Marks & Spencer 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 & Spencer 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, 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 Marks & Spencer Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is M&S Standard Car Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

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

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 and 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 Spencers, through its Marks & Spencer 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 Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Non-Stick Large Oven Tray, at Marks and Spencers
Non-stick Teflon coated Dimensions: L38 x W30 x D4.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Luxury Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Marl Stripe Polo Shirt, at M&S
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Pure Wool Spot Rug, at Marks & Spenser
Rectangular Spot design Small: L80 x W140cm Medium: L120 x W180cm Large: L160 x W230cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Scorpius Hard Small Rollercase, at Marks n Spencer
Strong yet lightweight, this stylish luggage has 4 wheels for maximum manoeuvrability, a fixed combination lock, telescopic handle and fully lined interiors. There's a free 5 year guarantee, too

Per Una Styled Harem Folk Print Shorts, at M&S
Feminine and delicate, these stylish shorts feature a harem folk print and are finished with lace and bow detail. The low rise style gives a flattering shapely fit and is ideal for wearing under hipsters. Pretty everyday fashion

Autograph Occasions Floral Lace Wedding Dress, at Mark & Spensers
Simply elegant, this exclusive wedding dress is detailed with a floral lace design. An exclusive, luxurious look from Autograph for your wedding day

Footglove™ Wide Fit Leather Court Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Step out in style in these wide fit Footglove™ shoes, made with a soft leather upper. Comfortable, lightweight and flexible

Soft Vanilla Pot Pourri Bag, at M+S
Vanilla scented assortment, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Raspberry Panna Cotta, at Marks and Spencer
Serves 6-8 Ready to eat Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers 900g As featured on page 50 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

Layered Cover Up Dress, at Marks & Spencers
Fabulously fashionable, this flattering cover up is designed in the latest shape. Fashionable, practical and comfortable

Patent Leather Tab Purse, at Marks and Spencer
This stylish purse is made from real leather with reinforced stitching and a secure popper fastening. A high quality and chic essential

Autograph Firm Control Lace High Waist Knickers, at Mark's & Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds! These firm control knickers gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

Ascensio Hard Small Rollercase, at Marks and Spencers
Built for durable practicality, this small rollercase features a robust ABS outer shell and locking trolley system to ensure your belongings are safely secure and easy to transport

Funky Dotty Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover Text: Have a fab birthday Inside Message: Happy birthday! Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Autograph Gold Tile Bedcover, at Marks and Spencers
Embroidered patchwork design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Rococo Style Mirror (8 x 10''), at Marks and Spenser
Rococo design Dimensions: 20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10'') Wall mounted or stand-alone, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Letter Heads Game, at Marks and Spenser
Letter puzzle: Come up with the longest word you can, using each letter only once Word builder: Take 3 random letters and think up words that use them all Word paths: Search for words in a 4 by 4 letter grid Word crossing: Use as many of your letters as possible to build a crossword-style layout Number of players: 2+ Suitable for ages 8+ Contains: 98 letters, score pad, writing pad, 4 pencils, sand timer and instructions This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Handcrafted Heart Husband Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover Text: To my wonderful husband Inside Message: With all my love Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Sonoma Office Shelving Unit, at Mark & Spensers
H170 x W44 x D30cm 1 cupboard 2 adjustable shelves Made from White Oak Solids and veneers This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Shelves made from White Oak veneer Side and back made from White Oak veneer 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

Plain Ribbon Tie Joggers, at Marks and Spencer
Perfect for the gym or simply strolling around the park, these comfy joggers are a must-have addition to any active lifestyle

Ultimate Stormwear™ Pure New Wool Flat Front Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
A sharp cut, stretch wool fabric and water repellent Stormwear™ finish makes them ideal for wearing in the office or on the move

Classic Collection Ruffle Rugby Top, at M+S
Ruffle front detail gives this soft cotton rugby top a stylish twist. It's fashionable, comfortable and designed for a flattering, feminine fit

Fairtrade Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Top, at Marks and Spenser
2 for 8 offer excludes items in the sale Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade This stylish longer length short sleeve top is a good deal for you and for our Fairtrade farmers. It's made from 100% Fairtrade cotton, helping local farmers to invest in developing their own communities

Salt & Pepper Shakers, at Marks & Spensers
Set of 2 Suitable for salt and pepper, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leopard Print Cross Body Bag, at M & S
Fashionable, comfortable and secure, this cross-body bag features an adjustable strap and multiple pockets. A practical and stylish accessory

Cap Sleeve Floral Embroidered Jersey Top, at Marks and Spenser
This fab cap sleeve top features a stunning floral embroidery. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Planted Orchid, at Marks & Spencer
Simply stunning, this white, double-stemmed phalaenopsis orchid is planted and dressed with brushed twigs in a chic, silver ceramic pot Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Older Girls' Star Print Ruck Sack, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this ruck sack features a stunning star print design. It's easy to carry and there's lots of room for all the essentials

Long Glacier Bead Necklace, at M & S
Adjustable length Clasp fastening Mixed beads Long length

Panasonic DMP BD60 Blu-ray Disc™ Player, at Marks & Spenser
PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus: A high quality image-processing technology developed by Panasonic to precisely process each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal in the vertical direction 4:4:4 signal technology: Processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal in the horizontal direction, to complement vertical direction processing VIERA CAST function: Allows access to YouTube™, Picasa™, and other Internet sites from the special VIERA CAST screen Playback Media: BD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, AVCHD, Audio CD Audio: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True-HD Connectivity: USB 2.0, HDMI, SD slot, Composite Video Outputs, Component Video Outputs, HDMI Outputs (Version 1.3), Optical Digital Audio Outputs Accessories: Remote control Dimensions: 43 x 4.9 x 24.9cm

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