M&S Money 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 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 & Spensers 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, Sainsburys, 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 UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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 & 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 Mark's & Spencer, 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 Car Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

M&S Money 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 Home 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 Home 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 Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Pure Cotton Multi Stripe Hooded Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
The fun multi stripe design makes this hooded cardigan extra special. The soft cotton knit will keep him warm and comfy

Classic Collection Swirl Neck Top, at Marks and Spencers
Modern and stylish, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features swirl neck detail. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Older Girls' Skinny Belt, at Marks n Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this skinny belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Funnel Neck Sweatshirt, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and cosy, this cotton rich sweatshirt is extremely comfortable and can be worn layered for a contemporary look

Pure Cotton Mini Check Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
This fab long sleeve shirt features a stunning mini check design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Freshfeet Contrast Lined Velour Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Slip on Flat sole Contrast lined With built in Freshtech™ technology for fresh, odour-free slippers Freshtech™ technology is permanently built in to the slipper and still performs after many washes Freshtech™ technology combats the bacteria that causes bad smells and odours Comes in sizes 6-12

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - Butterfly Bootleg Trousers, at Marks&Spencer
Practical and pretty, these non-iron bootleg trousers are made from stretchy fabric and have an adjustable waist for a comfy fit. They are treated with our unique Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ finishes, making them resistant to water and stains

Collections - VAN PLUG IN, at Marks & Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Text Husband Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: To my wonderful Husband Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 215 x 150mm

First Readers Goldilocks & the Three Bears, at Marks and Spencer
Based on the traditional folk tale 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears', this vibrantly illustrated story is sure to become a favourite in every home. Follow the naughty Goldilocks into the house of the three bears, and see what happens when they come home and find her!

Dallas Sunglasses, at Marks & Spencers
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

25 Lotus Flower Room Scenters, at Marks and Spenser
Pack of 25 Lotus flower scent, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Artificial Hydrangea in Copper Bowl, at M+S
Artificial hydrangea flowers Oval copper bowl No watering required therefore easy care Fresh looking throughout the year H28cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Duckling Christening Invites - Pack of Ten, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Christening Inside message: Would like to invite.....to the christening of.....on.....at.....time.....RSVP..... 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: 120 x 120 mm

The Button Detail Check Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
With a fashionable check print, eye-catching button detailing and a flattering cut, these trousers are simply a must have. Wear with heels for a leg lengthening look

Perfect Autograph Essentials Sheer Lace High Leg Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Glamorous and sophisticated, these gorgeous briefs are made from the softest lace which looks and feels luxurious. The modern low rise, high leg styling gives a flattering shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Limited Collection Cropped Leggings, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Short Sleeve Pintuck Top with Modal, at Marks & Spensers
Pretty and feminine, this pintuck top is made with modal, a supersoft fabric that feels luxurious and comfortable to wear

Slim Leg Peg Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Slim and stylish, these tailored trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. A practical and fashionable look for work or smart occasions

Autograph Pure Silk Christening Dress, at Marks & Spencers
Beautifully embellished with floral embroidery, this special dress is so pretty. The soft silk will keep her feeling comfy and happy. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians 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

Baby Text Birth Announcement, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: New baby Inside message: Would like to announce the birth of...a new arrival...on...time...weighing 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: 120 x 120mm

Photo Hands Scrapbook Wedding Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover message: Wedding Day Inside message: Wishing you a wonderful day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx. size: 150 x 150mm

Limited Collection Cotton Rich 3/4 Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Limited Collection Contrast Handle Tote Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Get bags of style! This tote handbag is a fabulous fashionable accessory. Handy compartments make it useful and practical too

Funnel Neck Tracksuit Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Whether you're active or relaxed, this versatile tracksuit jacket makes a stylish and comfortable choice

Penny Sweet Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
3 bead drop Hook fastening Drop style

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and relaxed, this crew neck t-shirt is made from pure cotton it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Luxury Pure Cotton Fine 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

1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz, at Marks & Spensers
This title describes 1000 "must-see" spots, from beaches to museums to cathedrals to bustling markets, grand hotels to backwater inns, rugged safaris to the most pampering spas. It includes addresses, phone and fax numbers, websites, costs and best times to visit with subject-specific indexes

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. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spensers 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."