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 Marks&Spencer 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 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 Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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 Car 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; Car Insurance and Household 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 Household 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks & 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 & Spencer, 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 Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Per Una Floral Shadow Bikini Bottoms, at M&S
A colourful bikini featuring floral shadow design. Give your look the Per Una twist

Moulton Side Table, at Marks and Spenser
H55 x W55 x D55cm Round table Glass top Glass table tops are made from safety-tested toughened glass Bottom under shelf Made from solid ash and ash veneer All wooden shelving is finished with a starburst veneer effect 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 ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this table as part of a set. Click here to view the Moulton Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Casual and contemporary, this short sleeve polo shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Single Pleat Stretch Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
A casual single pleat combines with a distinguished shade of grey, creating a versatile and elegant pair of formal trousers. Added stretch ensures a practical and timeless fit perfectly suited for the workplace

Pure Cotton Velvet Table Runner, at Marks and Spencer
Drop chain design Dimensions: L230 x W33cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Medium Handkerchief Vase, at Marks and Spencer
Handkerchief design Thick base H22 x Diam 18cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Side Table, at Marks & Spencers
H60 x W45 x D45cm 1 drawer Low sheen lacquer Elongated wooden handles Safety-tested toughened glass lower shelf Can be used as bedside table 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 Handle 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Emily Chair, at Marks & Spencers
H100 x W80 x D103cm Seat H40cm, arm H53cm Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Back cushions made from fixed foam Solid birch feet with a natural finish 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 All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - 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 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hard-Top Non-Storage Divan & M200 Mattress, at M&S
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 L190cm 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 Hard-Top divan rigid, un-sprung frame gives a firmer feel. Recommended for use with selected mattresses 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 Varied Stripe Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfy, this long sleeve cardgian is made from pure cotton and features a varied stripe design. A fashionable easycare style

Pure Cotton Washed Cargo Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these pure cotton cargos feature multiple pockets. A practical easycare style

Glass Art Deco Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), at Marks and Spencers
This glass art deco inspired photoframe will compliment any prized photograph

Buckle Jersey Knitted Gloves, at Marks and Spencer
Keep out the cold in style and comfort with these flattering soft stretchy jersey gloves finished with a buckle detail

Medium Kangaroo Soft Toy, at Marks & Spenser
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Sewn in baby joey This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Nightdress, at Marks & Spencer
Fresh and feminine, this nightdress is made from soft breathable cotton so it feels comfortable to sleep in. The lace trim adds a pretty touch

Long Sleeve Cable Knit Cardigan, at Marks&Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this pretty long sleeve cardigan features a cable knit design. A practical, easycare style

M&S Combination DAB Digital Radio, at Marks and Spencers
Access over 8000 radio stations worldwide built-in WiFi 24 station presets (8 DAB / 8 FM / 8 internet) Podcast and listen again service compatible with media streaming of MP3/WMA & real audio file Alarm functionality, snooze button, headphone port, automatic scanning, firmware upgradeable and mains operated Stereo digital radio with 802.11b/g WiFi network, full Band III DAB and FM reception Frequency ranges: 802.11b/g, Band III 174-240 MHz, FM 87.5-108 MHz WiFi (802.11b/g) security: WEP, TKIP, WPA, WPA2 WiFi audio files format support: MP3, WMA, Real Audio Speakers: full-range 3" drive unit Input connectors: 9V DC power adaptor socket (230V supplied) Output connectors: 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm line out (analogue) LCD display: 2X16 character Type LCD display Mains power supply: 230V AC to 9V DC external power adaptor Aerial: captive telescopic aerial Dimensions (mm): 115mm high x 275mm wide x 65mm deep 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

Die Cut Letters Get Well Soon Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Get well soon Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 mm x 150 mm

Autograph Pure Silk Taj Mahal Tie, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

The Emperor's New Clothes, at Marks & Spencer
The Emperor's New Clothes is the classic fairytale, re-written especially for first readers. This is the tale of a very vain Emperor who ends up looking very silly. A charming storybook that will be a big hit with your little first time readers

Organic Cotton Illustrated Eco Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Shop greener by using this organic cotton shopper instead of plastic carriers. The illustration was commissioned from eminent fashion illustrator David Downton, making this bag a must-have style conscious accessory

Barbaresco Morassino 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Nebbiolo Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.4% 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

Imagine I'm a Fairy - Magic Wishing Wand, at Marks & Spencer
Every fairy's dream wand! With pretty ribbon tassles, this wand makes a magical sound when 'swished'

2 Pairs of Older Girls' Cotton Rich Plain Long Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Ideal for school, these soft cotton rich socks make a comfortable, practical choice

Freshfeet Pure Cotton Fine Cord Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Round Toe Lined Flat sole Slip on 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

Florentyna Dusting Powder, at Marks&Spencer
Dusting powder with silk 75g

Firm Control Lace Knickers, at M+S
Look slimmer in seconds! These firm control knickers gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

Per Una Pintuck Bolero & Stripe Camisole Set, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable short sleeve pintuck bolero with tie front fastening featuring a stripe design camisole

2 Mosaic Seat Pads, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 2 Seat pads for Mosaic stackable chairs Suitable for indoor and all-weather outdoor use This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Performance °Climate Control Baseball Hat, at Marks and Spencer
Whether you're keeping the sun out of your eyes during the big game or simply relaxing in casualwear, the baseball cap is a style essential

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 Household Insurance and Car 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."