There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is MarksandSpencer 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 Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.

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 Spenser 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 Marks & 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 Money Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spenser 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."

Small Giraffe Soft Toy, at Marks & Spenser
Suitable for ages 0-3yrs Approx 22cm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Tiga Glazed Unit, at Marks and Spencer
H191 x W95 x D42cm 3 fixed wooden shelves 2 toughened-glass doors Made from sheesam wood Finished with a protective matt lacquer for added durability 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

Abbey View Reserve Shiraz 2005 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 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

Official England FA File Book, at Marks & Spencer
Stay on the ball and be on top of your game with this fun football file! Record all your favourite footy stuff and check out profiles of your top England players. Get organised with your cool footy scrapbook and official calendar, so you don't forget those all-important match dates. Share your football adventures with the team and become a true England hero by creating your own dream squad. With this file in hand, you'll be a real England team player

Autograph Pure Cotton Knitted Bow Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in smart styles and high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look.

Villiera Brut Natural Chardonnay 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Peppa Pig Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Happy birthday Inside message: Have a fantastic day Approx size: Unfolded: 215 x 150mm

Multiway Satin Embroidered Trim Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencers
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a flattering fit, secure support and comfort

Ultimate Stormwear™ Pure Wool Single Breasted 3 Button Plain Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
This high performance suit is made to work as hard as you do. It's extra durable and added stretch keeps it in great shape while giving you enhanced comfort and ease of movement

Barton Armchair, at Marks and Spenser
H85 x W102 x D90cm Seat H51cm (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 Feet are castors with antique-brass effect 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 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

Pure Cotton Straight Leg Jeans with Belt, at MarksandSpencer
These straight leg jeans in pure cotton are great value. A practical, easycare style

Leisure Drawstring Joggers, at Mark & Spensers
With added stretch for essential ease of movement, these comfy and practical cotton rich joggers are great for workouts or stylish relaxation

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

Autograph Wool Blend Multi Pocket Hooded Jacket, 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

Imagine I'm a Fairy - Magic Wishing Wand, at M&S
Every fairy's dream wand! With pretty ribbon tassles, this wand makes a magical sound when 'swished'

Cotton Rich Heart Print First Bra & Knickers Set, at Marks & Spenser
Soft and comfortable, this bra and knickers set is ideal for everyday wear

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Chinos, at Mark & Spensers
Stylish, fresh and comfortable, these smart casual chinos are made from pure cool linen

Lichfield Glass Top Coffee & Side Table Set, at Marks and Spencer
Coffee Table: H40 x L86 x W86cm Side Table: H58.5 x W50 x D42.5cm Sturdy wooden undershelf Toughened glass top Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Shelves made from White Oak veneer Side panels are veneered 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 Pure Cotton Floral Print Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a stunning floral print

Shoe Collection Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Party shoes, favourite shoes, flip flops, sparkly shoes, dancing shoes, holiday shoes, Put on your party shoes... Inside message: ...and have a fabulous birthday! Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Cotton Rich Lace Trim Vest, at Marks and Spencers
Pretty and feminine, this strappy vest features a lace trim. The soft stretch cotton fabric gives a comfortable flattering fit

Cotton Blend Shawl Collar Longline Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this casual longline cardigan makes the perfect light extra layer. It features shawl collar with attached pockets for a fashionable touch.

3 Piece Fairtrade Cotton T-Shirt Outfit with Bib, at Marks & Spencers
This cute outfit 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

3 Cool & Fresh Pure Cotton Assorted Boxers, at M&S
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy boxers are ideal for everyday wear

Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Top, at Marks and Spencer
A perfect addition to your wardrobe, it's the fashionable style and stylish floral detail neckline that makes this cotton top special

Ceramic Utensil Pot, at Marks and Spencer
Raised Untensil lettering Dimensions: H18 x Diam 13.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Puccini Coffee & Side Table Set, at Marks & Spencers
Coffee table: H46.5 x L74 x W64cm Side table: H46.5 x W38 x D38cm Includes 1 coffee table and 1 side table All-weather synthetic rattan on aluminium frame This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

8 Cup Cafetiere, at Marks and Spencer
8 cup capacity Clear jug Metallic frame Contrasting lid and handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Short Sleeve Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve 'Ben 10' T-Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Fans of Ben 10 will love this short sleeve cotton t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

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