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 and Spenser 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, Sainsburys, or Tesco's:

• 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.

When you're shopping at Marks & Spencer 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 Buildings Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencer 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."

Besides Marks & Spencers Motor Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Buildings Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Money Direct Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks and Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

4 Assorted Hair Bands, at Marks & Spencer
Hold back those tresses in style with these fabulous hair bands

North Coast Pure Cotton Check Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
Stylishly smart casual, this dobby check shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Metallic Paisley Bow Tie, at M+S
Crafted from luxurious silk, this elegant bow tie is a sophisticated choice for entering those black tie events in classic style

Short Sleeve Multi Stripe Wave Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
A stylish smart-casual look, this short sleeve polo shirt in soft cotton features a multi stripe design and embroidered wave motif. Practical, comfortable and easycare

6 Jewel Hair Slides, at Marks & Spensers
Add a pretty finishing touch with this fashionable set of 6 hair slides

Foot File, at Marks & Spencer
Coarser side to file away hard skin Finer side to polish and smooth your skin

Central Coast Syrah 2005 - Case of 6, at M+S
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Syrah Country of origin: USA Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Machine Washable Mini Dot Tie, at M & S
No more trips to the drycleaners! This contemporary dot tie is machine washable

LED Light Collection Butterfly Mobile, at Marks and Spencer
Hanging wire Circular design 6 hanging butterflies, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Dog Embroidered Socks, at Marks & Spensers
Stock up on stylish essentials with this pack of 5 pairs of embroidered dog design socks

Autograph M500 Mattress - Medium, at Marks & Spenser
Single 3ft: W90 x L190cm Double (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Depth: 28cm Entirely handmade Individually pocketed springs Deep pillowtop layer containing high quality fillings of cashmere, silk and super-soft reflex foam Two further layers of cotton and polyester underneath the pillowtop Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges Spring count: 1225 Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning Manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Pure Linen Parisienne Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
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

Autograph Monroe Bedstead with TV Option, at Marks & Spencer
Headboard H102cm, endboard H96cm, underbed H13cm Double: W144 x L246cm King: W159 x L256cm Super king: W189 x L256cm Upholstered with real leather Mattress sold separately Designed for use with M&S 26'' and 32'' TVs and Sony Bravia 32'' 3000S & 3000D. Maximum TV depth: 115mm. Other makes and models may not attach to the rise/fall mechanism TV and DVD player sold separately Scart leads sold separately (5m lead recommended) TV requires a 3-plug extension lead to connect to fixed plug socket. Extension lead sold separately. (5m lead recommended) TV requires an aerial cable to connect to the aerial socket in the room. Aerial lead sold separately Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Delivered flatpack due to size This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Access to scart sockets is hindered by the rise/fall mechanism of this bed. M&S recommends that customers have 2 scart leads available for installation by the delivery team in case a DVD player or cable TV box is desired at a later date Customers should consider the position of TV aerial connections and power source in the room, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Easycare Long Sleeve Stripe Shirts, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

Petite Knee Length Pencil Skirt, at Marks and Spencers
Sleek and stylish, this skirt makes a fashionable, flattering choice. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Double Waisted Pinstripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
These tailored bootlegs are designed to skim the hips and thighs and gently flare to give a flattering long-legged look. Practical as well as stylish, they're machine washable for added convenience. A smart choice for work or formal occasions

Pure Cotton Camouflaged Shorts with Belt, at M & S
A contemporary take on a casual relaxed look, these pure cotton cargo shorts feature a stylish camouflaged print. A fashionable, easycare style

Embroidered Spot Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Marks and Spencer
Spot design Square shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

XBOX 360® Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2, at M&S
Full PEC Experience: A greatly improved PEC experience - your character evolves online and offline, in both single-player and multiplayer modes. Terrorist Leaders are now a strategic target for Rainbow - leaders control respawns, so when you take out the leaders, enemies can no longer respawn. Terrorists Enemies have a wider variety of reactions and use ballistic shields. Team Rainbow Can use the Leap-frogging technique for safely approaching an area defended by an opposing force. Teammates cover each other successively when they move forward. Up to 16 players (360) and 14 players (PS3) Two-player split-screen mode 13 maps for co-op and adversarial play Including three maps from R6 Vegas, revamped maps from R6 Raven Shield and all-new maps All-new co-op experience. Co-op story mode, Jump-in-jump-out mode and Co-op terrorist hunt. New adversarial modes: Demolition - Attackers plant an explosive device at one of two predetermined locations and protect the bomb until it explodes Team Leader - Teams must keep their leader alive while they escort him to the extraction point while preventing the enemy from extracting their own leader You must be 16 years of age or over to purchase this product 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: Teen

Body Tape, at Marks & Spenser
Body tape is ideal for securing very low cut garments, attaching bra straps to cloths and holding your clothes in place just where you want them

Per Una Detachable Faux Fur Hooded Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable long jacket featuring detachable faux fur hood. The stitch detail makes it extra stylish.

5 Assorted Bikini Knickers, at Mark & Spensers
These cotton rich briefs are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

Reversible Knitted Wrap with Tassles, at Marks and Spencer
Keep warm without compromising on style! This fashionable wrap is reversible, making it even more versatile. A great way to add a cosy extra layer

Blissful Brownies Book, at Marks and Spencer
Can't resist a chocolate brownie? Then this book's for you its pages are packed with a whole world of irresistible brownies and tempting traybakes, from the ultimate, chocolate-loaded brownie to innovative new twists to delight and inspire. Not all brownies are just chocolate, so you'll find some inspiring ideas with other flavours, from cranberry to rocky road!

Hungarian Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: Hungary Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 11.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle:8.6 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.4 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Collezione Single Breasted 3 Button Suedette Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Garmin® 3.5'' Sat Nav Case, at Marks and Spencers
Keep your Garmin sat nav protected from knocks and scratches with this stylish case

Beau Moulin Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Grape variety: 50% Ugni Blanc, 30% Maccabeu, 10% Grenache Blanc, 10% Vermentino Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and 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

Le Mas du Lucquier Saint-Saturnin 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Frill Sleeve Satin Blouse, at Marks & Spencers
This frill sleeve blouse makes a perfect way of getting the smart casual look this season. It has a pleat design and a satin finish for an extra touch of stylish chic

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 Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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 Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 Buildings 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 Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.