M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct 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 & Spencers 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, Sainsbury's, or Tescos:

• 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 Money Direct 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 & Spencers 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 and Spencer, 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 Motor 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Motor 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 Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks n 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 Motor Insurance from M&S Money Direct, you get more, and you pay less.

Pleated Slim Leg Peg Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Slim and stylish, these peg trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. Added stretch gives the perfect fit.

Panasonic 42'' TX-P42G10 Full HD Plasma TV with freesat HD, at Marks & Spencers
Receives freesat HD: freesat is a digital satellite TV service giving you free HD programmes. freesat has no contract, no subscription, just a one-off payment for the TV, satellite dish and installation. freesat is available to almost every household in the UK HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 42 inch plasma screen, 2,073,600 (1,920 x 1,080) pixels Dynamic contrast ratio: Infinite Black/Over 2,000,000:1; Native: 40,000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W102.9 x H66.1 x D10.6cm (without stand), W102.9 x H70.4 x D33.4cm (with stand) Weight: 25kg (without stand), 28kg (with stand) V-Audio: Unique sound technology that delivers crystal-clear sound with superior bass performance Connectors: 3x HDMI, S-video input, component video input, PC input and 1 x headphone jack V-Real Pro 4: Real picture technology which enhances the full HD performance of the display panel to render smooth, crystal-clear motion without compromising on delicate colours with rich gradation Digital Cinema Colour: Superb colour reproduction with 6,144 equivalent steps of gradation SD Card Slot: View your treasured photos on the big screen by simply removing your camera's memory card and sliding it into the SD card slot Intelligent Frame Creation With 24p Playback: With 50Hz video signal input, the Intelligent Frame Creation achieves high moving picture resolution even in fast-motion scenes. 24p Playback creates high speed playback of images to recreate the full cinematic experience VIERA Link: Enables you to control all your Panasonic AV systems with only one remote Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Jacquard Lace DD-G Minimiser Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Soft and comfortable, this minimiser bra de-emphasises your bust with gentle shaping. A flattering, supportive style

Drench Sponge, at Marks & Spensers
Contains 1 sponge

Autograph Blush Eau De Toilette Purse Spray 25ml, at Marks and Spencer
Eau de toilette perfume 25ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Perfect Leather Square Buckle Belt, at Mark's & Spencer
Simple and stylish, in soft luxurious leather, you can wear this belt with jeans or a suit

Mini Check Tassel Scarf, at Marks & Spenser
Keep out the cold in style with this warm, soft check scarf

Furry Eyebrows Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Inside message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Collezione Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Hairline Stripe Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this shirt to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Skinny Enamel Belt, at Marks & Spensers
Define your waistline with this fashionable enamel belt

The Floral Collection Lavender Mini Gift Pack, at MarksandSpencer
Moisturising hand and body lotion: 50ml Guest soap: 25g Moisture rich handwash: 50ml

Autograph Linen Blend Tie Fastening Ruffle Trim Cardigan, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this linen blend cardigan features a ruffle trim. A pretty, practical and easycare style

Underwired Broderie DD-G Bra, at Marks & Spencers
The perfect balance of elegance and comfort, a full cup and underwiring offers essential support while an embroidered design ensures a gorgeous appearance

Ingredients Sicilian Lime & Bergamot Shower Cream, at Marks and Spencer
200ml Sicilian lime & bergamot fragrance Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Chloride, Laureth-4, Parfum, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linalool, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Polyquaternium-39, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Oil (Bergamot Oil), Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat. Citric Acid, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Litsea Cubeba Berry Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil (Lime Oil), Magnesium Nitrate, Methylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Propylparaben, CI 19140, CI 42090

Collezione Luxury Flat Front Micro Stripe Trousers, at Mark & Spencers
Add a smart dimension to your formal wardrobe with these single pleat trousers. Allowing for more hip room, they provide a clean, crisp and well turned out look

Welcome Reds - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
2 Domaine Lafage VdP des Ctes Catalanes 2007 2 Campo Bravo Rioja Vendimia Seleccionada 2007 4 Santa Gloria Merlot 2008 4 Villagio, Negroamaro Puglia 2008 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Short Sleeve Paisley Print Top & Camisole, at Marks & Spensers
A beautiful 3-piece combination featuring a paisley short sleeve camisole and necklace with a plain top

Charlotte 2 Seater Sofa AU09 Newness, at Marks & Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Chandelier Embroidered Duvet Cover, at Marks and Spencer
Embroidered chandelier design Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6'), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft) Co-ordinate with Supima white plain dye sheets and pillowcases strokes T351720F,T351720S,T351720P,T351720V, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Plated Barrel Snake Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
3 strand design Barrel feature Butterfly fastening

Low Rise Thong, at M & S
These exceptionally soft and comfortable thong knickers are finished with smooth flat edges, so there are no visible outlines under clothes. The close fit and low rise style give a sleek, shapely look. Designed for women who want a streamlined silhouette

Hannah Montana Range A4 Document Wallet, at Marks and Spencer
1 document wallet Approx size: 213 x 299mm Disney

3 Pack Round Neck T-Shirts, at Marks and Spencer
Stock up on essential t-shirts with this great value multipack in soft, comfortable cotton. Practical and easycare, they're a great choice for casualwear and for PE

Globe Collection - Mini Table Lamp, at Mark & Spensers
Fabric cylinder shade Glass globe base H37cm x Diam 25cm Bulb: 240V~ SES 60W GLS or 11W CFL, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Autograph Modal Blend Assorted Hipsters, at Marks and Spencer
Made from soft, luxurious modal blend, these superior hipsters are designed for exceptional comfort, a fashionable look and a flattering fit

Collezione Round Face Chain Link Watch, at Mark's & Spencer
Round face Analogue Chain link strap

Recycled Hollowfibre Pillow, at Mark & Spensers
Rolled - once removed from packaging will bulk out with a shake Medium support Non-allergic Approx: 76 x 48cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Comes with necklace shown in image A fashionable knitted jumper featuring 3/4 length sleeves, the crochet neckline design gives it the Per Una touch

Collezione Italian Pure Silk Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spencer
Combining classic silk quality with a contemporary design, this stunning tie will make a valuable and versatile addition to your formal wardrobe. Made in Italy

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Tatty Teddy Shorts, at MarksandSpencer
A must for fans of Tatty Teddy, these pure cotton shorts feature cute motifs of the popular character

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencers 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 Motor 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."