Marks & Spencer Money offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately Marks & Spencer Money Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor 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 Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor 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 Motor 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 & Spencer Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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 M&S are so useful. Marks & Spencer Money 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, House Insurance policies. Usually, UK House 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 Marks & Spencer Money House 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 Marks & Spencer Money House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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

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

Glass Collection Tealight Lantern, at Marks & Spencer
Reusable Ideal for outdoor use Holds tealight candles 0.60kgs 10 x 10 x 26.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lemon Soufflé, at Mark & Spensers
Serves 6-8 Ready to eat Comes in a table-presentable ceramic dish Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers 700g total weight As featured on page 51 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Butterfly Necklace & Hair Clips Set, at Marks&Spencer
Set of 3 Necklace with adjustable clasp fastening and butterfly pendant 2 butterfly detail hair clips Suitable for age 3+ Length: 41cm Extender: 8cm

Philips HP6335 Double Contour Ladyshave, at Marks and Spencer
Fast and efficient shaving: Twin-head for light shave of even the toughest hairs Adjusts to every body curve: Floating shaving head follows your body curves Smooth shave with aloe vera Washable shaving head Rechargeable Accessories: cleaning brush, charging stand and bikini trim attachments

2 Plain First Bras, at Marks and Spencer
This simply styled great value bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's woven with stretchy cotton/fabric for a supportive and comfortable fit and the non-wired design is the best choice for first bras

Die Cut Letters Get Well Soon Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Get well soon Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 mm x 150 mm

Les Ruettes Sancerre Rosé 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks&Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork 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

Campo Bravo Rioja Blanco 2008 - Case of 12, at M&S
Grape variety: 100% Viura Country of origin: Spain Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5 % vol Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pearl Effect Wire Baroque Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Dual-strand feature Pearl-effect design Length: 44cm

Leather Saddle Edge Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and easy to wear, this casual belt is a fantastic partner for your favourite jeans and chinos

Ingredients Passion Fruit Body Butter, at Marks & Spenser
Passion fruit scented 200ml Ingredients: Aqua, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-8 Beeswax, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Theobroma Cacao, Bis PEG-12 Dimethicone Beeswax, Benzyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Hexyl Cinnamal, Tocopherol, Limonene, Linalool, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis, Butylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylparaben, Passiflora Edulis (Passion Fruit) Propylene Glycol, Geraniol, Propylparaben, Alcohol Denat., Isobutylparaben Citral, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid, Barosma Betulina, CI 42090, CI 17200

Big & Tall Flat Front Trousers with Wool, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Sweet Bergamot Inclusion Candle, at Marks & Spencers
Scented Includes plate, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Leggings, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Wentworth Armchair, at Marks and Spenser
H96 x W74 x D100cm Seat H50cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Floral Print Corduroy Skirt, at Marks and Spencers
Fresh and feminine, this corduroy skirt is made from cool soft cotton. It's designed for a comfortable, flattering fit and an elegantly groomed look

Piped Bow Leather Gloves, at Marks and Spenser
These fashionable and elegant leather gloves are finished with piped bow and are warmly lined. Perfect for keeping out the cold without compromising on style

Knitted Contrast Wrap, at Marks & Spencer
Keep warm without compromising on style! This fashionable contrast wrap feels soft and cosy and makes a great way to add an extra layer

2 Easycare Long Sleeve Striped Shirts, at M&S
Smart and stylish, this pack of 2 long sleeve easycare shirts is great value. An ideal choice for everyday wear

Retro Plastic Sunglasses, at Marks & Spencer
With full UV protection and a flattering modern design, these smart sunglasses will see you through the summer in style

Cross Dye Stitch Detail Quilted Bedcover, at Marks & Spenser
Cross dye design Stitch detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S 1.7L Cordless White Kettle, at Marks and Spenser
1.7 litre capacity 220-240v 50hz 1850-2200w Water window and on/off switch Cord storage base Lockable safety lid Removable filter for simple cleaning 2 year guarentee

Blue Harbour Classic Pure Cotton Funnel Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
A contemporary design makes this jacket a fashionable choice

Baby Bunny Sleeping Bag, at M&S
Popper button fastening Embroidered bunny design Stripe detail Tog rating 2 0-6 months: L68 x W47cm 6-12 months: L68 x W54cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Loop Bathmats, at Marks&Spencer
Block colour design Bathmat: L80 x W50cm Pedestal:: L55 x W50cm Bathmat and pedestal mat must be purchased separately, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pure Cotton Plain Boxers, at Mark's & Spencer
Comfortable, practical and fashionable, this 5 pack of boxers is made with soft breathable cotton

Pure Cotton Edged Gingham Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this edged gingham shirt is made from pure cotton

Large Glass Candle Holder, at Marks and Spencers
Multi layered stem Faceted Wide base Dimensions: H32cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wooden Meat Tenderiser, at Marks and Spencers
Double sided mallet Wooden design L32cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Calypso Multi Strand Disc Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Multi strand design Mixed disc beads Necklace length: 23cm, extendable by 7cm

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 & Spencer Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to House Insurance and Motor 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 & Spencer 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 & Spencer Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the Marks & Spencer 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."