There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Motor 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 Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spensers, 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 Motor Insurance from M&S Finance, you get more, and you pay less.

M&S Money Direct offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Direct Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with M+S 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, 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 Motor 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.

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

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

Short Sleeve Pure Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
This fashionable cotton t-shirt features a v-neck design for a fresh modern look

Abstract Butterfly Print Flip Flop, at M&S
Butterfly print Toe thong design Flat sole

AUTO DELIVERY - MCS FEB INTRO RED, at Marks and Spencer
This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pinot Grigio Pfalz Qualitätswein 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry, light to medium bodied Grape variety: Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) Country of origin: Germany Closure: Synthetic closure 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

Pure Cotton Contrast Trim Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, this stripe shirt is made from cool comfortable cotton and features contrast trim

Parisian Chic Desk Calendar, at MarksandSpencer
Approx. size: 155 x 180mm

Auto Movement Mantle Clock, at M & S
Square shape Roman numerals Exposed cog design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Pleated Tulip Skirt with Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Autograph Bow Ballet Slippers, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Front bow Flat sole Comes in sizes 3-8

Birthday Pants Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Beautiful birthday 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: 230 x 114mm

For Him Gift Card, at Marks & Spencers
Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Plain Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Offering natural comfort and durability, this crisp pure cotton shirt has a specially crafted non-iron design for a no-fuss appearance. A cutaway collar offers a contemporary focus matched with formal french cuffs

Handheld Parmesan Grater, at Marks and Spencers
Grip handle Wide plate L23.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ankle High Stretch Platform Boots, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Central seam stitch Stretch design Ankle high High heel

3/4 Sleeve Scoop Neck Top, at M&S
This pleated scoop neck top is a casual style essential. Perfect for mixing and matching with trousers or skirts

Handcrafted Dan's Mouse Wife Valentine Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover Text: To my wife with all my love xxx Inside mesage: To my darling Valentine xxx Approx size: 220 x 220mm

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Detail Kaftan, at Mark & Spencers
Fresh and feminine, this kaftan is outstanding value. Style and quality at a great price

Mixed Bead Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks & Spencers
2 part set Adjustable length mixed bead necklace with clasp fastening Hook fastening drop earrings with mixed bead design

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & M300 Mattress, at MarksandSpencer
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: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Mattress has reinforced side stitching giving greater edge support Individually pocketed springs Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel Mattress spring count: 896 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

M&S 7'' Portable DVD Player, at M & S
DVD, CD all in one 7 inch screen Remote control and earbuds Includes mount to put DVD on car headrest Runs on 6 x AA batteries (not included) 2 hours battery life Flash memory card reader H15 x W20 x D2.5cm Mains supply and car cigarette lighter cable 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

Tree Pastry Cutter, at Marks & Spenser
Tree design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure New Wool Crew Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Made from pure lambswool, this plain jumper is irresistibly soft and cosy. It features a crew neck for a fashionable look

JBL Creature II 3-Piece Desktop Speaker System, at Marks & Spenser
Input Impedance: >5K Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB Frequency Response: 50 - 20kHz Input Sensitivity: 400 mv rms for rated power output Voltage Input: 120 VAC Satellite Drivers: One Odyssey Plus transducer Satellite Power Rating: 8 watts per satellite at 10% (THD+N) Satellite Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 x 7.5cm Subwoofer Drivers: One 4.00 inch Magnum transducer Subwoofer Power Rating: 24 watts at 10% (THD+N) Subwoofer Crossover Frequency: 180Hz Subwoofer Dimensions: 22.5 x 22.5 x 22.5cm The JBL CREATURE speaker system includes a touch volume control The CREATURE II audio system utilizes a straight forward interconnect technology The powerful subwoofer provides clean low bass The mini-stereo jack connection allows enjoyment of high quality audio from a variety of devices Ideal for connecting to computers, boomboxes, digital music players, and portable audio devices 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

Blue Nostalgic Photo Anniversary Card, at M&S
Cover text: With you both a happy anniversary Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 175 mm x 125 mm

4 Maxim Champagne Flutes, at Marks and Spencer
Set of 4 Long stem, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Silk 3 Layer Short Sleeve Top, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Autograph's Luxe Tradition trend. Luxurious and contemporary with a sense of British heritage, this trend features a soft colour palette, modern prints and beautiful fabrics. A sophisticated look for the new season

Large Print Crossword Book, at Marks&Spencer
There are 160 straight forward crosswords in this brand new book. Whether you have only a few moments, or hours to devote to your favourite puzzles, these crosswords will challenge and entertain you

Pure Linen Short Sleeve Fine Stripe Shirt, at M&S
This fashionable pure linen top features a stylish pleated front pockets and sleeve for a fab contemporary look

Multi Stripe Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and flattering, these bikini bottoms feature a striking multi stripe design

Blue Circles Holographic Roll Wrap, at Marks & Spencer
1 roll wrap Approx size: 1.5 x 700mm

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 Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spensers 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, Buildings Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 Buildings 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 Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.