M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 and 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 M&S Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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

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

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

Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Top, at Mark & Spencers
Pretty embroidery detail makes this soft cotton top extra special

Photographic Puppy Aunty Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: Aunty... Hope you have a relaxing birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

Chinese Cooking School Recipe Book, at Marks and Spencer
Cooking School is a new series of cookbooks that will take your tastebuds on a global adventure ! Aimed at helping you to re-create the world's most popular cuisines in your own kitchen, the easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipes are suitable for both novice and accomplished home cooks. The art of chinese cooking has evolved over many centuries, yet it has never been more popular in teh West than it is today. Chinese cooks have developed tasty dishes for every possible occasion - from dainty wontons to colourful stir-fries and from vibrant vegetable dishes to fruity desserts. Cooking school chinese will teach you how to make all the classic dishes, plus many new and contemporary twists on old favourites, with helpful hints and tips for achieving perfect results every time. Get cooking and bring a taste of china into your home !

Pure Cotton Embroidered Number Joggers, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and comfortable, these casual joggers are made from soft cotton and feature an embroidered number feature. A practical easycare choice

Younger Boys' Tramline School Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Square toe Plain Tramline detail Slip on Flat sole Scuff Resistant Easy clean Slip resistant sole

Maxim Espresso Cup & Saucer Set, at Marks n Spencer
2 part set Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Cup height: 6cm Saucer diameter: 13.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of Unisex Trainer Liner Socks, at Marks & Spensers
Featuring a cotton rich weave and added stretch for soft, breathable comfort, these great value trainer liners are the perfect choice for young athletes

Scruffy Dog and Football Age 4 Birthday Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover Text: 4 Football-tastic Years Old! Inside Message: Have a great day Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Per Una Mock Wrap Front Tunic, at Marks and Spenser
A fashionable short fril sleeve tunic featuring embroidered floral design, finished with a front mock wrap and lace trim

Pure Cotton Frill Hem Jacket, at M+S
Smart and stylish, this pure cotton jacket is tailored to fit and flatter. A great choice for work

3 Cool & Fresh Pure Cotton Assorted Boxers, at Marks&Spencer
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy cool and fresh stripe boxers are ideal for everyday wear

Autograph Loretto 2 Left-Hand Chaise & Coffee Table/Footstool Set, at Marks & Spencer
3 piece set - 2 chaise longue and 1 combination Coffee Table/Footstoolfootstool Coffee Table/Footstool has a removeable top cushion. Can be used as a footstool or a coffee table All-weather synthetic rattan Silver-effect rattan Quick drying foam seat pad in 100% polyester Chaise dimensions: H62 x W200 x D97.5cm, seat H30.5cm Coffee Table/Footstool dimensions: H30.5 x W80.5 x L80.5cm Suitable for indoor or outdoor use *Save 30% when you buy this set. Individually 2047. Save 648. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Malabar 3 Door Sideboard, at Marks and Spencer
H90 x W180 x D50cm 3 drawers 1 adjustable shelf in each cupboard Made from solid mango wood Treated with a protective low-sheen lacquer that provides added durability Fitted with antique-brass-effect handles 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 sideboard as part of a set. Click here to view the Malabar Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fresh Feet Riptape Boat Shoe, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Stitch detail Riptape fastening Lace feature Flat sole Sanitised Silver technology effectively reduces bacteria that cause odours

Collezione Italian Pure Silk Kennedy Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

2 Autograph Assorted Stripe Slips, at Mark & Spencers
Featuring the best in modern fabric and contemporary design, these luxurious slips feel exceptionally comfortable and give a superior fashionable fit

Square Check Wrap Mini Skirt, at Marks and Spencers
Short and sweet, this mini skirt looks and feels luxurious. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Per Una Double Breasted Water Repellent Mac with Belt, at Marks & Spencer
A modern double breasted mac featuring a check design. A matching waist belt gives it the Per Una touch

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Cymru Rugby Top, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable smart-casual look, this comfortable cotton rugby shirt features block stripes and an embroidered Cymru motif. Stylish, practical and easycare

Collezione Long Sleeve Bomber Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and contemporary, this long sleeve bomber jacket is inspired by Italian tailoring

DD-G Lace Overlay Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this lace bra is ideal for everyday wear. Underwiring and padding give an uplifted and enhanced natural shape

Traditional Patch Cushion, at Marks & Spensers
Rectangular shape Tasselled Patch design L43 x W60, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Rome (Eyewitness Travel Guides), at M&S
From gorgeous piazzas and stunning fountains to incredible ancient history, discover Rome with the "Eyewitness Travel Guide". This expanded and fully revised edition includes 3-D aerial views of Rome's most interesting districts and cutaways and floor plans of all the major sights. Using the detailed maps and colour Street Finder, explore the Coliseum, Pantheon and Roman ruins armed with vivid reconstructions

Duck Feather & Down 10.5 Tog Duvet, at Marks & Spenser
10.5 tog Ideal for Spring and Autumn use, or all round use in homes with central heating 230 thread count and 100% cotton downproof cover Excellent value for money, natural duck feather and down filling ensures a soft and comfy night's sleep Pure cotton cover Highest quality class 1 duck feather down Which tog? Tog measures the warmth of a duvet based on its ability to trap warm air. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet. The perfect tog is a personal choice which can depend upon you and your home, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

50/50 Pleated Bedset, at Marks & Spenser
Pleated design Single set includes duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Essentials Star Print Blouse, at Marks n Spencer
This fab short sleeve blouse features a stunning star print. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Pure Cotton Straight Leg Jeans with Belt, at Mark & Spensers
These straight leg jeans in pure cotton are great value. A practical, easycare style

Bacon, Leek & Vintage Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart, at Marks and Spenser
Serves 4-6 Ready to cook 400g As featured on page 21 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Per Una Rainbow Stripe Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable stripe bikini bottoms featuring a side tie

Classic Collection Long Sleeve Fleece Jacket, at Mark's & Spencer
Perfect for relaxing at home as well as keeping warm outside, this cosy fleece features jacket-style detailing for a smart, fashionable look. So versatile and comfortable, you'll want to wear it all the time.

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 Mark & Spencers are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks n Spencer 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 Finance 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 Finance Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.