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 Marks and Spencer 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:

• 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.

Marks & Spencers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Home Insurance or Car Insurance, but Marks and Spencer do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the M&S Money Direct website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of Marks & Spencers Money products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money Direct loans, credit cards or Home Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money Direct can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Money Direct insurance products (Home Insurance, Car Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks & Spencers insurance products in document format 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 and Spenser 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 M&S Money Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Compact Argyle Bow & Heart Print Umbrella, at Marks n Spencer
Lightweight and easy to carry, this slimline umbrella is perfect for keeping at hand for effective protection from sudden downpours

Footglove™ Leather Wide Fit Moccasins, at Marks & Spenser
Round toe Stitch detail Slip on Wide fit Mid heel Heel height 48mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Abstract Flower Wallpaper, at Marks & Spenser
Textured wallpaper Offset pattern repeat 64cm - The pattern runs diagonally across the wall, so only alternating rolls will be the same at the ceiling. Every second roll will have to be dropped by half the repeat length for the pattern to match accurately. (Also known as half-drop match) Roll dimensions: W52cm x L10m Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and hallways Not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens Made in the UK and sourced from sustainable, renewable forests How many rolls do you need?Click here for our wallpaper calculator Complete your room with made to order curtains. Click here to view our range For a detailed view of the colour and pattern, please click on the image and use the zoom function. Please note that your monitor settings may affect how colours are displayed, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mixed Bead Multi Strand Stretch Bracelet, at Marks & Spensers
Stretch bracelet Tie fastening Multi strand Mixed bead design

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Scotland Rugby Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
Young fans will love this cotton rugby top featuring a Scotland emblem. A sporty smart-casual look that's comfortable, practical and easycare

Portfolio Paint Splash Tunic, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Ultimate Stormwear™ Pure New Wool Double Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks & Spensers
This high performance suit is made to work as hard as you do. It's extra durable and added stretch keeps it in great shape while giving you enhanced comfort and ease of movement

1001 Little Healthy-Eating Miracles - Esme Floyd, at MarksandSpencer
If you want to improve your diet and ultimately your health this is the book for you. Full of expert medical and dietary guidance this book is a great reference. Dividing the fact from the fiction, it also suggestions solutions for high cholesterol and over-eating

Perfect Fit Memory Foam Padded Balcony Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
The amazing memory foam in this bra moulds to your shape to give the perfect fit, wash after wash. It's like having a bra made just for you

Little Acorns Birth Announcement Pack of Ten, at Marks & Spencers
Cover Text: New baby Inside Message: Would like to announce the birth of . . . . . .,A new arrival . . . . . . , On . . . ., Time . . . ., Weighing Pack Contains: 10 cards, 1 design Approx Size: 120 mm x 120 mm

Autograph Low Rise Embroidered Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and feminine these gorgeous shorts are made from the softest lace which looks and feels luxurious

Square Check Flat Cap, at Marks and Spenser
A traditional British classic, this is a versatile style that looks great worn smart or casual

Pure Silk Micro Square Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart micro square tie in pure silk

2 Cotton Rich Non-Wired Nursing Bras, at Marks & Spenser
This non wired nursing bra is easy to use thanks to drop down cups for ease of access. It's specially designed for DD-G cups too

Broad Brim Summer Hat, at Marks & Spencers
Express your stylish side with this wide brim hat

Fern 2 Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spenser
H98 x W200 x D98cm Seat: H50cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining Ecoflex™ foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support, made with 80% recycled plastic bottles 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 Available with loose cushion covers 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 glides Includes 2 free matching cushions Available in Fairtrade certified cotton (cream coloured) 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

DD-G Extra High Impact Non-Wired Sports Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Comfortable and secure, this extra high impact sports bra gives firm yet gentle support during maximum impact activity

5 Pairs of Ribbed Sports Socks, at Mark's & Spencer
A great value pack of sports socks which he'll love wearing - their white colour makes them classically cool whilst their ribbed design gives extra grip, whatever sport he's playing

Per Una Chunky Knitted Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
Keep out the chills in fashionable style with this warm soft textured scarf in a modern chunky cable knit.

Pure Silk Diamond Pattern Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary diamond pattern tie in pure silk

M&S 2-Slice Toaster - Black, at Marks and Spencer
2 slice toaster 850W Defrost, reheat and cancel settings Automatic and manual switch off Removable crumb tray for easy cleaning With indication light Cord storage Wide slots (33mm), fit for all kinds of bread Elegant design with stainless steel body Dimensions: H21 x W30 x D18cm 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

Collezione Pure Silk Floral Tie, at Mark's & Spencer
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

Blue Harbour Luxury Pure Cotton Stripe Chinos, at Marks and Spencer
A stylish smart casual look, these stripe chinos are made from soft cotton and designed for a fashionable and comfortable relaxed fit

Adjustable Task Collection - Table Lamp, at M&S
Antique-effect brass finish Height adjustable from 54 cm to 76 cm H40 x Diam 19cm Frosted glass shade Bulb: 40W SES golf ball This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Baby Brothers Mix - Case of 12, at Marks&Spencer
3 Chardonnay VdP Cteaux de Tannay 2008: Showing all the crunchy green apple fruit, citric acidity and pebbly minerality youd expect of a decent Chablis, this is a vibrant and characterful Chardonnay... 3 Sauvignon Blanc VdP Val de Loire 2008: Flavours of ripe apricot and dried herbs are matched by juicy acidity and a classic note of wet stone in this expressive and engaging unoaked dry white... 3 Ctes du Rhne Les Closiers 2007: This full-bodied yet elegant red has firm tannins, engaging flavours of ripe plum and cherry fruit, together with a gentle, spicy persistence... 3 Bordeaux 2006: With its engaging flavours of ripe damson fruit, caramel and grilled herbs, this is an elegant and classic Merlot-based Bordeaux blend... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Petite Wool Rich Funnel Neck Check Coat with Belt, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, this check design coat is made from wool rich fabric and features a belt. A great value piece that will see you through the season in style. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Kapersky Internet Security 2009 1 User 1 Year License, at Marks & Spensers
Extended Protection: Two-way personal firewall; secure Wi-Fi and VPN connections, Application rules configured automatically, Security rating assigned to unknown applications, Access to users resources and data is restricted for unknown applications, Improved antispam protection Content Filtering: Parental control Data & Identity Theft Protection: Virtual keyboard for safe entry of logins and passwords, Prevents theft of data exchanged via secure connections (HTTPS / SSL), Disables links to phishing websites Essential Protection: Protects from viruses, Trojans and worms, Protects from spyware and adware, Scans files, email messages and Internet traffic, Protects instant messengers (ICQ, MSN), Proactive protection from unknown threats Preventive Protection: Scans operating system and installed applications for vulnerabilities, Disables links to malware sites Usability: Automatic configuration, Wizards for common tasks, Automatic or interactive mode, Round-the-clock technical support, Automatic database updates, Global threat monitoring (Kaspersky Security Network) Advanced Protection & Recovery: Program can be installed on infected computers, Self-protection from malware, Restores correct system settings after removing malicious software Suitable for 1 user for 1 year

Belt Stitched Tote Bag, at M & S
Stylish and useful, this tote bag features buckled loop strap detail and a stitch belt design. A practical and fashionable accessory

Japanese Floral Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Marks and Spencer
Floral design 50 x 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Invisible Sheer Shaping 15 Denier Tights, at Marks and Spencers
Bodyshaper tights are made to shape and lift your curves for a firm sculpted look. Added stretch moulds your figure for a more defined silhouette

Besides Marks and Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Home 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 Money Direct 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 M&S purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Home Insurance and Standard Home 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.