Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 n 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 Tescos 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 Marks & Spencers Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Marks & Spencers Money 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 House 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 House 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, Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks and 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 Marks and Spencer, through its Marks & Spencers Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S House Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Bamboo Cotton Blend Striped Dressing Gown, at Marks & Spencer
A great option for evening snuggling, this surprisingly soft bamboo blend dressing gown features two handy front pockets and a practical waist tie

Linen Blend Single Breasted Blazer, at Marks and Spencer
This flattering single breasted blazer looks great worn over casuals for a relaxed look. Finished with a contemporary 2 button fastening, this easycare jacket will see you through the season in style

Per Una Ditsy Floral Print Dress, at Marks & Spensers
A fresh sleeveless dress featuring a floral print, finished with a frill neckline

Pure Cotton Crochet Trim Vest Top, at Marks & Spenser
A crochet trim design makes this soft cotton vest top fabulously fashionable

12 Piece Coupe Dinner Set, at Marks and Spenser
12-piece dinner set Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 cereal bowls Pure white porcelain Versatile fine dining range, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Silk Check Tie, at M&S
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart check tie in pure silk

Double Hinged Photo Frame with Mount 10.2 x 15.2cm (4 x 6''), at Marks n Spencer
Simple and with classic lines, this contemporary photo frame features a narrow border for a smart and stylish finish

Autograph Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Stylish and contemporary, this pure cotton stripe shirt is part of our luxurious Autograph collection. The fabric has been created exclusively for us to tie in with this seasons key looks, so you wont find it anywhere else"

Handy Manny Activity Library, at Mark & Spencers
These little books are the perfect introduction to first words, numbers, shapes and colours. When children have finished reading the books, they can flip them over and put together the delightful puzzle picture of Manny and his trusty tools!

Girls' Limited Ribbon Detail Hat & Scarf Set, at Mark & Spencers
Snug and cosy, this cute hat and scarf is a fashionable choice for chilly weather

Black & Decker® FV1205N Pivot Plus Cordless Stic Vac, at Mark & Spencers
Pivots in 4 positions to adapt to the different cleaning situations. Position 0 for charge and storage; position 1 for normal use; position 2 pivoting angle; position 3 pivoting angle Cordless for maximum convenience Up to the edge cleaning thanks to its innovative floor-head Powerful 12V unit for high pick-up level of dirt and debris Double filtration system for better performance and longer filter life Easy emptying system: just open the lid to empty the bowl Rotating power brush for effective cleaning of carpet and rugs Simply switch-off the floor head beater bar for hard surface cleaning Lightweight for effortless use, even on stairs Easy to store thanks to its docking station that allows the unit to charge whilst stored

Thermal Performance Active Long Sleeve Top, at MarksandSpencer
Innovative and high-performance, this top is made with moisture control and anti-odour technology. They're designed to keep you at a comfortable temperature so you feel warm, fresh and dry

Round Face Analogue Watch, at Mark & Spensers
Round face Analogue Buckle fastening Stitch detail 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

Cotton Rich Pin Spot Print Bikini Knickers, at M+S
Pretty and feminine, these cute pin spot print bikini briefs sit low on the waist - perfect for wearing under hipsters. They're cut away at the front and sides and cover the bottom for a comfortable and flattering fit

Classic Bed Stool, at M&S
H47 x W74 x D99cm (extends to L215cm) Top of stool is removeable and bed folds out from within. Click here to view bed Top cushion of stool made from polyester fibre Foam mattress for occasional use Mattress dimensions: L178 x W61 x D5cm Both stool and bed rest on glides Free swatch samples: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Seams and pattern match on fabrics - Please note that the images of fabrics displayed here are overlaid onto models. These images act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished product. Seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Large Fridge Mum Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: "I wish I'd known" thought Mum, "I haven't got a lot in..." Inside text: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Size: 150 x 150 mm

Non-Wired Embroidered Floral Stripe Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this embroidered detail bra is structured for secure support and an enhanced natural shape. Ideal for everyday wear

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

Chain Straw Weave Shopping Bag, at Mark's & Spencer
Stylish and useful, this shopping bag features a woven design. A practical and fashionable accessory

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ + Regular Fit Jeans, at Mark & Spensers
These smart jeans are treated with new Stormwear™ +, which combines our unique stormwear finish with a stain repellent technology that'll keep dry and comfortable all day long

Autograph Weekend Cotton Rich Bootleg Jeans, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Lichfield 5-Drawer Tall Chest, at MarksandSpencer
H119 x W66 x D50cm 5 drawers Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Handles made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered 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. SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this chest as part of a set. Click here to view the Lichfield Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Stretch Denim Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and casual, these plain jeans are made with stretch for comfort and ease of movement

Limited Collection Rio Charm Necklace, at M & S
Clasp fastening Multiple charms Multi strand Necklace length 47.5cm, extendable by 7.5cm

Clarendon Large 2-Seater Sofa, at M & S
H91 x W233 x D103cm Seat H52cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that maintains the cushions' look and shape. Click here to Find out more Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Feet are castors All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 08457 624 624 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Signature Lemon Grass Pot Pourri Box, at Marks and Spencer
Lemon grass fragrance Presented in a box, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Linen Rich Petal Frill Skirt with Silk, at Mark's & Spencer
This skirt is part of Limited Collection's Sahara City trend. Wild and natural with a slick cosmopolitan edge, this trend features modern graphic prints, statement pieces and a warm colour palette

Traidcraft Embroidered Mum Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover Text: Mum Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 138 x 138mm

Petite Double Button Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

5 Cotton Rich Butterfly High Leg Knickers, at Marks and Spenser
These high leg cotton rich knickers are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

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 Marks & Spencers Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to House Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spenser than you might imagine.

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