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

Besides Marks & Spencers Motor Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services Household Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Financial Services Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier Household Insurance and Standard Household Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

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 & Spensers 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 & Spenser, through its M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Household Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Pure Cotton Spot Print Cropped Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and practical, these spot print pyjama bottoms are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Collezione Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
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

Dora The Explorer Adventure Sticker Book, at M+S
Join Dora on her journey into Fairytale Land to help find a princess to wake up Boots from his deep, deep sleep. Follow the story and get involved with 40 re-usable stickers inside

Hibiscus Floral Swim Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Colourful and modern, these drawstring shorts fit comfortably and securely. A practical and stylish choice

Lemon Soufflé, at Mark's & Spencer
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

Multiway Sheer Strap Push-Up Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Whether you wear it strapless, cross-over or conventional, this smart bra offers the best in versatile comfort thanks to a multiway design and gently padded cups. An essential addition to any wardrobe

Cashmilon™ Long Sleeve Turtle Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and flattering, this turtle neck jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features a turtle neck.

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Floral Shirt, at M & S
This pure cotton shirt has been dyed using a special process to give an authentic washed down look which will fade fashionably with time and wear. Colour variations make each garment unique

Pink Floral Dress Mum Birthday Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover text: To a very special Mum on her birthday Inside message: With all my love This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future. Approx. size: 230 mm x 114 mm

Collezione Wool Rich Flat Front Plain Trousers, at M & S
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit 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 garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Cotton Rich 3/4 Sleeve Floral Top with Silk, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this 3/4 length sleeve top is made from a luxurious blend of silk and cotton and features a floral print

Maternity Spot Print Tankini Top, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and modern, this spot print tankini top is designed to flatter you and your bump. Added stretch and a clever cut give a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A practical, versatile choice

Portland Pasta Bowl, at Marks and Spencer
Portland dining range Multi stripe design H4.5 x Diam 23.5cm Dishwasher and microwave safe, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gold Label Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Dahlia Shade, at Marks & Spensers
Cylinder shade Floral design Contrast trim Dimensions: H25 x D35.5cm Bulb: Max 60W compatible with energy saving bulbs 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

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Argyle Socks, at M+S
These classic cotton rich socks are soft, breathable and comfortable. Added stretch gives a great fit

Oxford Toe Cap Brogue Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Punch apron detail Toe cap design Lace up Block heel

Leather Ostrich Design Laptop Bag, at Marks&Spencer
Stylish and practical, this laptop bag is made from luxurious hardwearing leather and features useful compartments. A useful and fashionable accessory

Portfolio Pure Linen Sleeveless Shift Dress, at Marks and Spencer
This fresh fashionable dress in cool pure linen is beautifully styled and detailed with contrast trim and waistline

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Trousers with Silk, at M & S
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from fine quality wool with silk for a touch of luxury. A practical, hardwearing and fashionable choice

3 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Assorted Design Socks, at Marks and Spencers
Fun and fashionable, these soft cotton rich socks feature assorted design

Collezione Pure Silk Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spensers
Combining classic silk quality with a contemporary design, this stunning tie will make a valuable and versatile addition to your formal wardrobe. Made in Italy

Per Una Roma Cotton Rich Bootleg Jeans with Belt, at Marks and Spencers
A smart pair of bootleg jeans in stretch cotton featuring an oval buckle belt

Die Cut Pink Flowers and Vase Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover Text: Happy birthday to you today Inside Message: Love and wishes for a wonderful day Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Autograph Chunky Face Analogue Watch, at M & S
Chunky face Analogue Round face Date indicator Leather strap

Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Velour Hooded Top, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and practical, this cotton rich long sleeve velour hooded top features a drawstring and front pockets

Pure Silk Bow Tie, at Marks & Spencers
Crafted from luxurious silk, this elegant bow tie is a sophisticated choice for entering those black tie events in classic style

5 Pairs of Cotton Rich Week Days Trainer Liner Socks, at Marks & Spencers
Comfy and practical, these soft cotton rich socks are designed to hide neatly inside trainers

Adored Short Sleeve Floral Pyjamas, at Mark & Spensers
Stylish and elegant, these flattering pyjamas are part of our feminine Adored collection. They're made from a soft cotton blend for the ultimate in comfort

Leopard Print Flexilite Umbrella, at Marks & Spencers
Brighten up rainy days with this stylish lightweight umbrella

When you're shopping at Marks and 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 M&S Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Household Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencer than you might imagine.

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