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 & 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, 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 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 & 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 Marks & Spencer, 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.

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencers 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 and Spencers 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."

Pure Cotton 5 Pocket Denim Jeans, at Marks & Spencers
These straight leg jeans in pure cotton are great value. A practical, easycare style

Single Medium Wine Glass, at Marks and Spencer
Medium wine glass 32cl H21.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Animal Bead Rope Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Rope necklace Mixed animal print bead design Necklace length: 49cm

Light Control Invisible Panty Line Thigh Slimmer, at Marks & Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds! These clever slimmers gently shape tums, thighs and bums for a smooth, sleek silhouette

Ingredients Lemon Bath Cream, at Marks&Spencer
Lemon scented 500ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Limonene, Citral, Linalool, Polyquaternium-39, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat. Citronellol, Propylene Glycol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citrus Medica Limonum Oil (Lemon Oil), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Citric Acid, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylparaben, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Propylparaben, CI 19140, CI 15985

Autograph White Hungarian Goose Down Duvet - 13.5 Tog, at Marks & Spenser
13.5 tog Suitable for cooler months or colder rooms or those who prefer a warm, snug duvet Highest quality class 1 Hungarian goose down Large down clusters within a multi-pocket construction - provides warmth without weight Each pocket is individually filled ensuring even down distribution 100% cotton outer cover - 300 thread count downproof cover Which tog? Tog measures the warmth of a duvet based on its ability to trap warm air. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet. The perfect tog is a personal choice which can depend upon you and your home, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Cosy Towelling Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spenser
Pretty and feminine, this cosy dressing gown is made from soft cotton rich fabric so you can relax in comfort

Autograph Weekend Knitted Cowl Neck Dress with Merino Wool, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Not Shy Retirement Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover Text: Not shy just retiring! Inside Message: Enjoy your retirement! Approx Size: 174 mm x 126 mm

Sprung-Edge Non-storage Divan & M100 Mattress, at Marks & Spensers
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 21.5cm Divan Height: 41 Mattress has dust-free polyester fibre filling Mattress Spring Count: 288 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

Silver Plated Cascade Y Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks & Spensers
2 part set Adjustable length cascade y design necklace with a clasp fastening Hook fastening cascade style drop earrings

Autograph Gold Tile Bedcover, at MarksandSpencer
Embroidered patchwork design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Varied Stripe Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfy, this long sleeve cardgian is made from pure cotton and features a varied stripe design. A fashionable easycare style

3 Pairs of Ladder Resist 10 Denier Matt Knee Highs, at Marks & Spencers
An M&S exclusive. Amazing yarn stops holes turning into ladders. Three way stretch gives a perfect fit. The comfort top is designed to keep them in place without leaving marks

Crackle Mirror Glass Photo Frame 20 x 25cm (8 x 10"), at Marks and Spencer
Crackle mirror effect frame Aperature H33 x W28cm (8 x 10 in), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Cross Strap Riding Boots, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Cross strap buckle fastening Front seam Stitch detail Knee high Block heel

Sapporo Sideboard, at M&S
H80 x W120 x D40cm Made from solid bamboo and bamboo veneer Finished with a matt lacquer that provides the pieces with extra protection and durability Legs made from solid wood Delivered flatpack due to size 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Miele Cat & Dog TT5000 Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner, at Mark's & Spencer
2200 watts 4.5 litre dust bag capacity 10 metre operating radius Smooth running 360 swivel castors. Castors mounted on steel axles to ensure excellent maneouvrability 6 variable power settings - 300-2200W Turbobrush STB 205-3 - Perfect for picking up pet hair from carpets Supplied with a Active Air Clean filter, combines the super Air clean filter with an active charcoal cassette to absorb odours. Ideal for pets owners HEPA 12 certification for complete vacuum cleaner - According to the European Standard EN 1822. Discharged Air is cleaner than the ambient room air (when used with HEPA filter) Bumper strip to protect vacuum cleaner and your furniture Mini Turbobrush STB 101 - Ideal for vacuuming stairs and removing pet hair from upholstery Vacuum motor features thermal safety cut-out and electronic gentle motor start-up Dust bag change indicator - Signals when the dustbag needs to be replaced Comes with 2 HyClean dustbags - The new HyClean dustbag sets new standards in filtration, dust-absorption, hygiene and safety Six Step Rotary Dial - To adjust the suction power for different floorings Silence setting - Ideal combination of low noise level and cleaning performance Recommended for Loop Pile carpet, Deep Cut Pile carpet and furniture Dimensions: L45cm Weight: 7.7kg 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Hippy Shaker Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style Hippy shaker design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Dining - PLATINUM PASTA, at Marks and Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Floral Custom Shirt Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
A cosy 3/4 sleeve cardigan in a soft knitted fabric featuring a floral embroided stitch design and mixed buttons

Woodspice Shower Gel, at Marks & Spencer
Shower gel 250ml

Older Girls' Pure Cotton Hello Kitty Shorties, at Marks & Spenser
A must for fans of Hello Kitty, these shorties feature the popular character

Mirror Blocks Photo Frame 20 x 25cm (8 x 10"), at Mark & Spencers
Rectangular shape Polished finish Aperture: 8 x 10", Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pair of Pompenette Trees, at Mark & Spencers
Add some bright colour to your garden space with this beautiful pompenette standard Available for delivery until 30th September 2009

Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™ Pleated School Skirt, at Mark's & Spencer
This innovative skirt is treated with Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ finishes which help repel water and everyday stains. The adjustable waist gives a perfectly comfortable fit for longer. Permanent pleats keep it looking smart

Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Hooded Top, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and casual, this comfortable hoodie is made from cotton rich and features front pockets. A great value easycare style

Per Una Face Palette, at Marks & Spensers
Hypoallergenic Includes: 18 eyeshadows, 12 lip colours, a bronzer and 3 cheek colours

Pure Cotton Double Breasted Denim Jacket, at Mark & Spencers
Comfy and cosy, this denim jacket feels soft and warm and is great value. A practical, easycare style

North Coast Pure Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and relaxed, this crew neck t-shirt is made from pure cotton. It's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

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 Marks and Spencers are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spencers 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Finance Property 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 Finance Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.