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 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.

When you're shopping at Mark & Spencers 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 Money Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencers than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Money Direct. 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 Money Direct, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Money Direct 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."

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spensers 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 Car Insurance, M&S Home 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 Marks & Spencers, 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.

Fresh Rose Inclusion Pillar Candle, at M&S
Fresh rose scented Includes dish With dried flowers, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3D Rosebud Cushion - Cream, at Mark's & Spencer
L43 x W43cm 3D rose applique design Pure Cotton, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Santiago Side Table, at Marks & Spencers
H56 x W50 x D50cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

125 Years Pure Wool 3 Button Stripe Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

Fairtrade Organic Cotton Animal Sleepbag, at Marks & Spencer
Look below to see a video clip about FairtradeThis cute sleepbag is made from soft, comfy Fairtrade cotton. We buy the cotton at a fair price from small-scale farmers around the world. The extra income raised enables them to invest in their own communities, like providing wells for clean water and improving healthcare facilities

Winchester Collection - Floor Lamp, at Marks and Spencer
Conical shade Ridged top Round base 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

Patent Leather Belt, at Marks n Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable patent leather belt

12 Cup Muffin Tray, at Mark's & 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

Edwardian Lady® 50th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Approx. size: 215 x 150mm Cover text: 50 birthday wishes Inside message: Have a very special day The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady Rowen Stott (Designs) Ltd and RW.UK. Ltd 2008

PlayStation®2 SmackDown Vs Raw 2008 Game, at Marks and Spencer
Eight megastar fighting styles Brand new struggle submission system Encompasses a variety of megastars, arenas and weapons Includes significant updates requested by fans Enhanced online community support 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe You must be 16 years of age or over to purchase this product 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, ESRB Rating: Teen

Fairtrade Organic Cotton Plain Flat Sheet, at Marks & Spencer
Plain Single: W178 x L260cm Double: W228 x L260cm 5ft (Queen): W275cm x L275cm 6ft (King): W310 x L275cm Threadcount: 180 Available in duvet cover, fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase Click to view a video about Fairtrade Cotton , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sony HTP-B350IS Home Theatre System, at Marks & Spensers
Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray Disc player - outputs HD1080p / 24p True Cinema picture, plus upscales existing DVD's to give you the best quality when using the HDMI connection 5.1 channel surround sound system with 450W total power output Cut equipment clutter and enjoy massive sound from speakers no bigger than a golf ball 3 HDMI™ inputs (1 out) with pass through of High Definition 1080p plus x.v. Colour and 24p True Cinema technology that adjusts picture settings on pass through to make movies look as authentic as the original Sony DIGITAL MEDIA PORT - connect to and release digital music stored on your WALKMAN or other mp3 players, mobile phones, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices 3x optical inputs for connectivity to set-top boxes and gaming consoles S-AIR Ready - an optional extra that enables you to go wireless and enjoy a cable free environment (rear speakers only) Multimedia guaranteed with BD-ROM/R/RE, DVD-+Video/R/RW, CD Playback, AVCHD Playback BD-Live ready: Just connect the player to the internet and download the latest firmware to access studio-specific online content including trailers, interviews and other extras through your Blu-ray Disc™ Player. The Quick Start-up mode enables you to enjoy your Blu-ray movies already after just six seconds (6 sec). The new XrossMediaBar™ guarantuees an easy to understand menu control, simple for everybody to use intuitively all of the players functions With 24p True Cinema you can sit back and watch the film like in real cinema, without length or quality losses New Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology that converts standard-definition signals (480i) to 1080p and outputs a full HD equivalent resolution signal to 1080p TVs via HDMI™

M&S Touch Sensitive Portable DAB Digital Radio, at Mark's & Spencer
40 station presets (DAB or FM) Backlit display with 8 step brightness Automatic scanning Includes carry case Dimensions: H13 x W8 x D3cm 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 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

3 Older Boys' Cotton Rich Bart Simpson Trunks, at Marks & Spensers
A must for fans of the Simpsons, these cotton rich trunks feature skateboard Bart motifs

Younger Girls' Embroidered Canvas Ankle Trainers, at Mark & Spencers
Round toe Lace up Spot print contrast tongue Floral embroidered design Cut out heart detail Contrast flat sole

Floral Bursa throw, at Marks and Spenser
Floral design Fringed edges, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Petaluma Merlot 2004 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Elegant and full bodied Grape variety: Merlot Country of origin: Australia Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Rag Fairy Doll, at Marks and Spenser
Not recommended for babies under 12 months Hair ribbon detail Flared dress with bow feature Suitable for ages 1-3yrs This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Poached Dressed Scottish Lochmuir™ Salmon, at Marks and Spencer
Serves 8 Ready to eat 1.1kg As featured on page 24 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Classic Guipure Vest, at M+S
This guipure vest is outstanding value. A great opportunity to stock up your underwear drawer!

Autograph White Hungarian Goose Down Pillow, at Marks & Spencer
W48cm x L76cm Soft to medium support Single pillow Highest quality class 1 Hungarian goose down 300 thread count cover 100% cotton downproof cover Machine washable at 40C Composition:Cover: 100% cottonFilling: 90% Hungarian goose down, 10% small Hungarian goose feather Care Instructions:Machine washable, tumble dry Fire Warning:Keep away from fire and flames, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

5 °Climate Control Cotton Rich Briefs, at Marks and Spencers
Climate control fabric absorbs and stores body heat when you're too hot and releases the heat when you're too cold. The result is the perfect body temperature so you'll feel comfortable all day. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology

Mechanical Fab Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover Text: Get ready for a Fab Birthday! Inside Message: Celebrate in style Approx size: 135 x 135mm

Edmonton Footstool, at MarksandSpencer
H41 x W56 x D56cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a dark finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Flat Front Straight Leg Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious and contemporary, these smartly tailored straight leg trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph range

Cotton Rich Drawstring Flare Joggers, at Mark & Spencers
Relaxed and comfy, these casual joggers are made from soft cotton rich fabric and feature a drawsting waist. A practical easycare choice

Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 1000 Set, at Marks & Spencer
Optical sensor Spill-resistant design 6 month battery life Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000 compatible Includes mouse, keyboard and receiver 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

Older Boys' Ireland Rugby Swimming Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Sports fans will love these cosy Ireland swimming shorts featuring the team motif. A practical, easycare style

Pink Fabric Flowers Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Happy birthday Inside message: Wishing you a wonderful day Approx. size: 174 x 126mm

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 & Spenser 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 Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.