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

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

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

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 and 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, 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.

The Gum Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

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

Block Floral Long Length Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Long and lovely, this A-line skirt is designed to fit and flatter. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Autograph High Cage Sandal, at Marks & Spencer
Open toe Rip tape fastening High heel Heel height 80mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Limited Collection Skinny Jeans, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Autograph Reversible Leather Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather belt

Wool Blend Flat Front Fine Stripe Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend with added stretch. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear

Geneva 2-Seater Sofa Bed (No Arms), at Marks and Spencers
H88 x W152 x D96cm Seat H49cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion 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 Solid birch feet with a medium finish Sprung mattress: L178 x W112 x D5cm Sofa Bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 08457 624 624 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure Silk Teardrop Pattern Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

Magicwear™ 15 Denier Tights, at Marks & Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds with these opaque Magic tights. Special support zones shape hips, thighs and bums, and they feature a special tummy shaping panel and factor 6 leg support. 70% of our testers saw an instant reduction in their measurements

Machine Washable & Tumble Dry Single Breasted 3 Button Plain Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Put an end to trips to the dry cleaner with our Machine Washable range. Each suit's stylish cut and fit is combined with the convenience of its high quality fabric that can be machine washed and tumble dried

Play Kettle, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 3+ Promotes imaginative play Height: 30cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Graduation Owls Congratulations Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Congratulations on your Graduation Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Flat Front Crease Resistant Straight Leg Trousers, at M&S
No more trips to the drycleaners! These smart, fashionable trousers can be machine washed and tumble dried

Long Sleeve Thermal Pointelle Vest, at M&S
Keep warm and comfortable in this soft thermal vest. Designed to add a cosy extra layer without feeling bulky

Collezione Single Breasted Basket Weave Jacket, at M&S
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

Limited Collection Faux Snake Skin Cropped Leggings, at Marks and Spencers
Slim and stylish, these leggings give a sleek modern look. This pair sits below the waist and is cut to fit and flatter.The cropped length adds a fashionable update. Get the latest look!

Handcrafted Photographic Kitten Mother's Day Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: To a very special mum ...with love on mother's day Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Per Una Paisley Print Bolero with Vest, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable 3/4 length sleeve bolero with tie front fastening. It comes with a matching plain vest

Jacques Defrance Champagne Brut NV - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Shoe Tree, at Marks and Spencer
Keep you shoes in great shape with these shoe trees. With an adjustable length, your footwear will be in good hands with this practical gadget

Uva Mira Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium Dry Grape variety: 52% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 15% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 11.3 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

Short Sleeve Striped 24 Polo Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
A stylish smart-casual look, this short sleeve polo shirt in soft cotton is outstanding value. Practical, comfortable and easycare

1 Pair of Gel Pads for Toe Posts, at Mark & Spensers
Ideal for use with flip flops and sandals with toe posts. These comfortable gel pads prevent painful rubbing between toes and on the balls of your feet. The non-slip design gives a secure grip

Soup Recipe Book, at Marks and Spencers
This book is a celebration of great home-made soup with a huge variety of recipes to choose from. It shows not only how easy soups are to prepare, but also what a wide range of ingredients can be used to make them. There are simple everyday soups made from staple ingredients, many of which are a meal in themselves, as well as light and refreshing broths. You'll also find more sophisticated creations, using delicious ingredients from all over the world - indulge yourself in the feast of flaovours and textures. This book is beautifully illustrated with simple step-by-step instructions, making it a pleasure to use and an indispensable volume in any cook's kitchen.

Black Aluminium 18cm Saucepan, at M & S
Triple layer non-stick finish Suitable for all cooker types Excellent for low fat cooking Oven safe up to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4 Anti warp base ensures saucepans remain flat for lasting performance and consistency Diameter: 18cm Glass lid 1.9 litre capacity, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stainless Steel Non-Stick Wok with Lid, at Marks and Spencer
Diam 30cm Double handles Glass lid Dishwasher safe, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bright Prints A5 Academic Diary, at Marks & Spenser
1 diary (week to view) Approx size: 21 x 15 cm (including spiral binding)

Pure Cotton Check Print Batwing Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this check print 3/4 sleeve shirt is made from pure soft cotton. Batwing design adds a fashionable finishing touch

Autograph Flat Front Fine Stripe Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, these fine stripe trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

When you're shopping at Marks & 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."