Marks & Spencers 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 & Spencers 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 Marks & Spensers 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 Marks & Spencers 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 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 Marks & Spenser, through its Marks & Spencers 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 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 M+S 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 Marks & Spencers Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spenser than you might imagine.

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

Baby Girl Card, at Marks and Spencer
Inside Message: Congratulations! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Limited Collection Double T-Bar Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Almond toe Double t-bar Buckle fastening Faux crocodile skin design Mid heel Heel heignt: 70mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton V-Neck Jumper, at Mark & Spencers
Fashionable and practical, this v-neck jumper is made from pure cotton. It's designed to keep its shape and feel soft and comfortable to wear

Summer Dress Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Wishing you a wonderful birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Cropped Drawstring Waist Beach Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and shapely these cropped trousers look chic with wedges, sandals or flat pumps

Autograph Pure Silk Chichen Itza Stripe Tie, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Limited Collection T-Bar Double Strap Wedge Shoes, at MarksandSpencer
Open toe T-bar Buckle fastening Wedge heel Heel height 118mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Nail Care Cushioned Emery Boards, at Marks and Spenser
Pack of 2 Cushioned Ideal for natural or artificial nails

Silver Plated Trinket Y Design Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks and Spencer
2 part set Y design necklace Butterfly fastening stud earrings

Hard-Top Non-Storage Divan & M100 Mattress, at Marks & Spenser
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: 21.5cm Divan height: 41cm A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mix Bubble Hi Ball Glass, at M & S
Bubble design H14cm 45cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Machine Washable Diagonal Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
No more trips to the drycleaners! This striped tie is machine washable

Stack Cylinder Table Lamp, at Mark & Spencers
Fabric cylinder shade Stacked glass cylinder stem H42cm x Diam 28cm Bulb: BC 60W GLS or 11W CFL, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Cargo Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, these cargo shorts are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Stunt Kite, at Mark & Spencers
Aerodynamic and durable Strong and lightweight, made from Ripstop Nylon Easy to assemble Supplied in a neat kite bag 35 metre twin line Assembled kite size: L65 x W125cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cookware - HA MILK PAN, at Marks & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Large Brunette Doll, at Mark & Spencers
Not recommended for babies under 12 months Suitable for ages 1-3 years Bow detail Floral frill dress Button detail This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Urbino Love Seat, at Marks&Spencer
H92 x W134 x D102cm Seat H48cm, arm H69cm, top back rail H77cm (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 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& trade; - 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

7 Pure Cotton Full Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
Offering practical, everyday convenience thanks to an easy to care for cotton fabric, a low leg cut and high waist helps provide a truly flattering fit to these great value briefs

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Pintuck Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This fashionable long sleeve shirt is made from pure soft cotton that looks and feels great. Modern styling pintuck front detail gives it a cool contemporary edge

Pure Cotton Canvas Holiday Shopper Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this shopper bag is a useful accessory with bags of style!

Gold Plated Art Nouveau Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Stretch bracelet Art nouveau design

Automatic Umbrella, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and easy to carry, the practical design of this handy umbrella is the perfect solution for dealing with sudden downpours

Pink Butterfly and Dandelion Seed Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: Blank Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Philips 5000 series 47" Full HD 1080p LCD TV, at M & S
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 47 inch LCD Full HD W-UXGA Act. matrix Screen enhancement Anti-Reflection coated screen Audio: Nicam Stereo, Incredible Surround, Treble and Bass Control Connectors: HDMI v1.3, S-video in, CVBS in, Audio L/R in, Headphone out, USB 2.0, Audio L/R, CVBS in, RGB, YPbPr, Audio L/R in, Audio constant level out, PC Audio in, PC-In VGA, S/PDIF out (coaxial), Common Interface Picture enhancement: Pixel Plus HD, 3/2 - 2/2 motion pull down, 3D Combfilter, Active Control + Light sensor, Colour Enhancement, Colour Transient Improvement, Digital Noise Reduction, Dynamic contrast enhancement, Luminance Transient Improver Child Protection: Child Lock+Parental Control Ease of Installation: Auto Programme Naming, Automatic Channel Install (ACI), Automatic Tuning System (ATS), Autostore, Fine Tuning, PLL Digital Tuning, Plug and Play Ease of Use: Auto Volume Leveller (AVL), Delta Volume per preset, Programme List, Settings assistant Wizard, One-stop Home button, Favourite programme selection Power consumption: 250 W Included Accessories: Tabletop swivel stand, Power cord, Quick start guide, CD-ROM with software + manual, User Manual, Warranty certificate, Remote Control, 2 x AAA Batteries Dimensions: H71 x W115 x D9cm (without stand) H77 x W115 x D30cm (with stand) Weight: 22.1kg (without stand) 26.1kg (with stand) Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV 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

Clear Mantlepiece Clock, at Marks & Spenser
Clear body Brass effect finish Dimensions: L12 x W12cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of Ribbed Sports Socks, at Marks & Spensers
Comfortable and black sports socks, pure and simple. This great value pack is sure to keep his feet happy

Classic Non-Wired Jacquard Bra, at M+S
Non-wired to provide you with a more natural silhouette. This great bra offers superior support thanks to adjustable straps and added stretch, while the easycare design guarantees convenient comfort

3D Rosebud Cushion - Gold, at Marks & Spencer
Square shape 3D rosebud appliqu design L43 x W43cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Romerol Rioja Crianza 2005 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Tempranillo Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

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