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 MarksandSpencer 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, 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 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.

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 Buildings 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 Buildings 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.

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 & Spencer 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 Mark & Spencers, 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 Car 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.

Indian Summer Collection - Floral Hurricane Lamp, at Marks and Spencers
W17 x D17 x H22.5cm Frosted baroque design Comes with candle and sand Hand decorated Burning time: Approx 65 hours, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sony NAS-SC500PKE Giga Juke Hi-Fi System, at M+S
Multi-room package for wireless streaming New design refresh and superb sound quality speakers 160GB HDD (store up over 40,000 songs) Total 100w RMS (50w x2) with digital amplifier iPod Cradle Direct WALKMAN dock on top DAB/FM/AM tuner Auto title labelling (update through Internet) Quick and easy music file transfer (import from PC) USB MP3 Recording/ Playback/Charging Sense Me

Flock Letters Son Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy birthday son Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150mm x 150mm

Classic Collection Herringbone Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers in traditional herringbone are finished with a stitched crease and decorative fob. They make the perfect match for blouses and knitwear in complementary colours. Discreet elastication gives a comfortable fit

Per Una Check Skirt with Belt, at MarksandSpencer
A fashionable maxi length skirt featuring a check design and ruffle detail

3 Pack of 40 Denier Opaque Tights, at Marks and Spencers
Complete with a reinforced toe and added stretch for lasting comfort and durability, these opaque tights are the perfect choice for giving your legs a wonderfully attractive sheen

Per Una Short Sleeve Ditsy Floral Top with Vest, at Mark & Spencers
A casual short sleeve top in a soft cotton blend. Floral print gives it the Per Una touch

M&S Pizza Maker, at Mark & Spencers
Cooks up to 12" frozen, pre-baked or fresh pizza's 1000-1200W Rotating stone base to ensure even cooking Display window to check pizza while cooking Plastic handle to open while pizza maker is hot and in use 4 heat settings Top grilling element to melt / brown toppings Anti-slip base 2 year guarantee, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

2 Pure Cotton Assorted Tops, at Marks&Spencer
Cute and practical, this pack of two tops is outstanding value. The soft cotton fabric will keep her happy and comfy

Ingredients Coconut Body Butter, at Mark & Spensers
Body butter Coconut scent 200ml

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ Funnel Neck Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Extra small ideal for Boys and Back to School Stylish and innovative, this Blue Harbour jacket is treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains

Large Value Hard Rollercase, at Marks & Spensers
Free 3 year guarantee on Value Luggage Built for durable practicality, this rollercase features a robust ABS outer shell and locking trolley system to ensure your belongings are safely secure and easy to transport

Pure Silk Floral Print Lightweight Scarf, at Marks and Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk floral print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Autograph Pure Cotton Shirt & Tie, at Marks and Spenser
Modern and fashionable, this pure cotton checked shirt comes with a matching tie. Ideal for sixth form wear

Pure Wool Fedora Hat, at Marks and Spencer
Make a stylish impression with this fedora. It adds a smart touch to formalwear and looks contemporary with casuals

Portfolio Petite Ruffle Front Blouse, at M & S
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season.

Big & Tall Crease Resistant Houndstooth Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Snake Band Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks & Spencers
Stylish and elegant, these fashionable bikini bottoms feature a pretty snake print band. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Pure Cotton Cargo Shorts, at Marks n Spencer
Comes with belt shown in image A contemporary take on a casual relaxed look, these pure cotton cargo shorts feature multiple pockets. A fashionable, easycare style

Senior Wool Blend Blazer with Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and innovative, this stylish blazer is made from a hardwearing wool blend. It's treated with our unique Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ finishes, making it resistant to water and stains

Per Una Essentials Seersucker Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and delicate, these stylish shorts feature a lace trim. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Tonal Stripe Shower Curtain, at Mark & Spensers
Tonal stripe design L180 x W180cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Front Pleat Non-Iron Pinafore with Stormwear™, at Marks and Spencer
This traditional pinafore offers quality at an outstanding value price. It's treated with our unique Stormwear™ finish, making it resistant to water and stains. Non-iron fabric saves you time

Spot Print Tankini, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and stylish, this comfortable tankini is sure to make a splash!

Country Bunch Family Home Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: New home! Inside message: Congratulations! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future 175 mm x 127 mm

Secano Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at M&S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Botanic Wallpaper, at Marks and Spencers
Textured wallpaper Offset pattern repeat 64cm - The design elements in the pattern run diagonally across the wall, so only alternating rolls should be the same at the ceiling. Every second roll will have to be dropped by half the repeat length for the pattern to match accurately. (Also known as half-drop match) Roll dimensions: W52cm x L10m Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and hallways Not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens Made in the UK and sourced from sustainable, renewable forests How many rolls do you need?Click here to view our wallpaper calculator Complete your room with made to order curtains. Click here to view our range For a detailed view of the colour and pattern, please click on the image and use the zoom function. Please note that your monitor settings may affect how colours are displayed, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

PSP™ Secret Agent Clank Game, at Marks & Spencers
Unleash Clank's cutting edge array of weapons and gadgets, such as Cufflink Bombs, Tie-a-Rangs, Spy Sunglasses and the ever helpful Holo-Disguise Monocle Launch into a variety of gameplay styles, from all-out action to cunning stealth and brain-busting puzzle solving Drive state-of-the-art super spy vehicles including speedboats, snowboards and sports cars Journey to space resorts, maximum-security prisons, intergalactic casinos and beyond 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, Platforms: Sony PSP, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Younger Boys' Plain Fluffy Dressing Gown, at M & S
Soft and cosy, this dressing gown is made from comfy fluffy fabric

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spenser 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 Marks and 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 Car Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.