M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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 M+S 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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 Spencers are so useful. M&S Financial Services 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Home 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 Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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

Autograph Older Boys' Tonal Floral Tie, at MarksandSpencer
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

Single Breasted Stitch Front Jacket with New Wool, at Marks&Spencer
Smart and stylish, this stitch front jacket is tailored to fit and flatter. A great choice for work

Stainless Steel Milk Pan, at Mark & Spencers
0.9 litre capacity Dishwasher safe Stainless steel riveted handles Non-stick, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Leather Toe Cap Derby Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Lace up Stitch detail 3 eyelets Block heel Available in half sizes

Baby Text Thank You Card, at M+S
Cover Text: Thankyou Inside Message: Blank for your own message Pack Contains: 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: 120 x 120mm

Leather Square Prong Skinny Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather skinny belt

Blue Harbour Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Stylishly smart casual, this comfortable check shirt looks great dressed up or down

Artificial Orchid in Crackle Vase, at Marks & Spencers
Artificial orchid Ceramic crackle vase Height: 78cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

First Readers Goldilocks & the Three Bears, at Mark's & Spencer
Based on the traditional folk tale 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears', this vibrantly illustrated story is sure to become a favourite in every home. Follow the naughty Goldilocks into the house of the three bears, and see what happens when they come home and find her!

Portfolio Elasticated Panelled Flared Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

125 Years Luxury Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Fabulous vintage style inspired by our archives

The Cotton Collection Cotton Stripe Handwash, at Marks and Spencer
Moisture rich Hand wash 250ml

Plain Ribbon Tie Joggers, at Marks and Spencer
Perfect for the gym or simply strolling around the park, these comfy joggers are a must-have addition to any active lifestyle

Autograph Essentials Deep Waistband Bootleg Trousers, at M+S
Greater choice of leg lengths now available Part of Autograph Essentials - a collection of luxurious and timeless wardrobe must-haves featuring premium design and sophisticated styling

5 Pure Cotton Bikini Briefs, at Marks and Spencers
Practical and fashionable, this 5 pack of cotton briefs makes a great way to stock up on essential style

Earth Sign Bracelet, at Marks & Spencer
Stretch style Beaded design Earth charms Diamant detail

Pure Cotton 3 Piece Stripe Hooded Outfit, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, this 3-piece outfit gives a casual look and feels comfortable to wear

Antigua Footstool, at Marks & Spensers
H44 x W72 x D58cm (all dimensions are approximate) Cushions made from Quallofil Extralife filling Frame made from solid wood wrapped with banana fibre Other cushions made from polyester fibre Wooden feet wrapped with rattan 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Firm Control Magic Thigh Slimmer, at Marks & Spensers
These thigh slimmers work like magic with with targeted control areas to shape you where you need it most. They gently flatten tummies, smooth hips and lift bottoms for a flattering, shapely look. They're comfortable, breathable and easy to move in and a special finish keeps you cool and dry

Ceriso Styled French Maid Stripe Underwired Bra, at Marks & Spenser
Feminine and fashionable, this modern bra is beautifully detailed with lace trim and rose feature. It's underwired for extra support and the padded plunge style gives a fabulous enhanced cleavage. Designed for women who want the latest look

Pure Cotton Waffle Hooded Cardigan, at Marks & Spensers
Knitted in pure cotton, this hooded waffle cardigan will keep him warm and comfy. It looks cuddly too!

Per Una Pure Cotton Rose Skirt, at Marks & Spensers
A gorgeous knee-length skirt in pure soft cotton featuring a rose print

Kraft and Copper Foil Flowers Luxury Wrap Pack, at Mark's & Spencer
Contains: 1 sheet wrapping paper, 1 ribbon, 1 gift tag Wrap: 980 x 685mm Ribbon: 2 m Tag: 115mm diameter

Stormwear™ Hooded Block Panel Padded Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and fashionable, this padded jacket is treated with Stormwear™ technology, an innovative finish that repels water and stains. Comfortable, breathable, easycare style whatever the weather

Mixed Bead Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks and Spenser
2 part set Adjustable length mixed bead necklace with clasp fastening Hook fastening drop earrings with mixed bead design

Palacio Del Marques Tempranillo Syrah 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Tempranillo & Syrah Country of origin: Spain Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians 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

North Coast Pure Cotton Botton Down Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this button down shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Miele S7260 Upright Cat & Dog Vacuum Cleaner, at M & S
6 litre dust bag capacity 1800W Sealed system for optimum filtration 14.5 metre operating radius Supplied with an Active Air Clean filter Dust bag change indicator - signals when the dustbag needs to be replaced Rotary Dial to adjust the suction power for different floorings Smooth running 360 swivel castors. Castors mounted on steel axles to ensure excellent maneouvrability An Upholstery nozzle, Dusting brush and Crevice nozzle are all stored at the rear of the cleaner Weight: 9.5 kg Dimensions: H1160.6 x W349.3 x D377.9mm 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

2 Pairs of Ben 10 Socks, at Marks and Spencer
A must for all fans of Ben 10, these outstanding value socks feature assorted Ben 10 designs

Post Surgery Modal Rich Floral Print Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this modal bra is made from soft microfibre fabric and gives a gently supportive fit and a flattering shape. It features 2 secure prosthesis pockets

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 Financial Services 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.