M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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 Marks & Spencers 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 Financial Services 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 and 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 M & S, through its M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor 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.

When you're shopping at Mark's & Spencer 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 Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencer than you might imagine.

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

Daily Mail Quick & Cryptic Crosswords, at Marks & Spensers
This compilation of the Daily Mail's quick and cryptic crosswords will provide you with hours of fascinating puzzling

Black & Ivory Die Cut Rose Wedding Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Wedding Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Floral Print Shorts, at MarksandSpencer
These pretty floral print shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

Sonoma Office Shelving Unit, at Marks and Spencers
H170 x W44 x D30cm 1 cupboard 2 adjustable shelves Made from White Oak Solids and veneers This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Shelves made from White Oak veneer Side and back made from White Oak veneer Top panel is veneered with 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

Autograph Essentials Double Button Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Autograph Essentials - a collection of luxurious and timeless wardrobe must-haves featuring premium design and sophisticated styling

Enchanted Pearl Embroidered Bedset, at Marks and Spencer
Embroidered bedset Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases Super King size includes super king size duvet cover (6ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

In Bloom Honeysuckle & Jasmine Eau De Toilette, at Marks and Spencer
Honeysuckle and Jasmine fragrance 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Long Sleeve Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable longline cardigan in a soft fabric featuring contrast floral waist sash tie, finished with a pleated front

Limited Collection Double Buckle Shoulder Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, this double buckle shoulder bag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Autograph Ascari Bedstead - King Size (5ft), at MarksandSpencer
H107 x W248 x D162cm Underbed: H12cm (all dimensions are approximate) Scroll bedhead Hand tied button detail Mattress sold separately 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 Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Check Lace Brazilian Knickers, at Marks & Spencers
Feminine and delicate, these stylish brazilian knickers feature a lace design. The modern Brazilian style gives a close fit and a flattering shapely look. Pretty everyday fashion

Limited Collection Linen Rich Petal Frill Skirt with Silk, at Marks&Spencer
This skirt is part of Limited Collection's Sahara City trend. Wild and natural with a slick cosmopolitan edge, this trend features modern graphic prints, statement pieces and a warm colour palette

Polka Dot Princess Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Birthday princess Inside message: Hope you have a lovely day Approx size: 174 x 126mm

AVG 8.5 Internet Security - 1 Year License for 1 User, at MarksandSpencer
Anti-Virus: Protection against viruses, worms and trojans Anti-Spyware: Protection against spyware and adware Identity Protection: Prevents new and unknown threats from stealing your personal information like bank and credit card details Anti-Spam with anti-phishing: Filters out unwanted and fraudulent e-mails Anti-Rootkit: Protection against hidden threats (rootkits) Web Shield & LinkScanner: Protection against malicious websites Firewall: Blocks hacker attacks System Tools: AVG's System Tools let you easily configure your privacy settings, connections, and browser plug-ins all in one place Real-time: Real-time scanning, automatic updates, low-impact background scanning for online threats, and instant quarantining or removal of infected files to ensure maximum protection All inclusive: Technical support, virus updates, and new program versions included for the length of your license Minimum system requirements for AVG Anti Virus: Intel Pentium 1.2 GHz, 250 MB free hard drive space (for installation), 256 MB RAM available, MS Windows 2000

Per Una Pure Silk 3/4 Sleeve Maxi Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this long length dress is stylishly detailed with an animal print and flared hem

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

Father's Day Whisky Football Bottle, at Marks & Spenser
Filled with Kenmore blended whisky, this football shaped whisky bottle is the perfect treat for footie loving dads

3/4 Sleeve Longline Bib Tunic, at Mark's & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this longline tunic is made from softly draping stretch viscose for a fluid look. The pleated front adds a fashionable finishing touch

Ashbourne Recliner, at MarksandSpencer
H99 x W112 x D105cm (Reclines to L173cm) Seat H49cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions Manual recline model 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 08457 624 624 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Casual Leather Chino Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and easy to wear, this casual belt is a fantastic partner for your favourite jeans and chinos

Masquerade Stretch Bracelet, at Marks & Spencers
Wide style Marble stone effect Chunky design Stretch fit

Older Boys' Holiday Flip Flops, at M & S
Flat sole Plain

Leather Lace Up Tramline Shoes, at Marks&Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail Lace up Tramline design Block heel

Long Sleeve Stripe Fleece, at Marks & Spensers
Cute and cosy, this funnel neck fleece is outstanding value. An easycare style at a great price

Autograph Leather T-Line Stitch Laced Shoe, at M+S
Square toe Lace up 4 eyelets Block heel Raised stitch Lined

36 Indian Style Chicken Kebabs, at Marks n Spencer
Contains 36 pieces Serves 8 Ready to eat Suitable for freezing 500g As featured on page 15 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

Flat Front Crease Resistant Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Adopt a fuss-free approach to formal dressing with the crease resistant fabric of these sharp trousers, allowing you to stay looking smarter for longer

Open Toe Stripe Slippers, at Marks and Spencers
Open toe Stripe design Flat sole

Pure Wool Animal Trim Bow Detail Cloche Hat, at MarksandSpencer
Keep ahead of the trends with this glamorous animal trim bow detail cloche hat. The perfect finishing touch to stylish winter outfits

Autograph Weekend Stripe Cardigan with Silk, at M&S
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

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 & Spensers are so useful. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make M & S 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 Financial Services 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 Financial Services Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.