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

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and 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 Car Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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 Mark's & 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 & 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 & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

M&S Money Direct Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Car Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Car Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Money Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Autograph Pure Cotton 3 Piece Tank Top Outfit, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Pure Cotton Double Breasted Mac with Belt, at Marks and Spenser
Practical and fashionable, this water resistant mac features a double breasted design and epaulettes. Perfect for drizzly days, it can be accessorised with a rain hat or umbrella to see you through the season in style

Autograph Pure Cotton Floral Print Top, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Casual and relaxed, this long sleeve rugby shirt is made from pure cotton. So it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Classic Collection Harrington Jacket, at M & S
Smart and stylish, this lined single breasted jacket will keep you feeling cosy. It's made from soft, warm fabric and designed in a fashionable, flattering shape

Autograph Mini Heart Shaped Jewellery Box, at Marks and Spencers
Modern and sophisticated, this fabulous heart shaped jewellery box. It makes a great gift, or why not treat yourself?

Philips RQ1051 Electric Shaver, at M & S
Flex and pivot action: Three independently flexing heads in a shaving unit that swivels with full range of motion. This unique combination ensures optimum skin contact in curved areas to catch even the most problematic neck hair Tripletrack shaving heads: The three shaving tracks of the Triple-Track shaving heads offer 50% more shaving surface than standard, single track rotary shaving heads Precision cutting system: Ultra thin heads with slots to shave the long hairs and holes to shave even the shortest stubble Super lift and cut technology: The dual blade system lifts hairs to cut comfortably below skin level Precision tube trimmer: Patented tube trimmer technology for great precision and manoeuvrability. Perfect for contouring and trimming moustache and sideburns Can be easily rinsed under the tap Corrosion free heads Travel lock feature Battery status indicator Shaving unit replacement indicator Accessories: charging stand, protection cap, cleaning brush

Solid Spoon, at Marks & Spencer
Suitable for non-stick saucepans Hanging loop, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

AA 1001 Great Family Days Out, at Mark & Spensers
Wherever you are, you'll never be far from an enjoyable day out with this colourful guide to the best of Britain's heritage and attractions. The guide features suggestions for great days out and weekends away all year round. There are 1001 places of interest to choose from stately homes, castles and country potteries, to theme parks and zoos. You can find helpful advice from refreshments to disabled access, parking and access for dogs as well as email and web addresses for ease of booking. Each entry is organised by region and then alphabetically by county

Autograph Pleated Check Skirt with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

3 Pure Cotton Assorted Sleepsuits, at M+S
Soft and snuggly, this practical pack of sleepsuits is great value! The cotton fabric is comfy to sleep in and popper fastenings make quick changes easy

Autograph Essentials Button Front Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sit on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Autograph Pure Cotton Stripe Satin Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Wizards And Magic CD, at MarksandSpencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Dark 5 Drawer Chest & 2 Bedside Chests Set, at Marks & Spencers
3 piece set Chest: H88 x W90 x D50cm 3-drawer bedside Chest: H60 x W45 x D45cm Elongated wooden handles Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid hardwood. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Handles made from solid wood Legs made from solid hardwood Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item 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

Firm Control Lace Trim Body, at Marks & Spencers
Providing essential support in all the right places. Smooth and sculpt your figure with the firm control incorporated into the design of this easy to wear body

Blue Harbour Swimming Briefs, at M & S
Practical and fashionable, these swimming briefs give a comfortable, flattering and secure fit

Romantic Pearl Cake, at Mark's & Spencer
Serves 144 Three tier set of cakes: Small diam 15cm; Medium diam 20cm; Large diam 25cm; Total height 27.9cm Fruit cake : Vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Cake weight: 9.8kg. Fruitcakes can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Chocolate cake: A rich chocolate cake filled with with chocolate ganache. Cake weight: 5.6kg. Chocolate cakes can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Sponge cake: All-butter sponge filled with buttercream. Cake weight: 5.6kg. Sponge cakes can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Combination cake: Large fruit cake, medium sponge cake and small chocolate cake. Total cake weight 7.7kg Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers As featured on page 57 of the Food to Order brochure Flowers not included Order by 5pm to collect in 21 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores Each tier of our wedding cakes has a base board, to support the use of pillars for presentation

3 Sheer Opaque Massage Sole Knee Highs, at Marks & Spencer
These knee highs feature specially constructed padded soles which gently massage your feet as you walk

Pure Cotton Quick Iron Button Down Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and innovative, this pure cotton easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

Autograph Essentials Puff Sleeve Top with Silk, at Marks and Spencer
Part of the Autograph Essentials collection, this puff sleeve top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a round neck for a stylish casual look

Pure Cotton Hibiscus Print Cargo Shorts, at M&S
Comes with belt shown in image A contemporary take on a casual relaxed look, these pure cotton cargo shorts feature an hibiscus print. A fashionable, easycare style

2 Non-Wired Plain Nursing Bras with Larger Back Size, at Marks and Spenser
With drop down cups perfectly designed to see you through the nursing period, this supportive bra offers lasting comfort thanks to the soft, breathable qualities of a cotton blend weave. Pack contains 1 black and 1 white bra

4 Terrace Mugs, at Marks & Spencers
H11cm Set of 4 Pure white porcelain Suitable for everyday use, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mosaic Console Table, at Marks n Spencer
H72 x W80 x D40cm Suitable for indoor and all-weather outdoor use Individually hand crafted Please note that this range uses natural stone and grouts and therefore the colours within the products may vary from those shown and may change over time Mosaic design Wrought iron twisted stand Assembly required This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Big & Tall Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Straight Leg Jeans, at Mark's & Spencer
Comfortable and stylish, these pure cotton straight leg jeans are outstanding value!

Portfolio Cotton Rich Jersey Zip Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

4 Pairs of Textured Stripe Socks, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these cotton blend socks are naturally breathable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

2 Per Una Essentials Clover Embroidered High Leg Knickers, at Marks & Spencer
Fresh and feminine, this pack of 2 stylish kickers feature a delicate front panel in soft stretch lace. The high leg style gives a flattering long-legged look. Pretty everyday fashion

5 Floral Embroidered Bikini Knickers, at Marks and Spencers
These floral embroidered cotton rich bikinis are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

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. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks&Spencer 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.