There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers 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 & 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 Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.

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

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

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

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 Property 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 Property 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.

Australian Rivers & Valleys - Case of 12, at MarksandSpencer
2 Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2006: Australia's warm, sunny Hunter Valley is world famous for its ripe, generously fruity Chardonnays... 2 Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007: The Margaret River region, on the coast of Western Australia, is world-renowned for its fine, elegant white wines... 2 Barossa Chardonnay 2006: South Australia's historic Barossa Valley is considered one of the most important wine regions in the country... 2 Hunter Valley Shiraz 2005: Australia's warm, sunny Hunter Valley is world famous for its ripe, generously fruity Shiraz... 2 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2004: This is a fine example of a premium Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Australia's most famous red wine regions... 2 Dorrien Estate Bin 442 Shiraz 2006: This Australian red has ripe cassis and red plum fruit with a twist of peppery spice... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Multi Strand Round Shell Link Necklace, at Mark & Spensers
Toggle fastening Multi strand style Round shell link design Length: 51cm

Fairtrade Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spenser
2 for 8 offer excludes items in the sale Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade This stylish longer length short sleeve t-shirt is a good deal for you and for our Fairtrade farmers. It's made from 100% Fairtrade cotton, helping local farmers to invest in developing their own communities

Per Una Long Sleeve Bouncy Frill Cardigan, at Mark & Spencers
A casual long sleeve open cardigan in a soft cotton blend. Bouncy frill trim details give it the Per Una touch

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

5 Pairs of Ribbed Tip Toe Sports Socks with Cool&Fresh, at Marks and Spenser
These cotton rich sports socks feature a cushioning sole for shock absorption and comfort. Knitted arch support keeps them in place during exercise

125 Years Frill Trim Halterneck Swimsuit, at Marks & Spenser
Part of the Commemorative Collection. These exclusive garments have been inspired by some of the beautiful pieces in our archive and reference the iconic decades of the 20th century. Retro styling has been given a contemporary twist for the modern day

Button V-Neck Cover Up with Belt, at Marks and Spenser
Comes with belt shown in image Modern and stylish, this flattering beach dress is designed in the latest shape. A fabulous fashionable look

Aviator Sport Sunglasses, at Marks & Spencers
With full UV protection and a flattering modern design, these smart sunglasses will see you through the summer in style

Autograph Wool Blend Pinstripe Suit Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Perfect for smart occasions, these classic pinstripe suit trousers make a fashionable and practical choice

Luxury Pure Cotton Long Sleeve E-Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
The superior quality, cut and detailing on this luxurious pure cotton shirt are inspired by Jermyn Street tailors. A sophisticated style with a great fit

Ruched Floral Bedcover, at M & S
Floral design Ruched finish Stitched detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Airflex™ Mudguard Riptape Shoes, at Marks & Spenser
The last word in comfort for your feet. These shoes are specially made to accommodate the breadth of your feet whilst being so easy to take on and off

Per Una Trio Eye Colour, at Marks & Spencers
Hypoallergenic

Cropped Linen Blend Sailor Button Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Warm marmalade and rich chocolate are just two of the key summer shades that these great value linen blend trousers come in

Double Breasted Reefer Coat, at Marks and Spenser
The reefer coat is a flattering and fashionable must-have. This version, featuring double breasted design, will look great teamed with this season's styles

Pop Art Multi Bead Rope Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Rope chain Multi bead design Length: 76cm

Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Jeans, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, these cotton jeans are hardwearing and comfy. The pretty floral embroidery and tie waist gives it a cute look

Ashbourne Armchair, at Marks & Spenser
H99 x W114 x D104cm Seat H49cm, arm H65, top back rail H75cm Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible seat cushions Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a dark finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Scallop Trim Low Rise Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
These cotton rich shorts are shapely and modern. They have been designed with added stretch for a snug, comfortable and figure-flattering fit

Autograph Freedom® Roses - Dozen, at Marks and Spencers
These extra-long stemmed, large-headed roses come in a selection of glorious shades. All of the rose bouquets are hand-tied and beautifully wrapped in frosted Autograph™ cellophane and black ribbon Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Big & Tall Blue Harbour Modal Blend Stripe Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Relaxed and casual, this stripe shirt is made from a modal blend, so it feels exceptionally comfortable to wear. Modal is a luxuriously soft fabric made from natural plant fibres. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men Only available in XXXL

Adored Pure Cotton Stripe & Spot Print Pyjamas, at Mark's & Spencer
Stylish and elegant, these flattering 3/4 sleeve pyjamas are part of our feminine Adored collection. They're made from pure cotton for the ultimate in comfort

3 Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Plain Vests, at Mark's & Spencer
A great value wardrobe essential, these durable cotton vests will keep him comfy thanks to an easy to wear cotton weave

3/4 Sleeve Empire Line Top, at Marks & Spensers
Chic and modern, this 3/4 sleeve top is made from softly draping stretch viscose for a fluid look. The gathered shoulder detail adds a fashionable finishing touch.

The Top 100 Diet Secrets: 100 Ways to Lose Weight and Stay Slim Book, at Mark's & Spencer
Have you struggled for years without managing to lose those all-important last few pounds? Do you ever look at a slim woman and wonder what her secret is? Have you ever thought that slim women might know something you don't...? Well, help is at hand, in the form of this pocket-sized book full of 100 diet secrets - packed with real info on the diets that actually work, and on specific foods, culinary herbs and supplements that will help you lose weight. "The Top 100 Diet Secrets" offers you a straightforward guide to the most effective ways of losing weight, from the importance of a low-carb, high-protein diet that is low in saturated fat, to explanations of nutritional concepts such as the Glycaemic Index and Glycaemic Load. Along the way are simple, helpful tips on every aspect of losing weight - from the truth about food combining, to useful exercise techniques, to why you should eat breakfast

Autograph Cosmic Drop Earrings Made With CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements, at Marks & Spencers
Hook fastening Drop design Made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements

Portfolio 2 Bead Drop Earrings, at Marks & Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style 2 bead design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Petite Cotton Rich Bootleg Denim Jeans with Belt, at Mark & Spencers
Comes with belt shown in image Flattering and fabulous, bootcuts make legs look longer and are kind to curves. This pair sits on the waist and are designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. A look that's always in style. Specially designed for the petite frame

Butterflies on Spots and Stripes Hand Finished, at Marks and Spenser
Cover Text: Both designs: blank Inside Message: Both designs: blank for your own message Pack Contains: 6 cards, 2 designs Approx. Size: 200 mm x 80 mm

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 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 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 Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.