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 MarksandSpencer 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:

• 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 Marks and Spencer 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 & 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 Motor Insurance from Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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

12 Cup Muffin Tray, at Marks and Spencer
Ideal for baking sweet or savoury muffins Heavy gauge easy to clean bakeware Premium non-stick coating Soft grip handles L18 x W26.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Fleece Lined Gilet, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable lightweight gilet featuring a funnel neck and stitch detailing

5 Low Rise Assorted Lace Thongs, at Marks & Spencer
These lace front thongs are comfortable, flattering and perfect for avoiding visible lines under tight-fitting clothing

Glacier Bead Stretch Bracelet, at Marks n Spencer
Mixed bead design Stretch style

7 Pure Cotton Assorted Animal Print Bodysuits, at M&S
Stock up on stylish essentials with this pack of 7 bodysuits in natural breathable cotton

Philips HP6379 Bikini Trimmer, at Marks and Spencer
Wet and dry use: In and out of the shower Hygienic protection: Silver ion comb for hygienic protection Rechargable Charge lasts up to 60 minutes Precise and gentle trimmer Hygienic trimming comb Extra smooth and safe shaver Epilator removes hair for weeks Eyebrow and detail trimmer Eyebrow and detail comb

5 Loop Dinner Candle Holder, at Marks and Spenser
Handcrafted Holds 5 candles Loop design H10 x W69 x D8.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Blue Harbour Heritage Pure Cotton Stripe Rugby Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
The authentic styling and great fit of this rugby shirt will make it a wardrobe favourite for many seasons to come

Hard-Top Divan with 2 Small + 2 Large Drawers & M200 Mattress, at Marks & Spencers
Single (3ft): W90 x L190 Double (4ft 6): W135 x L190 King Size (5ft): W150 x L200 Super king size (6ft): W180 x L200 Anti-allergy - provides effective protection against dust mite allergies, so you'll have a trouble free sleep Divan height: 41cm Divan drawer sizes: Large - H14 x W78 x D52cm, Small - H14 x W40 x D52cm Hard-top divans have a rigid, unsprung frame for a firm feel (Single divan has 1 small and 1 large right or left-hand drawer) We will contact you personally to arrange a delivery date, once your order is ready This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ Pure Cotton Classic Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable favourite, the classic jacket is given a modern update with contemporary styling

Perfect Portfolio Drawstring Patent Bag, at MarksandSpencer
Bags go bold and bright this autumn with key colours of grey and kingfisher blue, in gorgeously glossy patent

M&S Chocolate Fountain, at Marks & Spencers
3 tiers Red base unit Easy-to-use dial settings Stainless steel 95 watt Easy to assemble and operate Durable, heat resistant tower Dimensions: H35cm 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Office Desk, Desk Tidy & Chair Set, at Marks and Spenser
Desk: H77 x W131 x D65cm Desk tidy: H16 x W106 x D22.5cm Office chair: H116.5 x W63 x D71.5cm Adjustable seat: H36-42cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Desk has 1 large pull-out drawer with fold-down front Desk tidy has 2 drawers and a fixed glass shelf Office chair has leather seat and metal base, adjustable height and gas-lift function Displays all the rich natural characteristics of wood, such as knots, figuring, and subtle colour variations Delivered flatpack due to size. Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Desk and tidy top panels are veneered with solid oak edging for strength Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Desk drawer boxes and fronts made from solid oak. Drawer bottoms made from white oak veneer 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

Cotton Rich Velour Drawstring Joggers, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and comfy, these casual joggers are made from cotton rich fabric and feature drawstring waist. A practical easycare choice

Big Band Swing CD, at Marks and Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Gothic 5 Arm Chandelier, at Marks & Spencer
Candle effect shades 5 arm Hand finished H50 x D54cm Bulbs: 5 x 60W SES This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Hatty Twist Panel Jersey Dress with Necklace, at M & S
A gorgeous panel dress in soft stretch fabric featuring a front twist detail and detachable necklace

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Relaxed and stylish, this stripe shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Sony Stamina Plus 9V Alkaline Battery, at Mark & Spensers
Voltage (V): 9.0 Cells per pack: 1 Size: 9V / 6LR61 Ideal for high power applications which require intense and durable energy such as portable hifi, toys & audio devices *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund

Ultimate All Season Stormwear™ Mac, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and contemporary, this mac is treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains

Perfect Tummy Control Lace Mesh Vest, at Marks and Spencer
Shape your waistline and flatten your tummy with the clever hidden panel in this lace vest. Nobody needs to know

Panasonic DMR-EZ28 DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, at M & S
High Quality Picture with 1080p Up-Conversion, DVB-T Adaptive Noise Reduction and Deep Colour Easy Recording and Playback with VIERA Link (Direct TV Rec.) Easy operation with VIERA Link Intelligent i/p Conversion 384 Kbps Audio Recording with SP mode Super Multi-Format Recording & Playback (DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, +R, +R DL, +RW discs) Power Consumption(W approx.): Normal Use: 25.0, Power Save Mode: 2.0 Power Supply: AC 220-240V, 50Hz Dimensions: W43 x H6 x D33cm USB terminal SD card slot 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

Long Sleeve Tab Pocket Stripe Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
This casual v-neck cardigan makes the perfect light extra layer. It features front tab pockets for an extra stylish touch

Penthouse Leaf Pencil Pleat Curtains, at MarksandSpencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gold Plated Knot Stud Earrings, at Marks & Spencers
Butterfly stud fastening Knot design Diamant detail

DeLonghi Espresso Icona ECO310B Coffee Maker, at Marks & Spensers
High performance 15 bar pump pressure Stylish azure blue high gloss finish Traditional stainless steel cappuccino milk frother Professional 2 in 1 filter holder suitable for ground coffee or ESE pods Includes free illy pods Built in tamper and incorporated crema device for the perfect crema Removable 1 litre water tank Built to accommodate 2 full sized cappuccino cups or 2 espresso cups Stainless steel removable drip tray Separate coffee and steam boiler for faster use and optimum temperature control Adjustable steam emission Cup warmer Easy to use - 3 button operation Measuring spoon Dimensions: H38 x W29 x D34cm Boxed-product Weight: 6 Kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stormwear™ Leather Contrast Stitch Walker Trainers, at Marks and Spencer
Stormwear™ technology repels water and stains Round toe Contrast stitch detail Lace-up Chunky grip sole

Handcrafted Dotty in Paris Valentine Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: To my darling Valentine Inside message: Ooh! La la! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 127mm

Geometric Print Tie Waist Sarong, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and sophisticated, this fashionable sarong features a striking geometric print. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Retractable Blusher Brush, at M&S
Retractable brush Diamant detail

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money Direct website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from Mark's & Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Money Direct in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Money Direct website.