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

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

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

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 M & S are so useful. M&S Money 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 & 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 Money 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 Money Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Cotton Blend Short Sleeve Hello Kitty Top, at Marks and Spencers
Fans of Hello Kitty will love this cotton top featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style.

Autograph 2 Piece Long Sleeve Floral Dress Outfit, at Marks n Spencer
Practical and pretty, this cute dress and tights 2-piece outfit is made from soft cotton to keep her feeling comfy and happy. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Pastel Zoo Animals Multipack of Mini Thank You Cards, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Design 1: thank you, Design 2: thanks, Design 3: thank you, Design 4: thanks! Inside message: Blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Polka Dot Outfit New Baby Girl Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: Little baby girl Inside Message: Wishing you lots of happiness with your new precious baby Approx Size: 150 mm x 150 mm

Lichfield 2-Door Glazed Top Unit with Lights, at Marks and Spencer
H112 x W109 x D43cm 2 adjustable toughened glass shelves Fitted low voltage interior lighting Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Handles made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered Top panel is veneered with solid oak edging for strength 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Harvard Body Splash, at Marks & Spencers
Fragranced body splash 200ml Splash into the palm of your hand, then apply liberally over your body Avoid contact wit the eyes. Do not apply to broken, irritated or sensitive skin This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Portfolio Funnel Neck Belted Mac, at Marks & 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

Bonded Leather Collection - CD Tower, at Marks & Spencer
Holds approximately 70 CDs H92.5 x W23 x D23cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Seersucker Straight Leg Trousers, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear

Collezione 2 Button Suedette Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
A suedette finish adds a luxuriously soft sheen to this smart casual jacket. Inspired by the natural understated elegance of Italian style, the single breasted design offers a slim and contemporary silhouette

Lace Effect Butterfly Granddaughter Birthday Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: For a Special Granddaughter Inside message: Hope your birthday is as sweet as you are Approx size: 215 x 150 mm

Adored Pansy Lace Non-Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and stylish, this gently supportive bra is made from the softest fabric and lace, so it's blissfully comfortable to wear. It's structured for secure support and a natural uplifted shape. Feminine everyday lingerie

M&S Wireless Speakers, at Marks and Spencer
Compatible with all iPods and MP3 players Suitable for indoor or outdoor use 30 metre range Up to 5 hours battery life Easy to set up and use Includes remote control Dimensions: H24 x W16 x D15cm 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pirramimma Stock's Hill Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape Variety Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

3 Pure Cotton Classic Design Briefs, at Mark & Spencers
Comfortable, fashionable and practical, these essential briefs are ideal for everyday wear

Long Sleeve 'Cymru' Zip Fastening Jacket, at MarksandSpencer
Sports fans will love this Wales jacket featuring the team motif. A practical, easycare style

Tonal Floral Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
These pretty floral print shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

Taste of M&S, at Marks & Spencers
Belgian chocolates (70g) Organic milk chocolate & toffee biscuits (150g) Organic All Butter Shortbread Bites (200g)" Lemon curd (325g) Seville orange medium cut marmalade (454g) Strawberry conserve (340g) Fairtrade pure origin ceylon teabags - pack of 40 (125g) Looking to place a corporate bulk order? Please call 0845 6020602 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Limited Collection Cotton Rich Spot Print Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Fabulous and modern, these shorts are part of our Limited Collection lingerie. Theyre made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Umberto Fiore Barbaresco 2005 - Case of 6, at M&S
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Nebbiolo Country of origin: Italy 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Cotton Rich Lace Trim Vests, at Marks and Spencers
Stylish and practical, this pack of 2 vests makes a great value way to stock up your underwear drawer. The stretch cotton fabric is the ideal choice for everyday wear and gives a comfortable flattering fit.

Appliqué Heart Dressing Gown, at Marks & Spenser
Wrap up and relax in this soft dressing gown featuring an Appliqu heart design for a pretty look

Perfect Sleeveless Belted Curve Seam Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Move over LBD...the little red dress is here! Bold, bright and beautiful, this belted number is hot, hot, hot

Red Damask Throw, at Marks & Spencers
Damask design Tasselled trim Small: W150cm x L200cm Large: W230cm x L240cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Holographic Flowers Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Birthday Girl Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Classic Collection Floral Print Sleeveless Dress, at Marks & Spenser
Pretty and feminine this lovely dress is made from soft floral print fabric. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Little Adventurer Splash Bats, at Marks & Spencer
Suitable for ages 3-6 years Game for two players 2 splash bats and a ball This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Mini Limited Velour Jogging Bottoms, at Marks & Spensers
Mini Limited is a collection of cute fun styles designed in the latest looks. The casual, contemporary pieces are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for layering

Autograph Pure Cashmere Short Sleeve Jumper, at Marks n Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this crew neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxurious softness

3/4 Sleeve Square Neck Button Top, at Marks & Spencers
This square neck top is a casual style essential. Perfect for mixing and matching with trousers or skirts

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 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 MarksandSpencer, through its M&S Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor 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.