M&S Money Direct offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Direct Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor 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 Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, 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 Motor 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Motor 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 Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from M+S, 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 Motor Insurance from M&S Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.

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 Motor 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; Motor 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.

50/50 Bed Linen - Fitted Sheet, at Marks and Spencer
Single: L190 x W91cm, depth 25cm Double: L190 x W137cm, depth 25cm King Size (5ft): L200 x W152cm, depth 25cm Super King Size (6ft): L200 x W183cm, depth 25cm Plain dye bed linen Plain fabric (no design) Easy to iron Care instructions: Machine washable, Tumble dry Composition:50% cotton, 50% polyester, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Classic Blender, at Marks & Spenser
2 speeds Safety feature stops the motor when the lid is removed Pulse function Safety lock mechanism Stainless steel finish 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ashbourne Armchair, at Marks & Spensers
H99 x W114 x D104cm Seat H49cm, arm H65, top back rail H75cm 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 Fabric options feature reversible seat cushions 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 dark 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

Floral Fine Art Multipack of Mini Cards, at Marks & Spencer
8 cards, 4 designs Cover text: All cards are blank Inside message: blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Portfolio Lightweight Animal Print Scarf, at Marks&Spencer
Bring out your wild side with this fabulous animal print scarf. Perfect with this season's styles it ensures that even in the simplest outfit, you'll never look tame

Kaituna Hills Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 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

Profiterole Stack, at Marks & Spencers
Serves 8 Ready to eat Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers 640g As featured on page 49 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

MoDA Red Geometric Bamboo Paper Blank Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Blank Inside message: Blank for your own message Our MoDA range has been screen printed onto paper made from bamboo. Bamboo is a truly sustainable and renewable resource as it's the fastest growing plant on the planet! Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Per Una Styled Overlaid Lace Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this stylish bra features stretch lace fabric and a scallop trim. The padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Learning Cubes, at M & S
Assorted colour cubes Suitable for ages 0-3 years Encourages activity and develops interactive play This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Illustrated Wind in the Willows Book, at Marks and Spencers
This is an evocative picture book based on the beloved classic tale and retold for younger children. ''The Wind in the Willows'' is a re-telling of the beloved Kenneth Grahame story following the adventures of four riverside companions: Mole, Ratty, Badger and, of course, the eponymous Mr Toad

Younger Boys' Lace-Up Lights Trainers, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Mesh panel design Lace-up

Footglove™ Widefit Small Bow Pumps, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Bow feature Slip on Flat sole Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Per Una Pleat Detail Bowler Bag with Corsage, at Marks & Spensers
Pleat detail and rose corsage makes this fashionable bag even more special. Give your look the Per Una twist!

Pearl Effect Necklace, at Mark & Spencers
Pearl effect Extra long necklace Length: 117cm

Small Flower Fairiesİ Happy Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover Text: Happy Birthday To You Message: Hope you have a lovely day Approx size: 150 x 150mm Copyright: Flower Fairies™ The Estate of Cicely Mary Barker 2008 Books published by Frederick Warne & Co. Licensed by opyrights Group Visit Flower Fairies website at: www.flowerfairies.co.uk All Rights Reserved

Pop Art Collar Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Ribbon fastening Chunky bead design Contrast inner square detail Length: 102cm

Body Solutions Smoothing Sleeveless Plain Full Slip, at Marks & Spencer
A practical fashion essential you can't do without! It's a must-have for enhancing the look of your dresses, particularly those that look see-through under light

Autograph Leather Soft Fold Shoulder Bag, at Marks & Spencer
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

5 Assorted Contrast Stitch Knickers, at Marks & Spensers
Cute and trendy, this 5 pack of cotton knickers makes a great way to stock up on essential style

Pure Wool Izmir Rug, at Marks and Spencer
Made from New Zealand wool Traditional pattern Fringed design Small: L140 x W80cm Medium: L170x W120cm Large: L230 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Long Sleeve Self Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this self stripe shirt is made from a modal blend so it feels exceptionally comfortable to wear. Modal is a luxuriously soft fabric made from natural plant fibres

Perfect Autograph Cross Body Leather Bag, at Marks&Spencer
In soft, versatile tan leather, this cross-body bag has all the style and space you need for everyday autumn chic

Cotton Blend 3/4 Sleeve Waterfall Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
This casual 3/4 sleeve cardigan makes the perfect light extra layer. It features a waterfall design for an extra stylish touch

Flat Front Lightweight Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and smart, these lightweight flat front trousers are the perfect choice for warmer weather

Older Boys' Worn-Look Guitar Print Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this guitar print belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Autograph Weekend Long Sleeve Pyjama Top, at Marks and Spencers
Luxurious and sophisticated, this modern long sleeve pyjama top is part of our exclusive Autograph Weekend collection. It's beautifully designed and detailed with button placket and made from the softest fabrics for the ultimate in comfort

Snake Print Short Sleeve Kaftan, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and stylish, this fashionable kaftan features a striking snake print. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Older Girls' Tatty Teddy Pure Cotton Mule Slippers, at Marks and Spenser
Mule style Round toe Slip on Flat sole Tatty Teddy motif Carte Blanche Greeting Ltd 2005

Blue Harbour Pure Organic Cotton Cargo Trousers, at M & S
Relaxed and casual, these fashionable cargo trousers are made from comfortable cotton and feature characteristic cargo style pockets

When you're shopping at Marks n Spencer 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 Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at M+S 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."