbit Thank You Teacher Multipack of Cards, at M&S
Design 1: To a FAB teacher, Who makes learning fun Design 2: You're the BEST teacher and deserve a BIG... Inside messgae: Both designs: thank you 6 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 130 x 130mm

Contrast Brim Bow Detail Straw Hat, at Marks & Spencers
Keep ahead of the trends with this contemporary contrast brim sunhat, an essential look for style in the sun

Luxury Party Selection, at Marks & Spencer
53 pieces Serves 12 Ready to cook and eat 1.25kg total As featured on page 15 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Sprung-Edge Non-storage Divan & M200 Mattress, at Marks and Spencers
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L90cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan Height: 41cm Mattress has a soft pillowtop layer Mattress Spring Count: 522 Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Hooded Reversible Top, at Marks and Spenser
She'll have two looks in one with this practical reversible hooded top. It's warmly padded and made from soft comfortable fleece and cotton

Ultimate Pure Wool Single Pleat Plain Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and contemporary, these suit trousers are made from a special wool blend fabric for extra strength, comfort and durability

Silver Plated Assorted Stud Earring Set, at M & S
Set of 3 Stud fastening Hoop and heart designs Diamant detail For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Autograph Bone China Side Plate, at Marks and Spenser
Plain Diameter: 21cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Brown Floral Mini Cards Multipack, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: blank Inside message: blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Approx size: 80 x 94mm

Funky Round Face Diamanté Ladies Watch, at Mark & Spensers
Round face Metallic rim Analogue Large numerals with diamant detailing Bling strap Buckle fastening

Belkin Wireless G Modem Router for ADSL Broadband, at M+S
Share your broadband ADSL connection wirelessly Transfers data at up to 54 Mbps using the 2.4 Ghz band Allows you to connect to ADSL Internet access (analogue, so not ISDN) and share your highspeed connection, data files and network peripherals without wires Built-in Modem Compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g devices Comes with Set-Up Wizard and latest wireless security features Features advanced security including WPA Pre-Shared Key, WPA (Radius Server), 128-bit WEP, and 64-bit encryption Protects your network from outside intrusions by hackers using NAT and SPI firewalls Manufacturer's Lifetime Warranty and free Tech Support Package Includes: ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+ Modem with Wireless G Router, RJ11 Phone Line Cord, RJ45 Ethernet Networking Cable, ADSL In-Line Filter, Power Adapter, User Manual CD, Quick Installation Guide System Requirements: Active ADSL connection with RJ11 (via filter), At least one computer with an installed wireless network interface card or adapter, TCP/IP networking protocol installed on each computer 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

Mini Limited Pure Cotton Pretty Girl Jersey Top, at Marks&Spencer
Mini Limited is a collection of cute fun styles designed in the latest looks. The casual, contemporary pieces are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for layering

Autograph Essentials Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
Stylish and contemporary, this pinstripe shirt is part of our luxurious Autograph collection. The fabric has been created exclusively for us to tie in with this season's key looks, so you wont find it anywhere else

Draping Wisteria Embroidered Quilted Bedcover, at Marks and Spenser
Floral embroidery Piping L135 x W200cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Layered Cover Up Dress, at Marks and Spencers
Fabulously fashionable, this flattering cover up is designed in the latest shape. Fashionable, practical and comfortable

Total Support Crepe Embroidered Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Feel fabulous and comfortable in this elegant and supportive bra. It's lightweight yet shaped to give all-round uplift and support thanks to extra wide back straps and wide shoulder straps

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Plain Polo Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
Featuring classic detailing and a relaxed fit, this plain design polo shirt is the perfect addition to your casual wardrobe

Silver Bubble Table Lamp, at Mark & Spencers
Bubble design base Fabric shade H45 x Diam 30cm Bulb: 40W E14 SES This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dotty Daisy and Pink Dress Mum Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Mum! Inside message: With lots of love Approx size: 230 mm x 114 mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Diamond Pointelle Short Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spencers
For a stylish extra layer this winter, this comfy short sleeve top combines warm easy care fabric with a pretty pointelle pattern. A truly feminine choice

Formula Moisturising Age Repair Toner, at Marks & Spensers
Targets wrinkles and fine lines Hypoallergenic Suitable for all skin types Alcohol free Ceramide for younger looking skin Zinc complex to normalise and balance Witch hazel to tone and refresh 200ml

Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians 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

Motion Mattress, at Marks and Spenser
Sold as 2 single mattresses Designed to fit the Autograph Monroe Reclining Bedstead Double (4ft 6): King size (5ft): Super King Size (6ft): TV sold separately Bedstead sold separately This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 Marks & Spensers 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 & Spencers, through its M&S Money Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S House Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.