There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks & Spencer 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 Mark & Spensers, 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 Marks & Spencers Money, 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 Mark's & Spencer 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.

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 Spencers 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 Home 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 Marks and Spencer, 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.

Classic Bed Stool, at Marks & Spensers
H47 x W74 x D99cm (extends to L215cm) Top of stool is removeable and bed folds out from within. Click here to view bed Top cushion of stool made from polyester fibre Foam mattress for occasional use Mattress dimensions: L178 x W61 x D5cm Both stool and bed rest on glides Free swatch samples: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Seams and pattern match on fabrics - Please note that the images of fabrics displayed here are overlaid onto models. These images act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished product. Seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Animal Print Square Bracelet, at Marks and Spenser
Animal print design Square beads

Autograph Stainless Steel Charger Plate, at M+S
Round shape Stainless steel for maximum durability and shine, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Maxim Butter Dish, at Marks & Spenser
Suitable for everyday use Pure white porcelain Versatile fine dining range L18 x W14.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stainless Steel Milk Jug, at Marks & Spencer
Stainless steel Single handle Pouring spout, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stormwear™ Hooded Ruffle Parka, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this warmly padded coat is treated with our unique Stormwear™ technology which repels water and stains. Storm cuffs help keep arms warm and hold on gloves

North Coast Pure Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and relaxed, this crew neck t-shirt is made from pure cotton. It's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Soft Touch Dacron® 10.5 Tog Duvet, at MarksandSpencer
Non-allergenic Super soft Dacron filling, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Loretto Right-Hand Chaise, at M&S
All-weather synthetic rattan Silver-effect rattan Quick drying foam seat pad made from 100% polyester H62 x W200 x D97.5cm Seat H30.5cm Suitable for indoor or outdoor use This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lotus Flower Refresher & Burner Oil, at Marks & Spencer
Floral scent 15ml, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Fresh Feet Slip On Boat Shoe, at Mark & Spensers
Round toe Lace stitch detail Contrast stitching Slip on style Flat sole

Knappstein Ackland Vineyard Riesling 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

Dan's Mouse Thinking of You Poem Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Thinking about you..., There are better times ahead of you, In lots of different ways, 'Cause just around the corner, Are the sunniest of days Inside message: With love Approx size: 174 x 125mm

Lace Detail High Rise Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
These stylish lace detail shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

Adored Floral Embroidered Non Padded DD-G Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Delicate and stylish, this embroidered bra is exceptionally comfortable. It's underwired and structured to give fuller busts great support and a natural uplifted shape. Feminine everyday lingerie

Rome (Eyewitness Travel Guides), at M+S
From gorgeous piazzas and stunning fountains to incredible ancient history, discover Rome with the "Eyewitness Travel Guide". This expanded and fully revised edition includes 3-D aerial views of Rome's most interesting districts and cutaways and floor plans of all the major sights. Using the detailed maps and colour Street Finder, explore the Coliseum, Pantheon and Roman ruins armed with vivid reconstructions

Autograph Modal Blend Retro Trunks, at Mark's & Spencer
Made from soft, luxurious modal blend, these superior trunks are designed for exceptional comfort, a fashionable look and a flattering fit

Portfolio Dual Strand Rustic Necklace, at Marks & Spenser
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Dual rope strands Mixed beads design Rustic finish Necklace length 43cm

Lace Embroidered Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spenser
Feminine and pretty, this embroidered design bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

North Coast Pure Cotton Zip Funnel Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Relaxed and casual, this knitted zip funnel neck jumper is made from pure cotton. It's designed to keep its shape and feel soft and comfortable to wear

Blue Striped Medium Gift Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Stripe design Wooden toggle fastening Contains: 1 gift bag Approx size: H260 x W200 x D90mm

Pure Cotton Geometric Hat, at Marks & Spencers
Keep your cool in this geometric print sun hat, a summer and holiday essential

Cotton Rich Dart Detail Belted Shift Dress, at Marks n Spencer
Sleek and chic, this cotton rich dress is tailored to fit and flatter. A stylish choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

12 Piece Linen Dinner Set - Beige, at Marks and Spencers
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

Bob The Builder : Real Trucks Sticker Activity Book, at Marks and Spenser
Join your favourite characters for some sticker scene fun! This title lets you use your imagination and lots of stickers to complete the scenes.

Pure Cotton Woven Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these cotton pyjama bottoms can be worn with a number of our pyjama tops and t-shirts to create your own style

Petite Stormwear™ Pure Cotton Double Breasted Mac, at Marks & Spenser
Practical and fashionable, this water resistant mac is perfect for drizzly days. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Pure Linen Pintuck Bib Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
This fab short sleeve shirt features a stunning pintuck bib design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Large Inner Damask Shade, at Marks & Spensers
Oversized black shade Inner flocked damask 46 x 46 x 32cm, 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 Mark & Spencers are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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 Money Direct 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 Money Direct Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.