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

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 M&S are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & 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, Household Insurance policies. Usually, UK Household 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 Finance Household 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 Finance Household Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

M&S Finance 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 Finance Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

5 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Animal Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these comfy cotton rich socks feature embroidered animal designs

Big & Tall Autograph Short Sleeve Crew Neck Vest, at Marks & Spenser
Featuring the best in modern fabric and contemporary design, this luxurious vest feels exceptionally comfortable and gives a superior fashionable fit

2 Piece Pure Cotton Check Pinafore Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
A cute look in pure soft cotton, this coordinated outfit combines a top with check pinafore skirt. The pleat detail adds a pretty finishing touch

Handmade Letters Husband Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: To my fabulous husband Inside text: Happy birthday Approx size: Unfolded: 230 x 114mm

Portfolio Sleeveless Stripe Jersey Dress, at Marks&Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Set Sail trend. Fresh and breezy, this sophisticated look features classic styling with vibrant accents of summertime pinks and blues. Feminine and coordinated designs for the new season

Butterfly Embroidered Bed Set, at Marks and Spencers
Includes single duvet cover and 1 pillowcase in fabric bag Duvet cover: L198 x W137cm Pillowcase: L76cm x W48cm Embroidered butterfly design Ruffle trim Sequin detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2" Longer Autograph Pure Cotton Textured Stripe Shirt, at M & S
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Long Length Cable Knit Cardigan & Pure Cotton Jersey Top, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and pretty, this long length cable knit cardigan and pure cotton spot print jersey top look fabulously fashionable worn together or separately

Autograph Light Control Lace Zip-Up Waspie, at Mark & Spensers
A great shape for those who want the appearance of an enviable hourglass figure, this waspie waist cincher shapes your waist and tummy. Perfect for giving a feminine and controlled shape under dresses. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Dan's Mouse Balloon Hearts Wedding Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Congratulations Inside message: With love on your wedding day

Per Una Eyeliner Pen, at Marks & Spencers
Liquid eyeliner pen Hypo-allergenic Felt Liner eye pen

Watercolour Flowers Anniversary Card, at M+S
Cover text: Happy Anniversary Inside message: With love Approx size: 175 mm x 125 mm

Dress Up Best Friends Activity Book, at Marks and Spencer
Open this book and find four new friends inside, all waiting to meet you. Choose stickers to dress them in gorgeous clothes and fun accessories and join in with plenty of giggly, girly fun! With over 300 stickers and extra activities, little girls will love this Dolly dressing sticker book

Pirramimma Stock's Hill Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Pleat Detail Shoulder Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this scoop bag is a useful accessory with bags of style!

Limited Collection Quilted Coat with Belt, at Marks & Spensers
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.

Wool Blend Flat Front Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend with added stretch. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear

Palataia Pinot Grigio 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Grigio Country of origin: Germany Closure: Screw cap Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Mens Casual Square Buckle Belt, at M+S
This square buckle belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

Classic Chablis - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
1 Chablis Oliveira Lecestre: Delicious, classic Chablis from a family-owned property in the heart of the region... 1 Chablis Malantes Domaine St Louis: This is delicious Chablis with a modern twist... 1 Domaine Joseph Garnier Chablis: An intense, rich Chablis that shows aromas of grilled nuts and fresh herbs... 1 Chablis Domaine Bois d'Yver: This is an engagingly broad, smoky style of Chablis with moreish flavours of apricot skin, red apples and fresh herbs... 1 Chablis Domaine Vincent Sauvestre: This is classic Chablis in all its delicious, mouth-watering finest... 1 Chablis La Source Organic: Made from organic vineyards in the heart of Chablis... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Soft Grip Turner, at Marks & Spencer
Soft grip handle Loop in the handle for hanging, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Strawberry & Clotted Cream Cheesecake, at Marks & Spencer
Serves 14 Ready to eat Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians 1.55kg total weight As featured on page 51 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

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
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

2 Cotton Rich Firm Control Briefs, at Marks n Spencer
This pack of 2 firm control knickers is outstanding value! They gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Little Brother T-Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Cute and fun, the little brother design makes this practical top extra special. It's made from soft cotton fabric and feels comfy to wear. The envelope necklines make it easier to dress him

Classic Collection Stripe Straight Leg Trousers, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear.

Cotton Rich Stripe Vest Set, at Marks and Spencers
This fashionable stripe print bra is designed for a supportive and comfortable fit. The non-wired design is the best choice for first bras

Ceriso DD-G Underwired Animal Print Bra, at Mark & Spensers
Gorgeously feminine, this modern bra features an animal print and is finished with a lace trim. It's underwired and structured to give fuller busts great support and a flattering uplifted shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

My Friend Felt Fashion Scenes, at Marks & Spencers
Suitable for ages 3+ years Helps with imaginative play and develops creativity This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Top with Scarf, at Marks&Spencer
Part of Girls' Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Household Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencers than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Finance. 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 Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance 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."