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 & Spenser 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Finance. Not least of these is Mark & Spencers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Finance 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 Finance, 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.

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

Fraser Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Mark's & Spencer
H99 x W209 x D102cm Seat H48cm, arm H66cm, top back rail H77cm (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 Fabric options feature reversible 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 medium 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

2 Strappy Vests, at Mark & Spencers
Stylish and practical, this pack of 2 strappy vests makes a great value way to stock up your underwear drawer. The soft stretchy fabric is the ideal choice for everyday wear and gives a comfortable flattering fit

Sonoma Dark Triple Wardrobe, at Marks & Spenser
H200 x W130 x D65cm 1 hanging rail and 1 shelf behind double doors 1 hanging rail and 4 shelves behind single door 3 drawers Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid hardwood. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Shelves made from White Oak veneer Legs made from solid hardwood Door frames made from solid wood. Door panels made from White Oak veneer Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Delivered flatpack due to size 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 wardrobe as part of a set. Click here to view the Sonoma Dark Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Knitted Tassel Scarf, at Marks & Spencers
Keep out the chills in fashionable style with this warm soft scarf in a modern chunky multicoloured knit.

Lotus Flower Infusion Sticks, at Marks and Spencer
Fragranced infusion sticks Glass container, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Long Shell Necklace, at Marks & Spenser
Assorted shell stones Long length Necklace length 80cm

Sprung-Edge Divan on Legs, at Marks & Spencer
Single: W90 x L190cm Double: W135 x L190cm King size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size (6ft): W180 x L200cm H31cm Solid wooden frame Sprung edge Non-storage divan Anti-allergy - provides effective protection against dust mite allergies, so you'll have a trouble free sleep 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

DeLonghi Espresso Icona ECO310BK Coffee Maker, at Marks and Spenser
High performance 15 bar pump pressure Stylish onyx black high gloss finish Traditional stainless steel cappuccino milk frother Professional 2 in 1 filter holder suitable for ground coffee or ESE pods Includes free illy pods Built in tamper and incorporated crema device for perfect crema Removable 1 litre water tank Built to accommodate either 2 full sized cappuccino cups or 2 espresso cups Stainless steel removable drip tray Separate coffee and steam boiler for faster use and optimum temperature control Adjustable steam emission Cup warmer Easy to use - 3 button operation Measuring spoon Dimensions: H38 x W29 x D34cm Boxed-product Weight: 6 Kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Bib Front Dress, at Marks & Spencers
Delicate and pretty, this flattering cover up dress is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

New 120GB Apple iPod classic, at Marks & Spenser
Up to 30,000 songs, 150 hours of video, 25,000 photos, or any combination Rent a movie from iTunes and watch it on the go Sleek, anodized aluminum and polished stainless steel enclosure Genius feature finds the songs in your library that go great together and makes a Genius playlist for you Cover Flow - turn it on its side to flip through album art 2.5-inch (diagonal) color LCD display with LED backlight. 320-by-240-pixel resolution at 163 pixels per inch Built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery capable of up to 36 hours of audio playback and up to 6 hours of video playback Dimensions: H10.4 x W6.2 x D1cm approx Weight: 140g In the box: iPod classic, Earphones, USB 2.0 cable, Dock adapter, Quick Start guide For Mac and Windows. Requires Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional or Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later TM and 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved 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

Autograph Hotel Collection Reversible Bathmat, at Marks & Spensers
Plain Dimensions: L100 x W60cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

50/50 Embroidered Silver Ribbons Bedset, at Marks and Spencer
Embroidered silver ribbon design Single set includes duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcase King size set includes duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcase, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mosaic Bathmats, at Marks & Spensers
Mosaic pattern Cotton mats Bathmat dimensions: L80 x W60cm Pedestal mat dimensions: L55 x W50cm Bath mat and pedestal mat must be purchased separately, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Secret Support™ Lace Trim Vest, at Marks & Spencer
Add a soft, supportive layer to your daily attire with the Secret Support™ incorporated into the design of this cosy vest

Multi Strand Pearl Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Multi strand Pearl and faceted bead design Diamant detail Necklace length: 41cm, extendable by 8cm

Per Una Cotton Rich Roma Cropped Jeans with Belt, at M+S
A fashionable pair of cropped jeans in stretch cotton featuring an on the waist design. Comes with a plaited belt

Seville Pepper Mill, at Marks and Spencers
Acylic and brushed chrome design Fitted with a durable stainless steel mechanism Fully adjustable mechanism from fine to coarse grinds just tighten or loosen the knob Lifetime guarantee Comes filled with Pepper Approx size: L5.5 x W5.5 x H14cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Single Glasses - MAXIM WINE SGL, at M&S
This eye-catching wine glass combines an elegant, simple stem with a burst of colour on the body

3 Pairs of Textured Microfibre Socks, at Marks and Spencer
These soft rib trim socks have added stretch for comfort and durability so they'll last wear after wear

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Sateen Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Heart Print Mule Slippers, at Marks and Spenser
Relax in style and comfort in these soft, hardwearing mule slippers featuring spot detail and flat sole

Garlic Crusher, at Marks and Spencers
Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ + Regular Fit Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
These smart jeans are treated with new Stormwear™ +, which combines our unique stormwear finish with a stain repellent technology that'll keep dry and comfortable all day long

Disney Winnie the Pooh Wrap Pack, at Marks & Spencer
2 sheets, 2 tags Each sheet: 495 x 695mm Tags: 80 x 55mm (folded) Disney

Pure Cotton Belted Cargo Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Casual and relaxed, these stylish pure cotton cargo trousers are so comfortable and easy to wear. An effortless contemporary look that's fashionable, practical and easycare

British Heritage Grain Lace Up Gibson Shoes, at M+S
Lace up 4 eyelets Round toe Shallow block heel Inspired by traditional design Goodyear welted sole Full leather lining Crafted from premium calf leathers Made by hand in the UK

Collezione Pure Wool Flat Front Woven Trousers, 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. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Pastel Circles Thank You Cards - Pack of ten, at Marks & Spencer
Contents: 10 cards, 1 design Cover text: Thank you 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: 120 x 120mm

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe Pyjamas, at Marks&Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these stripe pyjamas are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Sonoma Headboard, at Marks & Spenser
H62 x L114 x W150cm Mattress and divan sold separately Headboard H62cm Double: W137cm King size 5ft: W150cm Supplied with fittings Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side and back made from White Oak veneer Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself 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

When you're shopping at Marks & 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Car 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 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."