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, 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spensers 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 Household 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 & Spensers, 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks & Spensers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Car 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 Car Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spencers, 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 Car Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Girlie Dress Up Stamper Set, at Marks and Spencers
Contains: 1 case, 5 stamps, 1 ink pad and 10 sheets of notepaper Approx size: 11 x 9cm

Collzione Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
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

Classic Collection Pull-On Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear

Stud Tassel Tote Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this tote bag is a useful accessory with bags of style!

Tapestry Pencil Pleat Curtains, at Marks and Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pink and Sage Floral Duo Multipack of Cards, at M+S
Cover text: Blank Inside message: blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 138 x 138mm

Pure Silk Plain Self Tie Bow Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Make those formal, black tie engagements an effortless affair with this elegant self tie bow tie

Music Keyring, at Marks & Spencers
You'll never lose your keys again with this eye-catching keyring and it's music design

Per Una Flap Zip Bag, at Marks and Spencer
A stylish bag featuring front zip details. Fantastic with this season's styles

Secano Estate Rosé Pinot Noir 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by 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

Per Una Short Sleeve Spot Print Blouse, at Mark's & Spencer
A beautiful short sleeve blouse with camisole featuring frill trim and spot print design

Lotus Flower Refresher & Burner Oil, at Marks and Spencers
Floral scent 15ml, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

PlayStation®2 Singstar Abba, at Marks & Spencers
For ages 3+ Sing along to Abba Download new songs via the SingStore Upload your video performances with My SingStar Online 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe 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, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Malabar Console Table, at Marks&Spencer
H80 x W120 x D50cm 2 drawers Hand crafted predominantly from solid mango wood Protective low-sheen lacquer finish for added durability Antique-brass effect handles Legs made from solid wood Delivered flatpack due to size 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Black Glitter Son Birthday Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text: Son Inside message: Happy birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Pacific 2-Seater Sofa, Armchair and Coffee Tables Set, at Marks and Spencer
Set includes Pacific large 2 seater sofa, armchair, coffee table & side table Large 2 seater sofa dimensions: H92 x W195 x D91cm Armchair: H92 x W83 x D91cm Seat H54cm (all dimensions are approximate) Coffee table: H42 x W76 x D76cm. Toughened glass top Side table: H48 x W48 x D48cm. Toughened glass top Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that gives long-lasting performance and helps to maintain the cushions look and shape. Provides improved resilience without compromising on softness. Easy-care and springs back to its original shape after re-fluffing 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 tpo prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions Cushion covers are removable on this range Frame made from solid wood wrapped in pandan. 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 Pine feet with a light finish Includes 2 free matching bolsters 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 0845 603 1 603 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Linen Blend Short Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Chic and modern, this short sleeve shirt is made from a cool crisp linen blend and features stripe design

Autograph Weekend Tencel® Cropped Trousers with Belt, at Marks & 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.

Little Heart Necklace & Bracelet Set, at Mark & Spensers
2 part set Stretch bracelet and necklace Little heart design

Classic Collection Short Sleeve Tencel® Blouse, at M+S
Ideal for everyday wear, this smart blouse is made from soft tencel and the fit is comfortable and flattering. A fashionable and practical style

Rectangle Face Link Watch, at M & S
Rectangle face Analogue Roman numerals Link strap

Autograph Weekend Lightweight Bold Spot Print Scarf, at Marks and Spencers
Add a touch of sophisticated style with this shimmering scarf. The perfect lightweight layer to wrap over this season's tops and dresses

Pure Cotton Animal Print Jersey Top, at Marks & Spencer
This fashionable animal print top is made from super soft fabric that looks and feels great. Modern styling details give it a cool contemporary edge

Big & Tall Single Pleat Fine Herringbone Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
No more trips to the drycleaners! These smart, fashionable trousers are machine washable. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Multi Ring Shoulder Bag, at Marks and Spencer
This ring detail bag can be worn on the shoulder or across the body for a contemporary and casual look

Elasticated Waist Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable elasticated waist belt

Emergency Vehicles Sticker Book, at Mark's & Spencer
Get ready to save the day with this Emergency Vehicles Sticker Book. Featuring 40 emergency vehicle themed stickers, this great set also includes a fact book, activity book and a colourful sceneboard

High Heel Elastic Trouser Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Pointed toe Elastic detail Slip on Patent effect Heel height: 6.6cm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Small Duck Soft Toy, at M&S
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Approx 29cm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Silver Leaf Cushion, at Mark's & Spencer
Square shape L50 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 Marks and Spenser are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make M&S 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, Household Insurance policies. Usually, UK Household 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 Money Direct Household 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 Money Direct Household Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.