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 & Spenser 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 Direct:

• 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.

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 & Spencers, 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 Marks & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Besides Marks and Spencer Car 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 Spenser 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.

2 Classic Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable Feminine and prettY Smooth and versatile, this pack of 2 underwired bras are great value. They're designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

Griffin iClear for iPod Nano Invisible Protection, at M&S
iClear provides total protection and total access to screen, controls, ports, and switches Simply place your iPod into iClear's front casing and snap the rear section in place Includes a static peel screen protector and premium cleaning cloth, for proper care and protection of your touchscreen Available in package configurations with or without armband

Formula Revival Daily Thermal Exfoliating Face Cleanser, at Marks & Spencers
Deep cleansing Soothes and conditions skin Improves skin complexion and tone Daily use Dramatic results Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic 125ml

Leather Fan Purse, at Marks and Spenser
Flash your cash in style! Fashionable and functional, this leather fan purse features a stylish flat zip pull

Portfolio Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Set Sail trend. Fresh and breezy, this sophisticated look features classic styling with vibrant accents of summertime pinks and blues. Feminine and coordinated designs for the new season

Spa List, at Marks and Spencer
There are some wonderful places for spa out there, if you know where to find them. It's fine to have high expectations - so long as the experience lives up to them. Spa list guides you around the UK's most stylish spa hotels with the best pampering facilities

Luxury Cotton Rich Stripe Shirt with Silk, at Mark's & Spencer
The superior quality, cut and detailing on this luxurious cotton rich and silk shirt are inspired by Jermyn Street tailors. A sophisticated style with a great fit

Personalised Calendar, at MarksandSpencer
Dimensions: 225 x 390mm

Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan with Angora, at Marks and Spencers
A touch of angora adds fluffy softness to this pretty cardigan. Snuggle up in style

Black Silver Glass Photo Frame 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), at M&S
Contrast border Rectangle shape Aperature: 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Art Deco Photo Frame 10 x 15cm (4 x 6''), at M & S
This glass art deco inspired photo frame an elegant and stylish way to display a treasured photograph

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Bootleg Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
An ideal choice for casual everyday wear, these bootleg jeans are finished with a flattering cut. They look stylish worn with knitwear or casual tops in complementary colours

Blue & White Floral Mum Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Happy Birthday Mum Inside message: With lots of love Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Long Sleeve Knitted Stripe Pocket Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this cotton blend dress is outstanding value!

Philips Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush, at Marks&Spencer
Standard mode for superior cleaning Gentle yet thorough cleaning for sensitive teeth and gums 2 minutes of Clean mode, with 30 seconds of White mode Smartimer: 2-min. timer helps to ensure recommended brushing Speed: 31,000 brush strokes per minute Battery type: Lithium Ion rechargeable battery Operating time (full to empty): Fully charged should provide 20 2-min. brushings 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

Pure Cotton Frill Scoop Neck Top, at Marks and Spencers
The striking frill scopp neck detail gives this pretty soft cotton long sleeve tee a stylish twist

Blue Harbour Luxury Pure Cotton Royal Oxford Check Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Soft, comfortable and very stylish, this luxury shirt is made with fantastic attention to detail

Dogtooth Check Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, this dogtooth jacket is tailored to fit and flatter. A great choice for work

Floral Garden Rug, at MarksandSpencer
Rectangular shape Floral design Contrast border Small: L140 x W80cm Medium: L180 x W120cm Large: L230 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S HP 45 Compatible Cartridge, at Mark & Spencers
Black cartridge Compatible with HP printers using HP 45 For use in deskjet: 710c, 720c, 722c, 815c, 820cxi, 830c, 850c, 855c, 870cxi, 880c, 890c, 895cxi, 930c/cm, 950c, 959c, 960c, 970cxi, 990cxi, 990cxi/cm, 995c, 1000c, 1100c, 1120c, 1125c, 1180c, 1220c/cps/cxi, 1280, 1600c/cm 6122, 6127, 9300 series For use in photosmart: 1000, 1100, 1115, 1215, 1218, 1315 For use in officejet: Pro 1150c, Pro 1170, Pro 1175c, g55, g85, g95, k60, k80, r45, r40, r60, r65, r80, t45, t65 For use in fax: 1220 For use in colour copier: 160, 180, 260, 280, 290 For use in designjet: 700, 750c, 755cm This cartridge is not an original product but has been re-manufactured and refilled to the most exacting standards 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund

Firefinch Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry, crisp and fruity Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Plain Sleeveless Camisole, at Marks & Spenser
This strappy longer length camisole will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features spaghetti straps for an essential casual look

Yellow Star Well Done Seed Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover Text: Well done Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx Size: 174 mm x 126 mm

Pure Cotton Sports Joggers, at Marks and Spencer
Ideal for sports and PE, these joggers are made from pure cotton so they're comfortable, breathable and absorbent

Wire Leaf Bowl, at Marks & Spensers
Leaf design H12 x Diam 32cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Stripe Rugby Top, at Marks and Spenser
Relaxed and casual, this stripe rugby top is made from a cotton rich fabric. It's designed to keep its shape and feel soft and comfortable to wear

Classic Collection Linen Look Trousers, at Marks n Spencer
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

100 Denier Footless Opaque Tights, at Marks and Spencer
These comfortable 100 denier footless opaque tights are made with added stretch

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Assorted Socks, at Marks&Spencer
These classic cotton rich socks are soft, breathable and comfortable. Added stretch gives a great fit

Sterling Silver Filigree Heart Pendant Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Clasp fastening Fine chain Filigree heart pendant

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 Buildings 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 Buildings 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.