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 and Spencers 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:

• 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.

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 and 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 and Spencer, 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 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.

When you're shopping at Marks and 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 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."

Maxim Soup Bowl, at Marks & Spencers
Suitable for everyday use Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Diameter 21cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Short Sleeve Tencel® Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
Ideal for everyday wear, this smart blouse is made from soft tencel and the fit is comfortable and flattering. A fashionable and practical style

Footglove™ Wide Fit Leather Platform Boots, at Marks & Spenser
Platform style Round toe Stitch detail Buckle and zip fastening Mid heel Heel height: 66mm Ankle high Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Camouflaged Cargo Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
A contemporary take on a casual relaxed look, these pure cotton cargo shorts feature camouflaged print. A fashionable, easycare style

4 Large Maxim Wine Glasses, at Marks and Spencer
Pack of 4 Height 23cm 45cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Chuggington Sound Book, at Marks & Spenser
Wake up, chuggers.. Its training time! Help me, Wilson and Brewster find shapes, hunt for colours and learn to count as we roll around Chuggington town. Press the sound button to hear our theme tune and sing along as you go!

Per Una Pure Cotton Sleeveless Floral Camisole, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable camisole featuring an floral print and frill trim

Conical Shade Wall Light, at Marks & Spencer
Conical shade Square wall fitting 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dogtooth Check Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this dogtooth jacket is tailored to fit and flatter. A great choice for work

Cotton Rich Contrast Trim Plain Shorts, at Marks & Spensers
These cotton rich shorts are shapely and modern. They have been designed with added stretch for a snug, comfortable and figure-flattering fit

Per Una Pure Cotton Floral Revere Pyjamas, at Marks & Spenser
Modern and feminine, these stylish floral revere pyjamas are made from pure cotton. So you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Cotton Blend Tank Top, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and comfortable, this soft cotton blend tank top is a lightweight extra layer that's ideal for school

Chunky Bead Necklace, at Marks n Spencer
Mixed bead design Ribbon necklace Tie fastening Necklace length: 122cm

North Coast Pure Cotton Marl Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Autograph Luxury Cotton Rich Pintuck Shirt with Silk, at Mark's & Spencer
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary stripe print

Bride & Groom Embrace Wedding Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Blank Inside message: Wishing you happiness, laughter and love Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Owl Pramsuit, at Mark & Spensers
Cute and cosy, this hooded pramsuit is warmly padded and lined with soft cotton to keep him comfortable

Cotton Rich Spot Print Vest & Knickers Set, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this spot print vest and knickers set is made from stretch cotton. It's designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

Autograph Pure Silk Textured Tie, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Perfect Limited Collection Chain Handle Quilted Shoulder Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Enjoy a modern twist on timeless chic with this essential quilted shoulder bag. A great value classic you'll cherish for seasons to come

Butterfly Photo Frame 13 x 18 cm (5 x 7''), at Marks & Spencers
Rectangle shape Butterfly feature Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Body Miracle Low Rise Lace Trim Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
These pretty lace trim shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

Chunky Mixed Bead Necklace, at Marks & Spencers
Rope necklace Chunky mixed beads Clasp fastening Necklace length: 97cm

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Floral Print Top, at Marks & Spensers
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a smart scoop neck for a stylish casual look

Fish Selection (Serves 4-6), at Mark & Spencers
Contains 20 quarters Serves 4-6 5 different fillings Ready to eat As featured on page 7 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

Mock Croc Gift Card, at Marks&Spencer
Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Limited Collection Slingback Bow Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Open toe Slingback style Mid heel Bow detail Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Heel height: 6cm

Autograph Opaque Tights with Cashmere, at Marks and Spencer
These comfortable opaque tights are made with added stretch and a reinforced toe for durability

Textured 2 Button Slim Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Slim and stylish, these trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. The textured look adds a fashionable update

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

Besides Marks n Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Buildings 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 M&S purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Finance Premier Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings 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.