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 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 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.

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 and Spencers 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 Mark & 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 Car Insurance, M&S Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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 MarksandSpencer are so useful. M&S Money Direct 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Money Direct Property 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 Money Direct Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Plain Lace Trim High Rise Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
These cotton rich shorts are shapely and modern. They have been designed with added stretch for a snug, comfortable and figure-flattering fit

Paradiso Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 12 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

Per Una Pure Cotton Tropic Leaf Print Dress, at Marks&Spencer
A colourful tropic leaf print dress in pure soft cotton featuring a pleated neck detail

Per Una Embroidered Jersey Top with Camisole, at Marks & Spencers
A gorgeous jersey top with camisole featuring an embroidered neckline and diamonte button detail

T345623C, at Marks and Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Silk Blend Varied Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and luxurious, this silk blend tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

Per Una Roma Pure Cotton Wide Leg Belted Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
A fashionable pair of wide leg trousers in pure soft cotton featuring front pockets making it extra stylish

Blue Harbour Ultimate Linen Roll Up Sleeve Chambray Shirt, at Mark & Spensers
This Ultimate Linen shirt has a unique added performance that helps keep you cool, dry and fresh by drawing moisture away from the skin and reducing odour, while also helping your linen to stay smart throughout the day. It's also easy to iron, so looking your best is now easier than ever

British Herb Glazed and Roasted Sliced Chicken Platter, at Marks & Spenser
Serves 8 Ready to eat Suitable for freezing 440g As featured on page 16 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Champagne Flutes Engagement Card, at M & S
Cover text: On Your Engagement Inside message: With Love Approx. size: 178 mm x 126 mm FSC: This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Artificial Organic Orchid with Bowl, at Marks & Spencer
Artificial orchid Ribbed bowl No watering required therefore easy care Fresh looking throughout the year Diameter: 48cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Classic Underwired Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Soft and comfortable Feminine and prettY Smooth and versatile, this pack of 2 underwired bras are great value. They're designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

M&S Quick Pitch Floral Pop Up Tent, at Marks n Spencer
Take some of the hassle out of camping with this handy pop-up tent. There's no assembly required, you simply twist and the tent pops open. It fits two people and packs flat into a carry case so it's easy to store and carry. With its unique single skin design camping has never been easier

Per Una Styled Floral Embroidered Shorts, at MarksandSpencer
Feminine and delicate, these feminine shorts feature a floral embroidered design. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Emily Chair, at Marks and Spencers
H100 x W80 x D103cm Seat H40cm, arm H53cm (all dimensions are approximate) 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 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 natural finish 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 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Cropped Cargo Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
A stylish summer staple at home or on holiday. Just add a t-shirt and flip flops

Sun Formula Airbrush Self Tan, at Marks and Spencers
Natural tanning with out the sun Even and natural looking tan Develops in 4 to 6 hours Lasts up to 7 days Pack contains: airbrush; professional tanning solution; airbrush propellant and instruction leaflet This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Blue Lace Cushion, at Marks & Spencer
Rectangular shape Embroidered lace design Dimensions: L30 x W40cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Print Your Own Wedding Stationery: White Pearl Damask Invitations, at M&S
Contains: 10 x invitations, 12 x folded insert sheets, 10 x coordinating envelopes, 10 x decorative ties, 1 x instruction leaflet It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Follow the easy steps on the CD-ROM to create your personalised invitations. Print the insert sheets 2. Use the glue dots to secure the inserts inside the cards 3. Glue on the ribbon and tie in a bow to secure N.B. The CD-ROM is not included in the pack and is available separately Spend 10 on 'print your own' stationery and receive the CD-ROM FREE Approx size: 155 x 110mm

Ultimate Non-Iron Royal Oxford Short Sleeve Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Handcrafted Die Cut Daffodil Easter Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Happy Easter Inside message: with love at easter Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Top, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and pretty, this floral print top will give your look an instant lift. It looks lovely worn with plain skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic collection

2 Mosaic Seat Pads, at Marks and 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

2 Younger Boys' Skull & Check Belts, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these elasticated skull and check belts add a stylish finishing touch

Blue Foxglove Mum Birthday Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Mum x Inside message: Hope your day is as wonderful as you are Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Winita Shoe Jewellery Holder, at Marks & Spencers
Shoe design Multiple hooks and hoops Padded ring holder H9"

Meat Selection (Serves 4-6), at Marks and Spencers
Contains 20 pieces Serves 4-6 6 different fillings Ready to eat As featured on page 7 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 2 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Per Una Short Sleeve Stripe Frill Top, at M+S
A casual short sleeve top featuring a stripe sleeve and v-neck design

Tiga Side Table, at Marks & Spencer
H45 x W46 x D46cm Cube design Made from sheesam wood Finished with a protective matt lacquer for added durability 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 Tiga Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Girls' Pleat Baker Boy Hat, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and fabulous, this pleat baker boy hat makes a stylish finishing touch

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 Property 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 Property 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.