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

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's & Spencer are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spensers 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.

Mark & Spensers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Car Insurance, but Mark & Spensers do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the M&S Money Direct website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of Marks & Spencers Money products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money Direct loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money Direct can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Money Direct insurance products (Buildings Insurance, Car Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks&Spencer insurance products in document format too.

Freshfeet Pure Cotton Jumbo Cord Slippers, at Marks & Spenser
Round toe Textured finish Tartan style lining pattern Flat sole Slip on With built in Freshtech™ technology for fresh, odour-free slippers Freshtech™ technology is permanently built in to the slipper and still performs after many washes Freshtech™ technology combats the bacteria that causes bad smells and odours

Small Packaway Bag, at Marks & Spenser
This trendy packaway shopping bag that is easy to carry, for those unforeseen purchases

Per Una Rainbow Heart Embroidered Pyjamas, at Marks&Spencer
Modern and feminine, these pretty pyjamas are made from soft cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Tribeca Large 2 Seater Sofa AU09 Newness, at Marks & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Evoke Mio DAB Radio, at Marks & Spenser
Frequency ranges: Band III 174-240 MHz, FM 87.5-108 MHz Timers: Sleep and kitchen timers Speaker: Full-range 3'' drive unit Audio power output: 7W RMS per channel Input connectors: 6V DC power adaptor socket (230V supplied). ChargePAK connector. 3.5mm Line-in for auxiliary devices. USB (B type) for product upgrades Output connectors: 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm line out (analogue), 3.5mm auxiliary speaker connection Controls: 5 dedicated one-touch presets, 1 combined preset, source, timer, menu, standby and info LCD Display: Organic LED (OLED) display for superior contrast and improved readability Mains power supply: 230V AC to 6V DC external power adapter Battery power supply: Rechargeable ChargePAK E1 included. Provides up to 24 hours of portable DAB listening per charge Power consumption: In standby 0.9W (industry average 2.64W); in operation 2.48W (industry average 5.49W) Aerial: Captive telescopic aerial Intellitext: Browse stored scrolling text at your convenience Text scan: Pause and control scrolling text, giving you time to note down web addresses, competition phone numbers or song titles USB: Add new features as they become available via USB RDS: RDS support for station name display on FM and RDS scrolling text 30 presets: 30 presets (DAB or FM) Alarm: Easy to use tone or radio alarm Connection: Connect an iPod/MP3 player or portable CD Dimensions: H17.5 x W21 x D11cm 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

Adored Jacquard Lace Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Delicate and pretty, these briefs are made from the softest fabric and trims, so they feel blissfully comfortable to wear. The modern shorts style gives a flattering shapely fit. Feminine everyday lingerie

Lace Trim Midi Knickers, at Marks and Spenser
Characterised by a wonderfully flattering low leg, a lace design sets a smart tone for the soft, easy to care for comfort of these lovely midi briefs

Long Sleeve Hooded Fleece, at Marks and Spenser
Comfy and cosy, this hooded fleece feels soft and warm and is great value. A practical, easycare style

2 Piece Long Sleeve Hooded Outfit, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this 2 piece outfit gives a well dressed look and feels comfortable to wear

Classic Collection Straight Leg Trousers, at M+S
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear

In Bloom Rose & Amber Eau De Toilette, at Marks and Spenser
Rose and amber fragrance 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Italian Pure Silk Spot Design Tie, at Marks & Spenser
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

Supima® Pure Cotton Non-Iron Pillowcase, at Marks and Spencers
Internationally recognised as the world's finest cotton High performance non iron finish offering the ultimate in easy care Supima is renowned for its superior strength, enhanced durability and sumptuous feel 180 thread count, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Orchard Fruits Pot Pourri Bag, at Mark's & Spencer
Scented pot pourri 25 x 9cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Guipure Vest, at Marks & Spencers
This guipure vest is outstanding value. A great opportunity to stock up your underwear drawer!

Thank You Retro Script Multipack of Mini Cards, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: design 1 - Thanks, design 2 - Thanks so much , design 3 - Thank you, design 4 - Thanks a lot Inside message: blank for your own message 8 cards, 4 designs Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Stainless Steel Apple Corer, at Marks & Spencers
Simple design Stainless Steel This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Body Cream, at Marks & Spencers
Massage into your skin until completely absorbed to leave your skin delicately fragranced 200ml

Leather Tassel Purse, at Marks & Spencer
This stylish purse is made from real leather with reinforced stitching. A high quality and chic essential

Wistful Thinking Humour Brother Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: BROTHER Why sit in the living room watching TV all day? Wheel it into the bedroom! Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Denim Shorts, at M+S
Comes with belt shown in image Practical and fashionable, these relaxed denim shorts make a great choice for warmer weather

Knee Length Pleat Waist Belted Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Chic and stylish, this belted skirt makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Per Una Tassel Trim Ribbed Scarf, at Marks and Spencers
This sophisticated ribbed scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. Tassel trim adds a stylish finishing touch.

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Frill Neck Jersey Top, at Marks & Spenser
A stylish 3/4 sleeve jersey top in textured fabric featuring frill neck detail

Single Pleat Stretch Trousers with Wool, at M+S
A casual single pleat combines with a distinguished shade of grey, creating a versatile and elegant pair of formal trousers. Added stretch ensures a practical and timeless fit perfectly suited for the workplace

Portfolio Faux Pearl Bracelet, at Marks & Spenser
Multi strands Faux pearl design

Cotton Rich Knee Length Shorts with Belt, at Mark's & Spencer
Casual and comfortable, these knee length shorts make a fashionable and practical choice

Medium Impact Non-Wired Sports Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Comfortable and secure, this medium impact sports bra gives firm, gentle support for active wear

Pure Cotton Candy Stripe Bedset, at Marks and Spencers
Candy stripe design Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Village Scene Multipack of Easter Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: design 1: Easter Hope, design 2: Peace at Easter-time Inside message: Both designs: wishing you happiness at Easter 6 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 145 x 70mm

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 M+S 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 Mark's & Spencer, 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.