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 M&S 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 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.

When you're shopping at Mark & Spensers 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 Property Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & 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."

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spenser, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from M&S Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.

M&S Home Office Suite with Anti-Virus Software, at Marks and Spencer
Pack includes: Word processor Spreadsheets Presentation Database Draw photo album Anti-virus security package This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit 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 garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

3 Older Girls' Autograph Cotton Rich Assorted Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and trendy, this 3 pack of cotton rich shorts feature assorted floral and spot designs

2 Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Tops, at Marks & Spenser
Comfortable, fashionable and practical, these cotton top feature assorted design. A great value pack

3 Pairs of 10 Denier Ladder Resistant Tights, at Marks & Spenser
These essential tights are fantastic value. They're made with added stretch for a great fit and shape retention

Older Boys' Messenger Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this sporty bag features useful compartments. Ideal for school or sports

Post Surgery Rose Broderie Non-wired Lace Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Pretty and feminine, this non-wired rose embroidered bra is made from soft microfibre fabric and gives a gently supportive fit and a flattering shape. It features 2 secure prosthesis pockets

Autograph Backseam Hold Ups, at M&S
Treat your legs to a sleek delight with the smooth finish of these comfortable hold ups. A practical, reinforced design means they're tough enough to last through wear after wear

Ceriso Rio Silk Bikini Knickers, at Marks & Spencers
Fun and funky, these modern bikinis feature a lace design. The low rise, high leg brazilian style gives a fabulous body-conscious fit. Designed for women who want the latest look

Autograph Weekend Single Breasted Stripe Blazer, at Marks&Spencer
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

3 Way Pure Cotton Cover Up Beach Dress, at Marks and Spenser
Elegant and feminine, this strapless cover up beach dress is designed to stay securely in place while you work on your tan. A fabulous fashionable look

Sleeveless Cable Knitted Cardigan with Cashmere, at Mark's & Spencer
A touch of cashmere adds luxurious softness to this practical sleeveless cardigan. A smart modern look

Halterneck Mini Spot Swimsuit, at Marks & Spencer
Stunningly stylish, this flattering swimsuit is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

1 Pair of 10 Denier Ladder Resistant Sheer Stockings, at Mark & Spensers
An M&S exclusive. Extra stretch is added to every stitch of these sheer shine stockings to stop ladders from forming

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Frill Neck Jersey Top, at M & S
A stylish 3/4 sleeve jersey top in textured fabric featuring frill neck detail

Mellina 16-Piece Cutlery Set, at Marks & Spencer
16-piece set Includes 4 knives, 4 forks, 4 spoons and 4 teaspoons 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

Andrea Bocelli - Incanto CD, at Marks & Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Signature Grapefruit & Ginger Infusion Sticks, at Marks and Spencer
Scented infusion sticks Fragrance lasts upto 8 weeks Glass holder included, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Short Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
This fab short sleeve shirt features a tucked detail and stripe design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

2 Piece Pure Cotton Dungaree Outfit, at Marks & Spensers
Cute and casual, these ribbed dungaree and frill trim top looks fabulously fashionable worn together or separately

Older Boys' Square Buckle Belt, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and practical, this square buckle belt adds a stylish finishing touch

High Peak® Mummy Sleeping Bag, at Marks & Spensers
This High Peak sleeping bag is ideal for camping trips or for sleepovers at your friends. This sleeping bag features a mummy-style design that gives you a perfect snug fit and keeps you warm

Detroit 6 Drawer Tallboy, at Marks and Spencer
H121 x W54 x D45cm 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 with oak veneer Solid oak legs Side panels made with oak veneer Top panels made from oak veneer with a solid oak edging for strength 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

Nintendo Wii™ Need for Speed: Undercover, at Mark & Spensers
You must be 12 years of age or over to purchase this product Go Deep Undercover: Race into an action-packed story of pursuit and betrayal. Take on jobs and compete in races to prove yourself as you infiltrate and take down an international crime syndicate Highway Battle: Fight off the cops and others as you take down your prey in high-speed, high stake multi-car chases. New and vastly improved A.I. mechanics mean more aggressive and intelligent cops focused on taking you out fast and by any means necessary Own the Open World: Tear across the massive highway system and discover the open world of the Gulf Coast Tri-Cities area, with three unique cities connected by an extensive highway system Heroic Driving Engine: An all-new game engine lets you pull off amazing moves for the ultimate driving edge 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, Platforms: Nintendo Wii, ESRB Rating: Teen

Classic Thomas & Friends© Bedset, at Mark's & Spencer
Thomas & Friends print Includes single duvet cover, pillowase and printed bag 2007 Gullane (Thomas) Limited, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

First Readers The Enormous Turnip, at Marks & Spencer
A little old man finds an enormous turnip, only he can't pull it up so he has to ask others for help!

Autograph Leather Soft Fold Shoulder Bag, at MarksandSpencer
Luxurious and beautiful, this bag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's made from soft leather with an soft fold design, and is useful and practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Sonoma 10-Drawer Wide Chest, at Marks&Spencer
H88 x W170 x D50cm 10 drawers Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid Oak. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Handles made from solid wood Side and back made from White Oak veneer Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Save 25% as a set! Buy this Sonoma wide chest with matching wardrobe 1198 Individually 1598 Save 400, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Pure Cotton Rose Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
A gorgeous knee-length skirt in pure soft cotton featuring a rose print

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

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

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