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 Spencer 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 M & S 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 Marks & Spensers, 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 Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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 & Spenser 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 Marks & Spensers, 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 Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Pure Cotton Floral Print Ruffle Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spencers
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a pretty floral print for a stylish casual look

Limited Collection Slouch Boots, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Slouch style Block heel Pull on Plain

Small Taper Dinner Candle Holder, at Marks and Spencer
Tapered design Cut glass design Dimensions: H32cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Duvet Vacuum Storage Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Fits all duvet sizes Reduces the space needed for storage by up to 60% Works with a conventional vacuum cleaner Keeps your duvet clean Suitable for storing clothes, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Floral Print Nightdress, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this floral print nightdress is made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Classic Collection Wool Rich Lined Mouflon Coat, at Marks&Spencer
Wrap up in style! This warm, soft coat in wool-rich mouflon will keep you feeling cosy and looking chic. Lined and smartly finished with a stitch detail, it's the perfect blend of fashion and comfort

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Block Stripe Polo Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Little Acorns 12 Month Record Calendar, at Marks & Spencers
Contains: 1 record calendar Approx size: 430 x 340mm

The Floral Collection Magnolia Hand Wash, at Marks & Spencers
Magnolia fragrance Handwash Moisture rich 250ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Lauryl Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Magnolia Liliflora (Magnolia), PEG-70 Mango Glycerides, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-2, Imidazolidinyl Urea, BHT, Magnesium Nitrate, Propylene Glycol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Sorbitol, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Geraniol, Linalool Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, CI 15985, CI 14700

Per Una Water Repellent Faux Fur Hooded Jacket, at Mark's & Spencer
A cosy faux fur hooded jacket featuring a water repellent finish.

Naomi Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencer
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Autograph Weekend Slash Neck Stripe Top, at Marks and Spenser
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Per Una Roma Cotton Rich Soft Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
A fashionable bootleg pair of trousers featuring a button and zip fastening

Classic Non-Wired Embroidered Cross-Over Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfortable, this full cup non-wired bra is great value. They're designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

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

Whole Lightly Smoked Stuffed Scottish Lochmuir™ Salmon Side, at Marks and Spencers
Serves 4-6 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 1.2kg As featured on page 39 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

Per Una Long Sleeve Bouncy Frill Cardigan, at M&S
A casual long sleeve open cardigan in a soft cotton blend. Bouncy frill trim details give it the Per Una touch

Big & Tall Flat Front Lightweight Crease Resistant Trousers, at M&S
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Girl Washing Line with Teddy New Baby Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Baby girl congratulations Inside message: With love Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Flowers by Post - 15 Sunflowers, at Marks & Spencer
Internet Exclusive Give the simple joy of sunflowers to your loved one and bring a huge smile to their face. These 15 beautiful sunflowers radiate the essence of summer. Flowers by Post is a great value way to spoil someone you know - or yourself

2 Per Una Clover Embroidered Shorts, at M & S
Elegant and feminine, this 2 pack of stylish shorts feature a delicate front panel in soft stretch lace. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Classic Collection Assorted Floral Print Mesh Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant, stylish and comfortable, this mesh skirt features an assorted print. The ideal match for blouses and fine knits in coordinating colours

Modern Squares Bathmats, at Marks and Spencers
Square pattern Bathmat: L80 x W50cm Pedestal: L55 x W50cm Bathmat and pedestal mat must be purchased separately, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Interlocking Oval Drop Earrings, at Marks n Spencer
Interlocking oval design Drop style Butterfly fastening Gold plated For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Autograph Essentials V-Neck Jumper with Cashmere, at Mark & Spensers
A touch of cashmere adds luxurious softness to this smart v-neck jumper. Exclusive and beautiful

Limited Collection Faux Snakeskin Tote Bag, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and fabulous, this faux snakeskin print handbag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as a trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Cheeky Monkey Mirror Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Happy birthday, Thought you'd like a card with a cheeky little monkey on it... Inside message: So here you are! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 215 x 150mm

The Floral Collection Rose Hand Care Set, at Mark & Spensers
2 part set Contains hand wash and hand & body lotion Hand and body lotion enriched with shea butter 2 x 250ml

Water Hyacinth Laundry Basket, at M&S
Lid with handle Removable lining H53 x 43.5cm top diam, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Bootleg Trousers with Piping Detail, at Marks & Spenser
Elegant and timeless, the clean styling of these bootlegs make them a versatile essential you'll wear again and again

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 Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & 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 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 Money Direct 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 Money Direct Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.