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 & 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 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.

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 Property Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spensers 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."

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

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

Wavy Embroidered A-Line Mini Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this a-line embroidered skirt is a look you'll love. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Autograph Nail Clippers, at Marks and Spencer
Carry pouch Rounded clipping edge

Pink Pencil Pleat Curtains, at Marks & Spenser
Plain Pencil pleat top Dimout coated Comes in 54 and 72 inch drop How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Leather Lace Up Brogue Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Pointed toe Punch feature Stitch detail Lace-up Block heel

7 Pairs of Big & Tall Freshfeet Days of the Week Socks with Silver Technology, at Mark & Spencers
Our odour control Freshfeet socks are now better than ever with a new Sanitised Silver finish. Known for its natural antibacterial properties, silver helps reduce the presence of bacteria that causes smelly odours, so your feet stay fresh with every step and it keeps working for the lifetime of the socks

Portfolio Sleeveless Leapord Print Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Chic and contemporary, this sleeveless dress features a leapord print. A fabulous fashionable look

Spot Print Ballet Socks, at Marks and Spencers
These essential ballet socks are outstanding value. They're made with added stretch for comfort and durability

M400 Zip & Link Mattress - Combination Support, at Mark's & Spencer
Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Zip & Link allows you to combine different levels of firmness on the left and right sides of the mattress. The two sides of the mattress zip together, so you and your partner can choose between medium or firm support Mattress unzips into 2 easier to fit into your home Filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs Spring Count: 1054 Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning 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

T345623S, at Marks & Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Cotton Rich Circle Print Top, at Marks and Spencer
A bold print tee looks great with plain dark trousers, or wear it under a suit for a splash of pattern and colour

Shells Cushion, at Marks & Spencers
L30 x W50 3D shell detail Pure cotton Rectangular shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Check Shorts, at Mark & Spencers
Soft and comfortable, these cotton shorts can be worn alone or with a number of our pyjama tops and t-shirts to create your own style

Apple 60W MagSafe Power Adapter for MacBook, at Marks and Spencers
Compatible with MacBook Recharges the lithium polymer battery while the system is off, on, or in sleep mode Clever design allows the DC cable to be wound neatly around itself for easy cable storage When the connection is secure, an LED located at the head of the DC connector will light; an amber light lets you know that your portable is charging, while a green light tells you that you have a full charge AC cord included for maximum cord length British plug 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

Older Girls Cotton Rich Star Print Crop Top & Shorts Set, at Mark's & Spencer
This pretty matching set is soft, stretchy and comfortable to wear. The crop top makes a great way of getting girls used to the idea of wearing bras

Large Bingley Bear Rosette Dad Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy birthday, Champion Dad, 1st Inside message: You're always a winner Approx size: 220 x 220mm

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Chic and modern, this short sleeve t-shirt is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a graphic print

Performance Slip-On Suede Boat Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Slip-on Round toe Contrast lace stitch design Chunky sole Heel cushion and arch

Build A Farm Puzzle, at Marks & Spencer
50 piece puzzle Country scene farm design Helps with problem solving and discovering the environment Suitable for ages 3-6 years This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Gathered Front V-Neck Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Portfolio's Mimosa trend. A beautifully elegant look featuring chic, muted tones such as cocoa, mink, saffron and purple. Striking prints are key to this feminine trend

Prints - BRIGH S/SUCKER BS, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gardening Male Cake, at Marks and Spencers
36 portions Chocolate cake: A rich chocolate cake filled with milk chocolate ganache 20.5cm square 1.95kg total weight Chocolate cakes can be eaten up to 5 days after collection As featured on page 64 of the Food to Order brochure Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Pure Cotton Fine Rib Runner, at Marks & Spencers
Ribbed design Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Diamanté Flowers Small Gift Bag, at Marks & Spencers
Pink spot ribbon handle Diamant detail Floral design Approx size: H160 x W160 x D90 mm

Cashmilon™ Pull-On Knitted Hat, at Mark & Spensers
Stay ahead of trends in this stylish knitted hat made from supersoft cashmilon™. Warm and cosy, it's perfect with the matching scarf and gloves

Per Una Corduroy Bootleg Trousers with Patent Belt, at Mark's & Spencer
A smart pair of bootleg trousers in stretch cotton featuring a patent faux snake effect belt

M&S 2400W Steam Generator Iron, at Marks and Spencer
2020 - 2400 watt 1.5 litre boiler capacity 1 litre water reservoir Up to 70 minutes of continuous steam Variable steam feature Power on/off switch with indicator light Adjustable thermostatic control Boiler refill indicator light Steam lock button Steam ready indicator light Pressure safety release valve Dimensions: H34cm Stainless steel soleplate 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

Glacier Drop Earrings, at Marks&Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style Double bead design

2 Pairs of Fishnet Tights, at Marks and Spencers
Add some stylish flair to that chic skirt or dress and shape, lift and define your figure with this great value 2 pack of fishnet tights. A reinforced toe, comfortable sole and added stretch provide long lasting comfort and durability.

La Prendina Pinot Grigio Rosé 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Grigio & Rodinella Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork 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 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Silk Blend Rosa Knitted Top with Linen, at Marks & Spenser
A stylish 3/4 sleeve top featuring a scoop neck with fluted cuffs and hem. Comes with necklace shown

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 MarksandSpencer 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 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.