M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 Spenser 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, 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 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 Finance 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 & 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 M&S, through its M&S Finance website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents 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 Marks & Spencer are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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, Buildings & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents 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 & Contents 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 & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Domaine de L'Arbre Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks&Spencer
Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 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

Autograph Round Toe Patent Finish Pumps, at M&S
Round toe Patent finish Slip-on Low heel Heel height: 15mm Comes on sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Pure Cotton Lace Insert Stripe Vest Top, at MarksandSpencer
Chic and modern, this stripe vest is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a lace insert

Bingley Bear with Fabric Flowers Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Birthday Wishes... Inside message: ...With Love x Approx size: 175 x 125mm

Linen Blend Pintuck Short Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Comfortable and versatile, this linen blend short sleeve shirt is a classic style, perfect for smart dressing

Autograph Siberian Goose Down Pillow, at Marks and Spencer
W48cm x L76cm Soft to medium support Silk and cotton blend cover 450 thread count 50% silk / 50% cotton boxed wall outer edge cover Siberian new white goose feather and down filling Highest quality class 1 Siberian goose down Machine washable at 40C, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Stripe T-Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Fashionable and relaxed, this crew neck t-shirt is made from pure cotton it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Tie Waist Hello Kitty Dressing Gown, at Marks n Spencer
Fans of Hello Kitty will love this fluffy dressing gown featuring the popular character

Corby 7700 Trouser Press, at Mark & Spencers
No need to dampen trousers before pressing. The inherent humidity content of natural and mixed fibres assists the pressing process Features a jacket hanger 15, 30 & 45 minute settings Automatic cut-off Manual cancel option Deep coin tray LED countdown display Wall mounted dimensions: H95 x W42x D13 (opens to 34cm) Free-standing dimensions: H110 x W46 x D33cm (opens to 48cm) 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

Beaded Heart Pendant Necklace, at MarksandSpencer
Heart pendant Clasp fastening Adjustable length Necklace length: 41cm

Floral Bursa Cushion, at Marks&Spencer
Square shape Floral and leaf design L50 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Black Flower Slim Diary, at Marks n Spencer
1 diary (week to view) Dimensions: 165 x 80mm

Silver Plated Tiny Floral Sparkle Earrings, at Marks and Spenser
Butterfly fastening Diamant detail Floral design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Lipgloss Wand, at Marks and Spencer
Comes in a variety of colours Approx 6ml

Autograph Pure New Wool Single Breasted 1 Button Eveningwear Jacket, at M & S
A sophisticated slim fit look for elegant occasions. Our Autograph suits are made from finer fabrics with superior attention to detail for the ultimate in quality and style

Anthony Bear and Heart Mum Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: With love To a very special Mum x Inside message: Happy birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Older Girls' Fashion Straw Trilby Hat, at Mark & Spensers
Fashionable and fabulous, this trilby hat makes a stylish finishing touch

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Straight Leg Chinos, at Marks & Spencer
A stylish smart casual look, these straight leg chinos are made from soft cotton and designed for a fashionable and comfortable relaxed fit.

Sony NAS-SC500PKE Giga Juke Hi-Fi System, at Marks & Spenser
Multi-room package for wireless streaming New design refresh and superb sound quality speakers 160GB HDD (store up over 40,000 songs) Total 100w RMS (50w x2) with digital amplifier iPod Cradle Direct WALKMAN dock on top DAB/FM/AM tuner Auto title labelling (update through Internet) Quick and easy music file transfer (import from PC) USB MP3 Recording/ Playback/Charging Sense Me

Woodphotoframes - MULTI APP DESK, at Marks & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lexington Flight Bag, at Marks & Spenser
Whether you're heading to the gym or a quick weekend jaunt away, keep your belongings safe and secure with the zip fastening design of this roomy flight bag

Sensuale 100ml Eau De Toilette, at Marks & Spenser
100ml Eau de toilette

Pure Cotton Block Stripe Rugby Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and fun, the stripe design makes this practical top extra special. It's made from soft pure cotton and feels comfy to wear.

M&S 2GB Micro SD Memory Card, at Marks & Spencer
Compatible with digital devices with a microSD card slot Read (MB /s): 10MB Write (MB /s): 3MB Available capacity: 1940MB 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

3 Way Pure Cotton Cover Up Beach Dress, at M+S
Elegant and feminine, this strapless cover up beach dress is designed to stay securely in place while you work on your tan. A fabulous fashionable look

Pure Cotton Embellished Kaftan, at M&S
Gorgeously feminine, this flattering kaftan is designed in the latest shape. A fabulous fashionable look

Clairault Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Bottle: 6 x 75cl Alcohol by volume: 15% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 11.3 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Electronic Salt & Pepper Mill Set, at Mark's & Spencer
H21 x Diameter 4.5 cm Stainless steel effect, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Ball Drop Earrings, at Mark & Spensers
Hook fastening Drop style Double bead detail For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Collezione Luxury Flat Front Micro Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Add a smart dimension to your formal wardrobe with these single pleat trousers. Allowing for more hip room, they provide a clean, crisp and well turned out look

Besides Mark's & Spencer Motor Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Buildings & Contents Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Finance Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks & Spenser purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Finance Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.