M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 and 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:

• 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 Finance 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 & Spenser 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 Marks and Spencers, through its M&S Finance website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks&Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Finance 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 and Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

Ultimate Wool Collar Stormwear™ Mac, at Marks & Spensers
Look your best with this removable wool collar mac. Treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains, it's perfect for year-round wear

Safe Sun Thomas the Tank Engine Swimwear, at Mark's & Spencer
Play it safe with this cute sunsuit and desert cap set. It is designed for good coverage while the comfy stretch fabric lets him run around freely

Hooded Faux Fur Trim Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this hooded coat is outstanding value. An easycare style at a great price

Footglove™ Basic Black Loafers, at Marks and Spencers
A versatile option for day and evening. These smart shoes are crafted with lightweight Footglove™ technology to give you the best in comfort and support

Altos del Condor Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegans Bottle: 12 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

Autograph Essentials Embroidered Highleg Knickers, at Marks and Spencers
Stunningly stylish these flattering briefs feature a feminine embroidered design. The modern low rise, high leg styling gives a flattering shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Save the Children Charity Religious Multipack of Easter Cards, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: design 1: Easter Blessings, design 2: With thoughts of peace at Easter Inside message: All designs, blank for your own message 10% of the purchase price from each pack will be contributed to Save the Children. Registered Charity England & Wales (213890) / Scotland (SC039570) 6 cards, 2 designs Approx size: Unfolded: 120 x 120mm

All Reds - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
2 La Tentation de Richelieu 2005: A powerful Bordeaux red which offers a wonderful combination of traditional flavours with ripe fruit concentration... 2 Chianti Riserva 2004: With its subtle, engaging flavours of sour cherry, dark chocolate and baked herbs, this is classic Chianti made in a highly approachable style... 4 Turn the Table Shiraz 2007: A deliciously juicy, fresh style of South African Shiraz that sets a new quality standard for affordable Cape reds... 4 El Tidon Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: A fresh and deliciously fruity red blend from the sunny vineyards of Castilla La Mancha in central Spain... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Droplets Silver Wedding Anniversary Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Congratulations on your Silver Wedding Anniversary Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 176 x 126mm

Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Top, at Marks & Spencers
A perfect addition to your wardrobe, it's the fashionable style and stylish floral detail neckline that makes this cotton top special

M&S High Gloss Black Flat Panel TV Stand up to 52'', at Marks & Spensers
Supports flat panel LCD and plasma TVs up to 52" Clear, tempered safety glass shelves Fits up to 4 audio video components and a center channel speaker Includes a cable management system to hide wires and interconnect cables Metallic black finish Scratch resistant, powder-coated steel framing Top shelf weight capacity: 56.7kg Lower shelves weight capacity: 22.7kg Overall dimensions: H61 x W127 x D53.3cm Top shelf dimensions: W127 x D40.6cm Middle shelf dimensions: H25.4 x W106.7 x D38.1cm Lower shelf dimensions: W106.7 x D45.7cm Boxed delivery - self-assembly required This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Weekend Pleated Front Jersey Top, at Marks and Spencer
Sophisticated and modern, this short sleeve top is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary ditzy print

Pure Cotton Varied Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
A stylish smart-casual look, this short sleeve polo shirt in soft cotton features varied stripe design. Practical, comfortable and easycare

Hannah Montana Pencil Case, at Marks and Spencer
Zip fastening Hannah Montana motif Comes with Star charm Approx size: 215 x 115mm Disney

Fairmont Table, at Marks and Spenser
Textaline and teak design Can seat up to 6 Teak source approved by the World Wildlife Fund Suitable for outdoor use 74 x 150 x 150cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Faux Pearl Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style Faux pearl detail Bow design

Sony AIR-SA20PK Wireless Speakers & Dock for iPod®, at Marks n Spencer
Transmit CD-quality audio from your iPod or iPhone to up to 10 separate, plug-and-play receiver/speaker systems (two supplied). Connect the dock to a home theater receiver to listen to stored music through your home audio system Connect the dock to a television to view video content stored on your iPod on a big screen Speakers: Total 8W RMS (4W x 2) iPod Docking Station included 2 x wireless speakers included Compatible with any iPod and /or iPhone AM/FM tuner Alarm clock Wireless remote controls for your Dock and each AIR-SA15R speaker This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

Per Una Pure Cotton Floral Print Minishirt, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and feminine, this pretty floral print minishirt features a frill trim. It's made from cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Adjustable Task Collection - Table Lamp, at Marks & Spencer
Antique-effect brass finish Height adjustable from 54 cm to 76 cm H40 x Diam 19cm Frosted glass shade Bulb: 40W SES golf ball This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Eau De Toilette Limited Edition Purse Spray, at Marks and Spencer
Clear bottle with Per Una floral print Floral and fruity fragrance 25ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Cotton Rich Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & F100 Mattress, at Marks and Spencer
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large Drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm, Small Drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Smaller drawers at the head end are designed to open without moving your bedside table Open coil mattresses provide a hard-wearing and supportive background Sprung-edge divan - Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are 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

Pure Cotton Embroidered Animal Sleepbag, at Marks & Spencers
Cosy and comforting, sleepbags make a great way to stop babies getting tangled up in covers. This padded cotton rich embroidered sleepbag will keep him at a comfy temperature throughout the night

Machine Washable & Tumble Dry Single Breasted 2 Button Eveningwear Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Sharp, stylish and sophisticated, this evening suit will have you looking your best for any occasion

Enamel Diamanté Photo Frame 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), at Marks & Spenser
Enamelled design Diamant detail Metallic trim Aperture: 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Short Sleeve Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Relaxed and stylish, this short shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Pure Cotton Floral Print Jersey Top, at Marks&Spencer
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features pretty floral print for a stylish casual look

North Coast Pure Cotton Chinos, at Mark & Spensers
A stylish smart casual look, these plain chinos are made from soft cotton and designed for a fashionable and comfortable relaxed fit

Tribeca Corner Chaise (Right-Hand), at Mark's & Spencer
H90 x W276 x D99cm Seat H46cm (all dimensions are approximate) Length 203cm 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 Includes 3 matching scatter cushions Fabric options feature reversible 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 medium finish Can be arranged to fit both left and right room corners 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

Big & Tall Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Single Pleat Trousers with Cashmere, at M+S
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on these trousers to give you a feeling of luxury like no other. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

When you're shopping at Marks and 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spenser than you might imagine.

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