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 M&S 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 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.

M&S Money Direct Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Car Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Car Insurance and Home Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Home Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Money Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

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 Mark & Spencers 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 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 Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Classic Ceramic Circle Mirror, at Marks & Spenser
Circular shape H68 x W50cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cross Panel Knee Length Skater Skirt, at Mark & Spensers
Pretty and feminine, this panelled skirt makes a fashionable, flattering choice. A great work-to-evening style

Origami and Beads Large Gift Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Pack Contains: 1 gift bag Approx Size: H: 350 mm, W:350 mm, D: 100 mm

Little Acorns Birth Announcement Pack of Ten, at Marks n Spencer
Cover Text: New baby Inside Message: Would like to announce the birth of . . . . . .,A new arrival . . . . . . , On . . . ., Time . . . ., Weighing Pack Contains: 10 cards, 1 design Approx Size: 120 mm x 120 mm

Multi Strand Beach Treasure Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
3 strand style Adjustable length Clasp fastening Mixed bead design Necklace lengths: 40cm, extendable by 7.5cm

Autograph Essentials Bootleg Trousers with Wool, at M+S
Part of Autograph Essentials - a collection of luxurious and timeless wardrobe must-haves featuring premium design and sophisticated styling

Autograph Pleated Tulip Skirt, at Marks&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

Collezione Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this shirt to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Chevron Print Scarf, at Marks and Spenser
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your look with this elegant chevron print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Stainless Steel Utensil Hanging Rack, at Marks & Spensers
Holds up to 6 utensils Comes with wall fixings L45cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Valletta Table, at Marks and Spenser
Stainless steel and teak frame Suitable for outdoor use H80 x W150 x W90cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Suede Leather Water Repellent Ankle Boots, at M+S
Square toe Stitch detail Side zip fastening Ankle high Block mid heel Heel height: 46mm Water repellent Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Autograph Light Control Lace Zip-Up Waspie, at M+S
A great shape for those who want the appearance of an enviable hourglass figure, this waspie waist cincher shapes your waist and tummy. Perfect for giving a feminine and controlled shape under dresses. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Cecily's Garden Yellow Roses Engagement Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: With love on your Engagement Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 215mm

1001 Little Wellbeing Miracles by Esme Floyd, at Mark & Spensers
From boosting your energy levels to coping with depression, and from making the most of alternative therapies to how to plan some 'you' time, "1001 Little Wellbeing Miracles" is your very own pocket life coach, allowing you to reach into every area of your life and give it some much needed attention. The book includes all sorts of helpful hints for problem areas like sleep problems, workplace issues, relationship ruts, time management and learning to prioritize, as well as tips for helping you find some time for yourself and a breakdown of how you can boost health and happiness

Petite Linear Colour Block Dress, at Marks & Spensers
Chic and contemporary, this linear dress features a colour block design. A fabulous fashionable look. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Autograph Flock Stripe Low Rise Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
Stunningly stylish, these flattering shorts feature a delicate pleated skirt design. The modern low leg styling gives a shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Detroit 5 Drawer Chest, at Marks & Spencer
H105 x W90 x D45cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawer boxes made from solid European hardwood. Draw fronts made with oak veneer Solid oak legs Side panels made with Oak veneer Top panels made from Oak veneer with a 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 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

Noisy Wooden Puzzle, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 1-3 years Match the colourful jungle animals to hear their amazing sounds With 5 animal noises This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Top, at Marks and Spenser
For casual elegance, you can't beat this stripe crew neck top. A great value cotton essential

Younger Girls' Walkmates Assorted Strap Sandals, at Mark's & Spencer
Open-toe Buckle fastening Contrast stitching Flat sole

Pure Cotton Faux Fur Trim Hooded Parka, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and stylish, the parka has become a fashion essential. This easycare version is finished with a faux fur trim hood

Patent Wild Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable elasticated and patent finish waist belt

Autograph Leather Pleated Pumps, at Mark & Spensers
Pointed toe Pleated design Slip on Low heel Heel height: 15mm

2 Mosaic Stackable Chairs, at Marks & Spenser
H96 x W56 x D56cm Sold as a pair Metal frame Polyester seat pads included Suitable for indoor and all-weather outdoor use Individually hand crafted Please note that this range uses natural stone and grouts and therefore the colours within the products may vary from those shown and may change over time This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lightweight Ombre Stripe Scarf, at M & S
With a selection of pretty scarves in your suitcase, holiday dressing is a breeze

2 Cotton Rich Lace Trim Vests, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and practical, this pack of 2 vests makes a great value way to stock up your underwear drawer. The stretch cotton fabric is the ideal choice for everyday wear and gives a comfortable flattering fit.

Autograph 2 Piece Pure Cotton Outfit, at Marks & Spencer
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

Portfolio Cotton Rich Bootleg Joggers, at Marks & Spensers
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

Maternity Piped Swimsuit, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and modern, this piped swimsuit is designed to flatter you and your bump. Added stretch and a clever cut give a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A practical, versatile choice

Marks and Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Home Insurance or Car Insurance, but M&S do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the M&S Money Direct website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Financial Services products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money Direct loans, credit cards or Home Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money Direct can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Money Direct insurance products (Home Insurance, Car Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks and Spencer insurance products in document format too.