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 and Spencers are so useful. M&S Money Direct 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 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.

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 & Spencer 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 & Spencers, 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 Car 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.

M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct 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 and Spencer 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 Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Older Girls' Star Button Ballet Pumps Slippers, at Marks n Spencer
Round toe 2 star button feature Ballet pump style Slip on Flat sole

Autograph Light Control Lace Zip-Up Waspie, at Marks and Spenser
A great shape for those who want the appearance of an enviable hourglass figure, this waspie waist cincher shapes your waist and tummy. Perfect for giving a feminine and controlled shape under dresses. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Autograph Microfibre & Cashmere Filled 10.5 Duvet, at Mark's & Spencer
10.5 tog Ideal for Spring and Autumn use, or all round use in homes with central heating 300 thread count and 100% cotton jacquard cover Non-allergenic Pocket construction for even warmth Comes in single, double, 5ft and 6ft sizes Which tog? Tog measures the warmth of a duvet based on its ability to trap warm air. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet. The perfect tog is a personal choice which can depend upon you and your home, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Toy Story 2 Sticker Activity Book, at Marks & Spenser
Includes storys Various activities Mulitple stickers Disney, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sequin Bow Headband & Hair Bands, at Marks & Spencer
Coordinated looks are cute, so this matching sequin bow and hairbands makes a stylish choice

5 Floral Lace Full Briefs, at Marks and Spenser
Offering superior coverage and comfort, these attractive briefs team the flattering look of a low leg with an understated combined lace and plain design. An easycare fabric and added stretch provide a fuss free fit you'll love

Large Etched Mirror Jewellery Box, at M+S
Etched mirror design 2 drawers

Big Brother Star Medal Card, at M&S
Cover text: I'm a BIG Brother!, For a special big Brother Inside message: Hello my new big Brother! I'm very glad you're here, A Brother to look up to, And grow with every year. Someone to keep me safe, And someone to play with too, Of all the Brothers in the world, I'm glad that I've got you! Approx size: 215 x 150mm

4 Bude Mugs, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 4 Suitable for everyday use Ribbed detail H9cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Plain Summer Joggers, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and comfy, these casual joggers are made from soft cotton rich fabric. A practical easycare choice

Floral Polka Dot Large Wedding Album, at Marks & Spensers
Album and gift box 500 glue dots 700Mb CD-R Album: H290 x W290 x D45mm Box: H295 x W295 x D55mm

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this pure cotton check shirt is outstanding value!

Autograph Stainless Steel Charger Plate, at Marks and Spencer
Round shape Stainless steel for maximum durability and shine, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Double Buckle Strap Briefcase, at Marks and Spenser
Smart, stylish and practical, this double buckle briefcase makes it easy to organise and carry your documents

8 Cup Floral Print Cafetiere, at Mark's & Spencer
Metallic frame and lid 8 cup capacity Floral print, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

England You Decide Activity Book, at Marks and Spencer
Get your kit on-the nation is counting on you! This is YOUR chance to choose England's fate in this exciting activity book. Get ready to play the part of the manager, a player or a referee. Work your way through the crosswords, wordsearchs, picture puzzles and more, and guide England to glory!

Tonal Flower Padded Bra, at Marks&Spencer
Sleek and contemporary, this modern pinstriped bra gives a perfectly smooth outline under clothes. Light padding and underwiring give an enhanced natural shape. Designed for a streamlined silhouette

Aldea Red 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Country of origin: Spain Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl Alcohol by volume: 12% Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Casablanca Valley Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Chile Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Aguasanta Carmènere 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Carmnere Country of origin: Chile Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Belted Straight Leg Trousers with Wool, at M+S
Simple and stylish, straight leg trousers are a modern classic. They are cut to skim the hips and thighs, giving a sleek flattering shape that's always in style

Special Friend Text Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Special Friend Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 150 x 150mm

PlayStation®3 Virtua Tennis Game, at Mark's & Spencer
Includes superstar players from the men's and women's circuit Play as Roger Federer and Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo Create your own tennis star to compete on the world tour 10 brand new mini games Suitable for 3 years and over 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund

Handcrafted Flowers Easter Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Happy Easter Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Per Una Eau De Toilette Limited Edition Purse Spray, at Mark's & Spencer
Clear bottle with Per Una floral print Floral and fruity fragrance 25ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Wool Fedora Hat, at Marks & Spenser
Make a stylish impression with this fedora. It adds a smart touch to formalwear and looks contemporary with casuals

Inky Alliums Mum Birthday Card, at M+S
Cover text: Mum, this brings lots of love and thanks for all that you do... Inside message: ...and wishes for a birthday that's wonderful like you Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Sherwood Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap 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

North Coast Pure Cotton Cargo Shorts, at M&S
Relaxed and casual, these fashionable shorts are made from comfortable cotton and feature characteristic cargo style pockets

3 Big & Tall °Climate Control Cotton Rich Plain Trunks, at M&S
Climate control keeps you cool when you're hot and warms you up when you're cold so you're always at your optimum temperature. Exclusive to M&S, Climate control clothing is comfortable and breathable - ideal for sportswear. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spenser Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct, 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 Spencer, 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.