There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is M+S Standard Car Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from M+S, 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.

Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 M&S 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, Sainsbury's, 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 n 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 Spenser, through its Marks & Spencer Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Per Una Linen Blend Straight Leg Trousers, at MarksandSpencer
A fashionable pair of straight leg trousers in a cool linen blend featuring zip and button fastening

Perfect Scorpius Hard Small Rollercase, at Marks&Spencer
Strong yet lightweight, this stylish luggage has 4 wheels for maximum manoeuvrability, a fixed combination lock, telescopic handle and fully lined interiors. There's a free 5 year guarantee, too

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Scotland Football Top, at Marks & Spencer
A must for footie fans! This Scotland top features a contast stitch detail and a fun emblem. A modern easycare style in soft comfortable cotton

Print Your Own Wedding Stationery: White Pearl Damask Menu/Order of Service, at Marks and Spencers
Contains: 10 x order of the day/service or menu cards, 12 x folded insert sheets, 10 decorative ties, 1 x instruction leaflet It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Follow the easy steps on the CD-ROM to create your personalised invitations. Print the insert sheets 2. Use the glue dots to secure the inserts inside the cards 3. Glue on the ribbon and tie in a bow to secure N.B. The CD-ROM is not included in the pack and is available separately Spend 10 on 'print your own' stationery and receive the CD-ROM FREE Please note: As this stationery is not intended for use as invitations, envelopes are not supplied in this pack Approx size: 218 x 154mm

Cotton Rich Travel Socks, at M+S
Life can take its toll on your feet. Our travel socks help ease the pressure whether you're taking a short trip or going long haul - with their special combination of support and comfort, a pair of these socks look after your feet beautifully. Support factor 12 specially designed with graduated compression to aid circulation

Underwired Embroidered Trim Bra, at Marks and Spencer
A lovely addition to your day to day underwear drawer. This versatile bra combines the shaping and support of underwiring and adjustable straps with the convenient comfort of an easy to care for design

Autograph White Hungarian Goose Down Duvet - 13.5 Tog, at Marks & Spencers
13.5 tog Suitable for cooler months or colder rooms or those who prefer a warm, snug duvet Highest quality class 1 Hungarian goose down Large down clusters within a multi-pocket construction - provides warmth without weight Each pocket is individually filled ensuring even down distribution 100% cotton outer cover - 300 thread count downproof cover 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

Pure Woven Silk Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart stripe tie in pure silk

M&S Pure Cotton Pull On Bucket Hat, at Marks & Spencers
This colored hat is ideal for all your summer activities this season. Whether you find yourself at a festival, in the garden or at the beach the wide brim will keep you feeling cool and well protected

Hopskotch, at Marks & Spensers
10 foam pieces 2 hopscotch stones Suitable for indoor and outdoor use Suitable for ages 3-6 years, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S 1.7L Midnight Ruby Kettle, at Marks & Spencer
1.7 litre capacity 2500-3000 watt Polished red and stainless steel finish 360 degree rotating base with cord storage Water window and contrasting on/off switch Concealed element for fast boiling and easy cleaning Comfortable black grip handle Anti-slip base

3 Pair Of 40 Denier Opaque Tights, at Mark & Spencers
These comfortable 40 denier opaque tights are made with added stretch and a reinforced toe for durability

Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™ Straight Leg Trousers with Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Comfortable and hardwearing, these stylish wool blend trousers are treated with Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™. These high performance finishes help resist stains and water. Zipped pockets keep lunch money safe and an adjustable waist gives a perfectly comfortable fit for longer

Autograph Satin Stitch Duvet Cover, at M & S
500 thread count Woven as sateen Satin stitch 100% Supima cotton - the world's finest cotton Comes in single, double, kingsize and super-kingsize, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bamboo Collection Salad Servers, at MarksandSpencer
2 part set Includes salad fork and spoon, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Satin Rose Cream Pillowcase, at Marks and Spenser
300 thread count 3D rose design Think climate! This can be washed effectively at 30C, find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Crystal Nail File, at Mark's & Spencer
The pattened design surface is ideal for gently shaping and smoothing nails Durable surface that is fully washable Perfect size for slipping into your handbag

Hard-Top Divan with 4 Large Drawers & M200 Mattress, at Marks and Spencer
Single (3ft): W90 x L190 Double (4ft 6): W135 x L190 King Size (5ft): W150 x L200 Super king size (6ft): W180 x L200 Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Anti-allergy - provides effective protection against dust mite allergies, so you'll have a trouble free sleep 4 large drawers Divan drawer size: H14 x W78 x D52cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Silk Diamond Pattern Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary diamond pattern tie in pure silk

Leather Formal Square Buckle Belt, at M & S
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather square buckle belt

Airflex™ Comfort Slip On Shoes, at Mark & Spensers
Square toe Stitch detail Slip-on Shallow block heel Unique Airflex™ airflow system for unbeatable comfort

3 Pure Cotton Assorted Eskimo Bibs, at Marks & Spenser
Cute and practical, this handy pack of 3 cotton bibs is great value

Dan's Mouse Christening Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: On your Christening day... Inside message: ...With lots of love Approx size: 174 x 126 mm

3 Older Boys' Autograph Pure Cotton Boxers, at Mark's & Spencer
Comfortable, practical and fashionable, this 3 pack of boxers is made from soft breathable cotton

Petite Single Breasted 1 Button Chevron Dart Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and modern, this tailored single breasted jacket features chevron dart stitch detail. A smart and stylish choice. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Zip Through Hooded Fleece, at M & S
Comfy and cosy, this fleece coat feels soft and warm and is great value. A practical, easycare style

Pure Silk Polka Dot Handkerchiefs, at Mark's & Spencer
Luxuriously soft handkerchiefs in pure silk

Chablis 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry, light to medium bodied Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Girly Images Multipack of Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Design 1 - happy birthday Design 2 - birthday girl Design 3 - just for you Inside message: blank for your own message Pack contains: 9 cards, 3 designs Approx size: 120 x 120mm

Royal Jelly & Pure Honey Soap Stack, at Marks & Spencer
Pack of 5 Moisturising 200g

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 Spencer are so useful. Marks & Spencer Money 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Marks & Spencer Money Property 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 Marks & Spencer Money Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.