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&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, 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 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 & Spencers are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & 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 & 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 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at M+S 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."

Classic Collection Short Sleeve Floral Print Nightdress, at Marks & Spenser
Fresh and feminine, this nightdress is comfortable to sleep in and features pretty lace detail

Indian Summer Pure Cotton Embroidered Runner, at Marks and Spencers
Dimensions: L230 x W33cm Leaf embroidered design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Cross Body Bag, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable, comfortable and secure, this cross-body bag is made from luxurious hardwearing leather and features an adjustable strap and front compartments. A practical and stylish accessory

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Car Check Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and versatile, this cotton short sleeve shirt is perfect for smart-casual dressing and looks great layered over a t-shirt

Hastings 4+2-Drawer Chest, at M+S
H119 x W86 x D44cm 6 drawers Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard 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 Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Suede Nubuck Belt, at Marks & Spencers
This sueded leather belt will add that essential finishing touch to your trousers or shorts. Completed with a brass-effect buckle, this is an enduring and versatile choice for your casual outfits

7 Pairs of Big & Tall FreshFeet Assorted Stripe Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks and Spencer
Our odour control Freshfeet socks are now better than ever with a new Sanitised Silver finish. Known for its natural antibacterial properties, silver helps reduce the presence of bacteria that causes smelly odours, so your feet stay fresh with every step and it keeps working for the lifetime of the socks

Parisian Chic Slim Diary, at Marks and Spencers
Week to view Dimensions: 165 x 80mm

Autograph Nail Clippers, at Marks and Spenser
Carry pouch Rounded clipping edge

Silver Plated Diamanté Knot Stud Earrings, at Mark's & Spencer
Butterfly stud fastening Diamant detail Knot design

125 Years Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

Older Boys' Shark Embroidered Swim Shorts, at Marks & Spenser
Fun and fashionable, these lined shorts fit comfortably and securely. A shark embroidered design adds a fab finishing touch

Autograph Essentials Wool Rich Single Button Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Luxurious and elegant, this smartly tailored wool rich single breasted jacket is part of our exclusive Autograph range

Pure Cotton Ottoman Placemat, at Marks and Spencers
Ribbed design Rectangle shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wow Damask Pencil Pleat Curtains, at Marks & Spenser
Damask design Pencil pleat Lined Comes in standard 168cm/66'' (STD) and wider 219cm/86'' (WDR) widths Also comes in three drop lengths: short (137cm/54''), medium (183cm/72''), long (229cm/90'') How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

XBOX 360® Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08, at Marks and Spencer
All-New EA SPORTS GamerNet, where online interaction has been taken to the next level Record everything from your greatest rounds to crazy, awe-inspiring shots, then post each challenge on EA SPORTS GamerNet for the world to beat Earn points--and bragging rights--when players set their sights on you, or when you one-up challenges set by others Put yourself in the game like never before. Upload real-life photographs of yourself, friends, and family to create in-game characters that look just like the real thing All-new Shot Confidence tracks your performance on every hole Analyze past performance with the Confidence Meter to identify strengths and weaknesses before every shot Experience the all-new FedEx Cup championship format by playing a dream round at Westchester Country Club, TPC Boston, Cog Hill, and East Lake Featuring the greatest PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour pros, including Tiger Woods, John Daly, and Vijay Singh Plus Annika Sorenstam, Natalie Gulbis, Christie Kerr, and Morgan Pressel for all ages 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: Everyone

Check Design Dress with Wool, at Marks and Spencers
Chic and stylish, this draped dress makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Autograph Contrast Border Holiday Hat, at Marks & Spencer
Classically stylish, this contrast border hat is sure to turn heads!

Pure Cotton Bird Embroidered Layette Shawl, at MarksandSpencer
Knitted in pure cotton, this cute bird embroidered layette shawl will keep her warm and comfy. It looks cuddly too!

Traditional Tea Design Wall Clock, at Marks&Spencer
Traditional design Round face Domed metal case Weight: 0.95kgs Diam: 35cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Floral Print Frill Trim Blouse, at Mark's & Spencer
Feminine and pretty, this floral print blouse will give your look an instant lift. It looks lovely worn with plain skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic collection

Zip fastening Washbag, at Marks & Spencers
Stylish and practical, this washbag is a well designed travel essential

Autograph Pure Silk Big Button Cushion, at Marks n Spencer
Rectangular shape Button detail L43 x W60cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Côtes du Rhône Les Closiers 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Grape variety: 65% Grenache, 35% syrah Country of origin: France Closure: Natural Cork 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

Perfect Autograph Double Tramline Slip-On Shoes, at Marks&Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail Slip-on Block heel

2 Cotton Rich Velour Joggers, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and comfy, these casual joggers are made from cotton rich fabric and feature drawstring waist. A practical easycare choice

Matching Shapes Puzzle, at Marks & Spencers
Suitable for ages 0-3 years 18 pieces Helps with hand-eye coordination and problem solving This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Oxford Toe Cap Brogue Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Punch apron detail Toe cap design Lace up Block heel

2 Pinstripe Non-Padded DD-G T-Shirt Bras, at M+S
Providing great value and comfort for everyday wear, these plain and simple non-wired bras combine supportive full cups with convenient easy to care for fabric

Perfect Autograph Silk Rich Padded Pleat Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Glamorous and sophisticated, this luxurious bra is made from soft stretch silk, finished with a lace trim. Gentle padding and underwiring give a flattering uplifted shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

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 Marks and Spencer, through its M&S Finance 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 & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.