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 and Spenser 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:

• 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.

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 & 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 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 M+S 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 Property Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spensers 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."

Small Hamish the Westie Dog, at Mark & Spensers
Suitable from 12 months This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Enamel Butterfly Jewellery Holder, at Marks & Spencer
Enamel butterfly design Multiple hooks

Cashmilon™ Plain Knitted Gloves, at Marks & Spencers
Always handy, these warm cosy gloves are made from supersoft cashmilon™. Perfect with the matching scarf and hat

Schoolwear Plus Fit Stain Defence™ Non-Iron Trousers With Stormwear™, at M&S
These larger sized trousers are treated with Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ technologies, so they repel water and stains. They're non-iron for convenience - for best results, machine wash, tumble dry and hang straight away View Plus Schoolwear Size Guide. Find out more

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Chino Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
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

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

Mirrored 3-Drawer Chest, at Marks and Spenser
H63.5 x W49 x D45.5cm 3 drawers Mirrored finish with clear knobs 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Blend Pleated Ribbons Bedset, at M & S
Pleat design Ribbon detail Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Floral Collection Magnolia Soap, at Mark & Spencers
3 x 75g Magnolia scented Added moisturisers

Blue Harbour Real Cool & Fresh Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Our pure cotton polo shirts make summer dressing a breeze. Wear them with shorts and sandals for a perfect warm weather look

Hastings 3-Drawer Chest, at Marks and Spencer
H82 x W86 x D44cm 3 drawers Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard 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

Knee Length Seam Skater Skirt, at Marks & Spensers
Elegant and feminine, this skater skirt is designed to fit and flatter. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Semillon and Sauvignon Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Vinha da Urze Touriga Nacional Rosé 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks n Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Touriga Nacional Country of origin: Portugal Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Pairs of Plain & Stripe Ankle High Socks, at M+S
Designed for essential comfort and breathability, these ankle high socks are outstanding value

Silicone Pot Holder, at Marks and Spencers
L17.5 x W17.5cm Hole for hanging Can also be used to rest hot pans on Heat resistant to protect surfaces and pans from hot pots Embossed design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lichfield Glass Top Coffee & Side Table Set, at Marks & Spencers
Coffee Table: H40 x L86 x W86cm Side Table: H58.5 x W50 x D42.5cm Sturdy wooden undershelf Toughened glass top Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Shelves made from White Oak veneer 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. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Coin Lightweight Fringe Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
This chic lightweight scarf looks and feels gorgeous. It features a coin and fringe design making it modern and stylish

Footglove™ Leather Loafers, at Mark & Spensers
Round toe Stitch detail Flat sole Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight

Classic Ceramic Tumbler, at Marks and Spencers
Ceramic tumbler Chrome effect Wall mountable H14 x W11 x D10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Stick Blender with Accessories, at Marks and Spencer
300 watt 2-speeds Stainless steel blade Includes: wall-mount bracket, mixing beaker, chopper, detachable plastic blending rod, whisk Dimensions: H38cm 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

2 Per Una Clover Embroidered GG-J Bras, at M+S
Fresh and feminine, these bras are beautifully embellished with clover embroidery. They're underwired and structured to give great support and a natural uplifted shape. Pretty everyday fashion

First Readers The Ugly Duckling Sticker Activity Book, at Marks and Spencer
Help your child learn to read with this Read and Learn sticker activity book. It's specially designed to help develop your child's early learning skills and includes interactive sticker versions of the story, as well as over 20 pages of extension activities to reinforce your child's learning and further develop their skills

Pavilion Cereal Bowl, at MarksandSpencer
Round shape Stripe detail Height 5.5 cm, diameter 16.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Firm Control Chevron Stripe High Waist Thong, at Marks & Spencer
This firm control thong shapes you where you need it most, flattening your tummy and nipping in your waist. The thong back is ideal under trousers and close-fitting clothes. The chevron stripe design gives a modern look

Autograph Single Breasted 1 Button Jacket with Wool, at Marks & Spencer
Luxurious and elegant, this smartly tailored single breasted jacket is part of our exclusive Autograph range

The Floral Collection Iris Soap, at Mark & Spencers
3 x 100g Iris scented Added moisturisers

Flock Car Dad Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Dad Inside message: Have a classic birthday Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Girls Limited Long Sleeve Hooded Fleece, at Marks & Spensers
Part of Girls Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Daddy & Me - Drill & DIY Accessories, at MarksandSpencer
Helping Daddy with his DIY projects is a seriously fun business, and every little assistant needs to have tools and accessories that are up to the job. With realistic looks and features, the mini cordless drill is just like Daddy's and a 'must-have' for any junior tool kit. The protective gloves and ear defenders mean that no job will be too big (or too dangerous) for Daddy and his helper!

Shopping for financial products at Marks & Spencers Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark's & Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the Marks & Spencers Money website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Property 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 Marks & Spencers Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the Marks & Spencers Money website.