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 Mark & Spensers 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 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 & Spensers 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 Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

When you're shopping at Marks & Spencers 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 Home Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencer 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."

3 Classic Pure Cotton Plain Briefs, at M&S
Easy to care for cotton and a classic cut ensures these comfy briefs are a staple part of any underwear drawer

Little Oxford English Reference Set, at Marks and Spencer
The Oxford English reference set is the perfect package to help them ace their essays and to prepare for their next exam

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Top, at Mark & Spencers
For casual elegance, you can't beat this stripe crew neck top. A great value cotton essential

Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & F100 Mattress, at Marks and Spencers
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large Drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm, Small Drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Smaller drawers at the head end are designed to open without moving your bedside table Open coil mattresses provide a hard-wearing and supportive background Sprung-edge divan - Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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

Older Boys' Linen Blend Cargo Trousers, at M&S
Relaxed and comfortable, these loose fit cotton blend cargos feature multi pockets. A practical easycare style

Single Breasted 3/4 Sleeve Pleat Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Chic and stylish, this pleat detail jacket makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Younger Boys' Transformers Flip Flops, at Marks & Spencer
Flat sole Slip on 'Transformers' design 2007 Hasbro

Patent Wild Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Define your waistline with this fashionable elasticated and patent finish waist belt

Slinky Lace Trim Camisole, at M&S
Stylish and feminine, this lace trim camisole is made from soft touch fabric which feels blissfully comfortable to wear

Children's Party Platter, at Marks and Spenser
Contains 16 quarters plus veg batons Serves 4-6 4 different sandwich fillings Ready to eat Made in a factory that uses sesame ingredients As featured on page 8 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

Knee Length Stitch Detail Pencil Skirt, at M&S
Sleek and stylish, this knee length pencil skirt is designed for a shapely silhouette. A smart modern style

Per Una Essentials Seersucker Underwired Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Feminine and delicate, this stylish bra is made from soft textured fabric and features a lace trim. It's underwired and structured for great support and an enhanced natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Big & Tall Flat Front Linen Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Crisp and smart, these flat front trousers are made from a cool linen blend. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

In Bloom Lime Blossom & Bergamot Eau de Toilette, at Marks & Spencers
Eau de Toilette 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Amazing Dinosaur Discovery Book, at M&S
Join Tom and his Dad on a trip to the Dinosaur Museum. Peep inside his scrapbook to read fun facts, uncover the meaning of dinosaur names and pull the tabs to make them come alive. Helps kid's learn more about the mysterious world of dinosaurs

Ankle High Stretch Platform Boots, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Central seam stitch Stretch design Ankle high High heel

Charlotte 2 Seater Sofa AU09 Newness, at Mark's & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Multi Row Necklace, at Marks&Spencer
Tie fastening Ribbon chain Multi row design Necklace length: 60 inch

Dora the Explorer Puzzle, at Marks & Spencer
Kids will love to spot the adorable Dora and her friends as they complete this colourful arrow shaped puzzle

Cotton Rich °Climate Control Cycle Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
Climate control fabric absorbs and stores body heat when you're too hot and releases the heat when you're too cold. The result is the perfect body temperature so you'll feel comfortable all day. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 Digital Camera, at Marks and Spenser
Pixels: 10.1 megapixels Optical zoom: 4x Digital zoom: 4x Display: 2.7 inch TFT colour LCD Screen ISO Sensitivity: Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400) Dimensions: W9.7 x H5.4 x D2.1cm Weight: Approx. 139g with Battery and SD Memory Card, Approx. 117g (without) Power: ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 940mAh) (Included) / AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional) Recording Media: Built-in Memory (approx 50mb), SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard (Still image only) Built-in-Flash: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off 0.3 - 6.3m (Wide/ISO Auto), 0.5 - 3.0m (Tele/ISO Auto)

Collezione Mini Square Tie, at Marks & Spencers
Combining classic silk quality with a contemporary design, this stunning tie will make a valuable and versatile addition to your formal wardrobe. Made in Italy

Sonoma Dark Tall Glazed Unit, at Marks and Spencer
H188 x W95 x D44cm Internal lights with on/off switch 3 adjustable glass shelves Glass doors and shelves are made from safety-tested toughened glass 2 drawers Made from solid oak and oak veneer Solid oak end grain details add to the character of each piece 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 Handles made from solid wood Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid hardwood. Drawer bottoms 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 All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio 3/4 Sleeve Geo Floral Print Blouse with Camisole, at MarksandSpencer
Part of Portfolio's Mimosa trend. A beautifully elegant look featuring chic, muted tones such as cocoa, mink, saffron and purple. Striking prints are key to this feminine trend

2 Autograph Assorted Stripe Slips, at M&S
Featuring the best in modern fabric and contemporary design, these luxurious slips feel exceptionally comfortable and give a superior fashionable fit

Coloured Numbers Square Face Watch, at Marks & Spenser
Square face Coloured numerals Analogue Plain strap

North Coast Fairtrade Cotton Textured Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade Fairtrade certification shows that suppliers have been paid a fair price for their products and their work. Buying Fairtrade helps support farmers in developing countries and their communities

Cotton Rich Funnel Neck Velour Top, at Marks and Spencer
Treat yourself to plush comfort with this super soft velour top. Perfect for relaxing or exercising in style

Autograph Embroidered Short Sleeve Blouse, at Marks and Spenser
Part of Autograph's Luxe Tradition trend. Luxurious and contemporary with a sense of British heritage, this trend features a soft colour palette, modern prints and beautiful fabrics. A sophisticated look for the new season

Autograph Pure Cashmere Knitted Jumper, at Mark & Spencers
Soft and cosy, this Autograph v-neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxurious softness.Exclusive, luxurious and beautiful

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