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 & Spencers 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 & Spenser 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 & Spensers 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."

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 Property 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 Property 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.

Larkspur Bundle, at Marks n Spencer
Internet Exclusive Historically a symbol of love, this assortment of larkspurs is the perfect way to show someone you care. The glass vase and Belgian chocolates help make it an extra special gift Available for delivery from 1st July to 29th August 2009

125 Years Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Check Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

Cotton Rich Scallop Trim Low Rise Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
These cotton rich shorts are shapely and modern. They have been designed with added stretch for a snug, comfortable and figure-flattering fit

Sonoma Dark Wardrobe & 10-Drawer Chest Set, at Marks n Spencer
2 piece set Wardrobe: H200 x W90 x D65cm 1 hanging rail and 1 shelf 2 doors and 1 drawer 10 drawer chest: H88 x W170 x D50cm 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 Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Shelves made from White Oak veneer Handles made from solid wood Legs made from solid hardwood Door frames made from solid wood. Door panels made from White Oak veneer 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 Milan Chrome Tumbler, at Marks and Spencer
Chrome H7 x W10.6 x L11.3cm Glass tumbler, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Lip Pencil, at Marks&Spencer
Soft textured twist-up lipliner with brush for defining and shading lips Hypo-allergenic

Cotton Blend 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Longline Top, at Marks & Spensers
This fashionable top is made from super soft fabric that looks and feels great. Modern styling details give it a cool contemporary edge

Pure Cotton Multiple Pocket Cargo Trousers with Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Sporty and stylish, these pure cotton cargos feature multiple pockets. A practical easycare style

Dine In Whites - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
4 Domaine Mandeville Sauvignon Blanc 2007: A fruity Sauvignon Blanc from the South of France, with juicy citrus and gooseberry flavours, finishing on a fresh, crisp note... 4 Ctes du Rhne Blanc 2008: With its appealing aromas of honeysuckle and baked pears, this soft and gently spicy white is classic Ctes du Rhne at a fantastically affordable price... 4 Macon Villages 2007: A fresh and fruity white made from 100% Chardonnay, with a really appealing, lively scent of apples and lemons and a hint of ripe, rounded peach on the finish... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Cotton Retro Spot Nightshirt, at MarksandSpencer
Soft and breathable, this cotton retro spot nightshirt makes an ideal choice for a comfortable night's sleep

Fun Die Cut Bag Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Daughter Inside message: Have a wonderful day! Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Thomas & Friends© Pyjamas, at M&S
A must for fans of Thomas & Friends, these pure cotton pyjamas feature the popular character Thomas the Tank Engine

Silver Burst Spots Roll Wrap, at Mark & Spencers
1 roll wrap Approx size: 200 x 70cm

Lavender & Camomile Scented Pillow, at Marks and Spencer
Lavender & camomile scented, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs Stripe Trim Sports Socks with Cool&Fresh, at Mark & Spensers
Soft and comfortable, these cotton rich sports socks are naturally breatheable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Autograph Floral Embroidered Cardigan, at Marks & 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

Classic Underwired Small Leaf Embroidered Bra, at Marks&Spencer
Soft, feminine and versatile, this embroidered bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

Sprung-Edge Suede Divan with 4 Large Drawers & F300 Memory Foam Mattress, at M+S
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 25cm Divan height: H41cm Large drawers: H14 x W78 x D52cm Soft knitted cover adds extra comfort to the mattress and works with the memory foam for optimum support Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body once warmed by body heat providing high levels of support Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are manufactured in the UK 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

8-Piece Aurora Fish Knife & Fork Set, at Marks & Spencer
Includes 4 knives and 4 forks 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Heart Print Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Relax in style and comfort in these soft, hardwearing mule slippers featuring spot detail and flat sole

Oak Block Table Lamp, at Marks and Spenser
Wood block base Rectangle fabric shade H51 x W36 x D20cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stitch Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Whether you're travelling the world or staying closer to home, our travel shirts are specially designed to keep you looking and feeling your best. Crease resistant to maintain a smart appearance, a special finish draws moisture away from the body to keep you cool while the incredibly breathable shirt fabric is woven to maximise the flow of air between the yarns

Laus Flor de Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 6, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Dry, medium bodied, lightly oaked Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Single Pleat Crease Resistant Trousers, at M+S
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers

Pure Cotton Paisley Print T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
This fashionable pure cotton t-shirt features a stylish paisley print for a fresh modern look

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Sleeveless Plain Vests, at Marks and Spencer
Stock up on stylish essentials with this 5 pack of cotton vests

Per Una Pure Linen Azure Panel Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Comes with belt shown in image A sophisticated mid length skirt in pure linen featuring a matching double sided patent belt

Antonio Fattori Soave Classico 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Garganega Country: Italy Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Autograph Lace Multiway Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious and elegant, this elegant multiway bra is trimmed with fine lace. The flattering balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Spider-Man™ T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Fans of Spider-Man will love this pure cotton t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money Direct website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Property Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from M+S, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Money Direct in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Money Direct website.