M&S Finance 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 Finance 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, Sainsbury's, 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 Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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

When you're shopping at Marks and 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spensers than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Finance. 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 Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance 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."

Wall Art Wire Tree, at Mark's & Spencer
Handcrafted Made of mild steel wire Approx size: 76 x 1 x 53cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bacon, Leek & Vintage Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart, at Marks & Spencers
Serves 4-6 Ready to cook 400g As featured on page 21 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Cuddle Bear Fleece Blanket, at Marks & Spencer
Embroidered bear design Contrast trim L150 x W120cm Think climate! This can be washed effectively at 30C, find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Frill Insert Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this short sleeve top is made from pure soft cotton. The frilled insert adds a fashionable finishing touch

High Impact Non-Wired Sports Bra, at Marks and Spenser
As worn by GB Olympic pentathletes. Comfortable and secure, this high impact sports bra gives firm, gentle support for active wear. Its breathable fabric includes engineered sections to eliminate bounce while the racer back shape allows for maximum movement and wide straps ensure it's a comfortable fit

Pure Cotton Phased Stripe Dress, at Marks and Spencers
Fun and casual, this easywear dress feels so comfy to wear. Shoulder bow detail keeps the look fabulously fashionable

XBOX 360® Transformers: The Game™, at Marks and Spencer
For head-to-head battles, fans engage in melee combat that reflects each Transformer robot's character, scale, weight and power Not available for online play Parental guidance rating 2007 Hasbro 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, Platforms: Xbox 360, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Patent Leather Tab Purse, at Marks and Spenser
This stylish purse is made from real leather with reinforced stitching and a secure popper fastening. A high quality and chic essential

Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork 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

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks and Spencers
Comes with belt shown in image These contemporary jeans with matching belt are great for wearing casually and are made of comfortable cotton

Bright Squares Well Done Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Well done! Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Faux Leopard Skin Waist Belt, at M & S
Define your waistline with this fashionable faux leopard skin waist belt

Per Una Plain Cosy Dressing Gown, at M&S
Modern and feminine, this pretty plain dressing gown is made from soft fabric so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Pure Cotton Printed Cars Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Fans of Cars will love this cotton polo shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Castello Bedstead, at Marks&Spencer
Headboard H139cm (Single H128cm) Endboard H101cm Single:L190 x W92.5cm Double: L190 x W142.5cm King-size 5ft: L210 x W155.5cm Super king-size 6ft: L210 x W185cm Mattress sold seperately Available in black or cream Delivered flatpack due to size 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Petite Ruffle Front Blouse, at Marks and Spencers
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.

Portfolio Linen Cross Hatch Skirt, at Marks&Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Set Sail trend. Fresh and breezy, this sophisticated look features classic styling with vibrant accents of summertime pinks and blues. Feminine and coordinated designs for the new season

Spot Mesh Multiway Padded Bra, at Marks & Spensers
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

Ceriso Floral Print Padded DD-G Bra with Silk, at Marks and Spencer
Gorgeously feminine, this modern bra features a rose print and is finished with a lace trim. It's underwired and structured to give fuller busts great support and a fabulous uplifted shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Girlie Dress Up Lunch Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Single handle Girlie dress up design Zip fastening H18cm x W24cm x 8cm

Pure Ramie Short Sleeve Tunic Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a stunning pintuck detail

Recycled Anti Allergy Pillow Protector, at Mark's & Spencer
Proven defence against dust mite allergies Endorsed by the British Allergy Foundation Our anti-allergy bedding offers continued protection wash after wash, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Handbag with Keyring Charm Sister Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Sister Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Safety warning: Not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts which present a choking hazard. Approx size: 150 x 210mm

Acetate Gold Foil and Stitching Flower Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover Text: Happy birthday Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 174 x 126mm

5 Pairs of Ribbed Sports Socks, at Mark & Spencers
Comfortable and black sports socks, pure and simple. This great value pack is sure to keep his feet happy

Autograph Luxury Leather Holdall, at MarksandSpencer
This stylish and practical luxury leather holdall is ideal for business or weekend travel. It has plenty of space for all your essential items and has strong double handles and shoulder strap

King of the Jungle Dad Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Dad, you're my king of the jungle! Inside message: Have a great day! Approx size: 215 mm x 150 mm

3 Older Boys' Autograph Pure Cotton Boxers, at Mark's & Spencer
Comfortable, practical and fashionable, this 3 pack of boxers is made from soft breathable cotton

2 Pure Cotton Joggers, at Marks & Spencers
Comfortable enough for crawling or napping in, these soft cotton joggers are a practical and fashionable choice

Fragoso Merlot 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Merlot Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegans Bottle: 12 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

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

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents 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 n Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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