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 MarksandSpencer 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, Sainsbury's, or Tesco's:

• 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.

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 M & S 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 Money Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor 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 & 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 Money Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property Insurance and Motor 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 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."

3 Pack Round Neck T-Shirts, at Marks and Spenser
Stock up on essential t-shirts with this great value multipack in soft, comfortable cotton. Practical and easycare, they're a great choice for casualwear and for PE

Woven Straw Double Chain Holiday Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and useful, this holiday bag features a woven design. A practical and fashionable accessory

Panasonic DMR - EX769 160GB HDD DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, at Mark & Spencers
160GB capacity for a max recording of 200 hours onto the Hard Disk Drive Integrated Digital and Analogue Tuner VIERA link 1080p Up-Conversion and adaptive HD Enhancer Auto Preset Down Load Connect a DIGA DVD recorder to your VIERA TV via an HDMI cable Intelligent Auto Standby USB & SD Card slots Dimensions: W43 x H5.9 x D28.6cm

Dyson DC23 Animal Vacuum Cleaner, at Mark & Spensers
Suction power: 280 airwatts (constant) Bin capacity: 2 litres Root Cyclone™ technology: Dyson vacuum cleaners separate dirt from the air by centrifugal force. It spins the air incredibly fast and the dust and dirt is flung out into the clear bin™. Suction is maintained as there is no bag to become clogged No bags or filters: No extra costs and your vacuum doesn't lose power as you clean Hygienic and quick to empty: Dyson design minimises risk of contact with dirt Cord length: 6.5 metres Combination accessory tool: Debris nozzle converts to a brush tool for dusting Included in the box: Crevice tool, mini turbine head, stair tool, turbine head, operations manual, quick start guide Dimensions: 352 x 460 x 289 mm Weight: 8.75 kg 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

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Le Charmois 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol 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

Pure Linen Palm Border Print Skirt, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and contemporary, this linen skirt is a look you'll love. A versatile, easywear look

1.7L Cordless Midnight Kettle, at Mark & Spencers
1.7 litre capacity 2500 - 3000W Polished black and stainless steel finish 360 degree rotating base with cord storage Water window and contrasting on/off switch Concealed element for fast boiling and easy cleaning Comfortable black grip handle Anti-slip base 2 year guarantee, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Ditsy Flower Wire Necklace, at Marks n Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Ditsy flower wire design Necklace length 41cm, extendable by 8cm

Travel Essentials Cosmetic Cool Bag, at Marks & Spensers
Zip fastening Plain Contrast piping Rectangular Insulated lining

Younger Girls' Riptape Canvas Trainers, at Marks n Spencer
Round toe Twin riptape straps Canvas design

Per Una Speziale Long Wear Pressed Powder, at Marks & Spensers
Long wear, light diffusing pressed powder Lasts for up to 16 hours Hypoallergenic 11g

4 Aurora Soup Spoons, at Mark & Spensers
4-piece set 18/10 stainless steel This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Spot Print Corsage Camisole, at Marks & Spencers
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

Per Una Lily Print Pleated Dress, at M&S
A fashionable knee-length dress featuring pleat detail and loose fit

True Red Eau De Toilette, at Marks and Spencer
100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Drawstring Hooded Parka, at Marks and Spencers
A modern drawstring hooded parka featuring a water repellent finish

Text Husband Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover Text: To my wonderful Husband Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Feather Bow Headband With Satin Trim, at Marks and Spenser
Trimmed with a striking bow and feathers, this glamorous fascinator band is sure to turn heads!

Older Boys' Shark Embroidered Swim Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these lined shorts fit comfortably and securely. A shark embroidered design adds a fab finishing touch

Per Una Pintuck Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
A casual knee length skirt in a soft cotton blend featuring a pintuck design

Taste of Chile - Case of 12, at Mark & Spensers
4 Los Nucos-Shiraz Cabernet Ros2007: A seriously fruity Chilean Ros, packed with berry flavours... 4 Los Nucos Chardonnay 2007: A vibrantly fruity and fresh Chilean chardonnay... 4 Los Nucos Cabernet Sauvignon 2006: A soft, slightly spicy Chilean red, easy-drinking in style... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Blue Harbour Plain Linen Shorts, at Marks and Spenser
Think smart on those warmer days and nights with the design of these great value shorts. Pair with sandals and a T-shirt or team with a short sleeve shirt and boat shoes for a dressier casual look

Jacquard Bonded DD-G Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Smooth and versatile, this jacquard bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

T397861, at Marks and Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Spice Bangle, at Marks & Spencer
Chunky style

Per Una Senorita Long Sleeve Cardigan, at Marks & Spensers
A gorgeous feminine long sleeve cardigan in a soft knitted fabric. Rounded edging and single feature button fastening give it the Per Una touch

The Floral Collection Lavender Mini Gift Pack, at Marks and Spencer
Moisturising hand and body lotion: 50ml Guest soap: 25g Moisture rich handwash: 50ml

Small Jungle Monkey, at Marks & Spencers
Suitable for ages 0-3yrs This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Allegra Heart Charm Drop Earrings, at Marks & Spenser
Drop style Hook fastening Heart charm For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Pure Cotton Belted Straight Leg Jeans, at M & S
These straight leg jeans in pure cotton are great value. A practical, easycare style

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencers 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 Mark's & Spencer, 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 Money, you get more, and you pay less.