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 and 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.

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 & Spencers, through its M&S Money Direct 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.

Besides Marks&Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Property 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 & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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.

Gothic 5 Arm Chandelier, at Marks & Spensers
Candle effect shades 5 arm Hand finished H50 x D54cm Bulbs: 5 x 60W SES This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Floral Collection Lavender Bath Cream, at Marks and Spencer
Moisture rich Foaming Lavender scented 500ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Laureth-4, Disodium EDTA , Citric Acid, Parfum, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Styrene /Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben

Floral Polka Dot Small Wedding Photograph Album, at Marks and Spencers
Album and gift box 105 glue dots 700Mb CD-R Album: H155 x W200 x D33mm Box: H168 x W215 x D40mm

125 Years Leather Classic Monk Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Pointed toe Punch feature Stitch detail Buckle fastening Block heel

Autograph Pure Cotton Hooded Zip Fastening Top, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this hooded top is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail makes it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Secret Support™ Lace Trim Vest, at Mark & Spensers
Add a soft, supportive layer to your daily attire with the Secret Support™ incorporated into the design of this cosy vest

Silver Plated Abalone Stretch Bracelet, at M & S
Stretch style Abalone design Ripple finish

La Borie Merlot 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spenser
Grape variety: 100% Merlot Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans 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

Good Luck Letters with Cat Card, at Marks & Spensers
3D design Cover text: Good Luck Inside message: Wishing you the best of luck! Approx size: 178 x 126 mm

Reversible Knitted Wrap, at MarksandSpencer
Keep warm without compromising on style! This fashionable wrap is reversible, making it even more versatile. A great way to add a cosy extra layer

Real Cool Cotton™ Performance Contrast Pipe Detail Stretch Joggers, at Marks & Spencer
Perfect for active wear, these Real Cool Cotton™ Performance joggers are made from high-performance breathable stretch fabric. They're designed in the latest style for a great fit and essential ease of movement

5 Pairs of Older Boys' Skull Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Brighten up his underwear drawer with these fashionable assorted design socks made with soft breathable cotton

Anniversary Mix - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
1 Chablis Vieilles Vignes, Anniversary Cuve 2006: An intensely dry and persistent Chablis with wonderful concentration of crunchy green apple fruit and fresh, lemony acidity. Highly traditional in style, this wine displays the kind of stony, yeasty complexity and a long, mineral-driven finish that is only found in the best wines of Chablis... 1 Les Ruettes Sancerre, Anniversary Cuve 2007:This is an intense yet subtle and refined white, a superb accompaniment for food but just as delightful on its own. Classic Sancerre aromas of gooseberry and wet stone are matched by a palate profile... 1 Mathilde de Favray Pouilly Fum, Anniversary Cuve 2007: A steely and intense Sauvignon Blanc with a fine mineral edge and wonderful length... 1 Anniversary Fleurie 2007: A superbly concentrated Fleurie with unusual depth and complexity of flavour. As well as the attractive floral aromas and soft black cherry flavours expected of a wine from this highly-rated Beaujolais cru, it also has a surprising intensity found only in the very best examples... 1 Les Closiers Chteauneuf-du-Pape, Anniversary Cuve 'Tronconique' 2005: This classic Chteauneuf-du-Pape is packed with delicious ripe fruit and spicy flavours. It is a bold and heart-warming red but shows great elegance and structure; as such it is an outstanding example of its style... 1 Margaux, Anniversary Cuve 2004: Subtle and refined, this is benchmark claret with all the finesse and perfume that is expected of a classic Margaux. For all its character, the wine retains a freshness and lightness of touch typical of the best red Bordeaux wines... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Aztec Palm Print Jersey Top, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable jersey top featuring a crochet neckline and aztec palm print

Cashmilon™ 3/4 Sleeve Slash Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and flattering, this 3/4 sleeve slash neck jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features a ruched front detail

Per Una Square Neck Floral Top, at Marks and Spencer
A casual square neck top in a soft cotton blend, the floral neckline gives it the Per Una touch

Ingredients Honey & Milk Body Butter 200ml, at Marks and Spenser
Honey and milk body moisturising cream 200ml

Mirror Blocks Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at Marks n Spencer
Rectangular frame Mirror blocks design Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lily Tracing Paper Sympathy Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Our Sympathy is with you Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 mm x 127 mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

5 Pairs of Cotton Blend Sports Socks, at Marks & Spenser
Designed to cushion high impact areas, these comfortable cotton blend socks are an ideal choice for sports or PE

Pure Cotton Belted Denim Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and fashionable, these relaxed denim shorts make a great choice for warmer weather

Per Una Linen Blend Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable pair of straight leg trousers in a cool linen blend featuring zip and button fastening

Fun Couple in Car Wedding Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Just Married Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Faux Pearl Stud Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
Butterfly stud fastening Faux pearl design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Per Una Short Sleeve Stripe Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable short sleeve stripe cardigan in a soft cotton blend. The tie bow neck feature makes it extra stylish

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

Sonoma 2 Door Sideboard and Glass Top Unit Set, at Marks and Spencers
2 door glazed top unit: H110 x W122.5 x D33cm 2 drawer sideboard :H88 x W122 x D50cm 2 door sideboard with 6 shelves Shelves made from safety-tested toughened glass Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid Oak. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Handles made from solid wood Side and back made from White Oak veneer Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Cardigan, at MarksandSpencer
A sophisticated 3/4 sleeve cardigan in a chunky knitted fabric featuring a vertical stripe design

Leather Hip Coin ID Wallet, at M & S
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

Just For You Hedgehog Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Just for you... Inside message: blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

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 Spenser are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spencer 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 Money Direct 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 Money Direct Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.