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

Besides Marks and Spencers Motor Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services Buildings Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Financial Services Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

Abstract Print Bandeau Swimsuit, at Marks & Spencer
Feminine and delicate, this flattering swimsuit is designed in the latest shape. A stylish, shapely look

Limited Collection Side Button Leggings, at Marks & Spenser
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 Eco Warriors Bedset, at Marks and Spencers
Eco warriors design Includes 1 duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pearl Storm Wide Collar Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Multi bead design Wide style Clasp fastening Length: 41cm

Samsung J700 - Orange Pay as you Go Mobile Phone, at Marks and Spenser
Talk Time: Up to 3 hours Stand-by: Up to 250 hours Screen: 128 x 160 pixel resolution, 65,536 LCD colours, 2 inch Ringtones: 64 Polyphonic and MP3 ringtones Camera: 1.3 megapixel Dimensions: H9.9 x W4.8 x D1.4cm Weight: 92g Messaging: SMS and MMS - Combine image, video, text and voice clips and send an MMS to a compatible phone or PC Orange Pay as you Go: Your mobile service provider will be Orange. An Orange SIM card is included with this handset. Memory: Up to 10MB internal memory, MicroSD card slot Video player: Watch MP4 videos Music player: Music player with dedicated play/pause button. Plays multiple audio formats including MP3, AAC, AAC+, e-AAC+ and WMA Radio: Listen to FM radio 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

Jacquard Guipure Non-Padded Underwired Minimiser Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Soft and comfortable, this minimiser bra de-emphasises your bust with gentle shaping. A flattering, supportive style

Signature Green Fig Fragrance Diffuser & Refill Plug-In, at Marks and Spencers
Changeable fragrance 15ml of fragranced liquid Lights up when in use This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pearl Crystal Graduated Set, at Marks & Spenser
2 part set Faux pearl Crystal feature

3 Pairs of Spot & Stripe Design Socks, at M+S
Get a fabulous, fashionable look with these spot and stripe design socks. They're made from comfortable soft stretch fabric for a great fit and shape retention

Zephyr Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country: New Zealand Closure: Screwcap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Sunflower Race Kit, at Marks & Spencers
This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Chianti Burchino 2006 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Sangiovese Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians 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

Cotton Rich Cropped Jogging Bottoms, at Marks and Spenser
With added stretch for essential ease of movement, these comfy and practical cotton rich cropped jogging bottoms are great for workouts or stylish relaxation

Mirrored 4 Drawer Chest, at MarksandSpencer
H80 x W102 x D45.3cm Mirrored finish with clear knobs 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more SAVE ON SETS Save when you buy this chest as part of a set (compared to normal retail prices). Click here to view the Mirrored Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pure Cotton Assorted Briefs, at Marks and Spencers
Offering superior comfort at a great value price, these classic briefs are a fantastic choice for everyday wear thanks to fuss-free easycare cotton

Woodspice Body Splash, at Marks and Spenser
200ml

PlayStation®2 SmackDown Vs Raw 2008 Game, at Marks & Spenser
Eight megastar fighting styles Brand new struggle submission system Encompasses a variety of megastars, arenas and weapons Includes significant updates requested by fans Enhanced online community support 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe You must be 16 years of age or over to purchase this product 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, ESRB Rating: Teen

Cracked Shell Pendant Necklace & Earrings, at MarksandSpencer
Pendant necklace Hook fastening earrings Cracked shell design

Spa List, at Marks & Spencer
There are some wonderful places for spa out there, if you know where to find them. It's fine to have high expectations - so long as the experience lives up to them. Spa list guides you around the UK's most stylish spa hotels with the best pampering facilities

Winter Weight Pure Cotton Flat Front Twill Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
The perfect choice for colder days, these smart trousers are made from warm, hardwearing fabric

Duck Feather & Down 13.5 Tog Duvet, at Marks & Spencers
13.5 tog Suitable for cooler months or colder rooms or those who prefer a warm, snug duvet 230 thread count and 100% cotton downproof cover Excellent value for money, natural duck feather and down filling ensures a soft and comfy night's sleep Pure cotton cover Highest quality class 1 duck feather down Available in Single, Double, King size and Super King size Which tog? Tog measures the warmth of a duvet based on its ability to trap warm air. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet. The perfect tog is a personal choice which can depend upon you and your home, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Layered Glass Mantle Clock, at Marks & Spenser
Roman numeral designed clock face Tiered glass frame 600 grams 15 x 12 x 3cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Hooded Mock Layer Top, at Marks and Spenser
Ideal for your workout or when you just want to relax, this hooded top is made from pure cotton

5 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Dog Embroidered Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Stock up on stylish essentials with this pack of 5 pairs of embroidered dog design socks

Contrast Stitch Cross-Body Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable, comfortable and secure, this cross-body bag features an adjustable strap and turn lock feature. A practical and stylish accessory

Monaco Collection - Droplets Floor Lamp, at Marks and Spenser
Chrome plated steel Facetted glass droplets Organza ribbon shade D35 x H149cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Foot Survival Pack, at Marks & Spencer
For instantly comfier feet, whatever shoes you're wearing

3 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Plain Hipsters, at Mark's & Spencer
Comfortable, fashionable and practical, these essential hipsters are ideal for everyday wear

4 Oslo Tall Tumblers, at Marks & Spenser
Set of 4 Dishwasher safe H15cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mirror Blocks Photo Frame 7.5 x 7.5cm (3 x 3"), at Marks and Spencer
Square shape Mirror blocks design Aperture: 7.5 x 7.5cm (3 x 3"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spencer 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 Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 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 Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.