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

M&S Financial Services Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Financial Services Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

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 M&S 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 & Spencers, 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Dualit Vario 4-Slice Toaster - Red, at Marks & Spencers
2200 watt 4 slice toaster Hand built in England as identified by the individual assemblers mark on the base plate Designed for use in commercial kitchens Patented, award-winning ProHeat elements Mechanical timer to control toasting Manually operated eject lever to keep items warm until needed Selector switch - use only the slots required Adjustable inner wire guard to grip toast Replaceable/ repairable parts Easy cleaning with a stainless steel cover High lift mechanism to remove small items easily Extra wide 28mm slots to accommodate larger items and the optional sandwich cage Concealed crumb tray Adjustable rear foot Weight: 4.25 kg Dimensions: H22 x W46 x D21cm 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

Pure Cotton Ribbed Stripe Mitts, at Marks and Spencer
Hanging loop Stripe design Ribbed, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ultimate Crossword Puzzle Book, at Marks and Spencers
Contains over 600 crosswords, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Arched Overmantle Mirror, at Marks and Spencer
Free standing Arch shape Ornate frame design H72.5 x W105.5cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sheer Suspender Belt, at M&S
Stunningly stylish, these glamorous suspenders look and feel luxurious

Total Care Dental Kit, at Marks & Spencers
Includes toothpaste, toothbrush, floss stick and 2 toothpicks Comes in plastic case This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Maxim Salad Bowl, at Marks & Spencers
Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Suitable for everyday use Makes an ideal gift Diam 16cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Shimmer Dolly Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
A shimmering 3/4 sleeve cardigan in a soft knitted fabric featuring a decorative button

Sony NS718H DVD Player, at Marks and Spencer
HDMI™ High Definition Multimedia Interface 1080p Upscaling Video Output through HDMI™ Connection BRAVIA™ Sync PhotoTV HD Precision Drive 3 Mechanism for fast, stable and accurate playback Playback of DVD-RW/-R /-R DL (VR mode w/o CPRM) Playback of JPEG, MP3, AAC, WMA, Audio CD-R/RW, Super VCD discs DivX Playback Fast / Slow Playback with Sound TV Virtual Surround (TVS) Quick Set-up Dimensions: W430 x H43 x D206mm Weight: 1.6kg

4 Pairs of Pure Cotton Rib Socks, at Mark & Spencers
Soft and comfortable, these pure cotton socks are naturally breathable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Autograph Roll Up Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and contemporary, this pure cotton shirt can be worn long sleeved, or with the sleeves rolled up and fastened in place. Epaulette detailing brings the look up to date. Ideal for sixth form wear

4 Sennen Mugs - Blue, at Marks & Spencer
4 piece set Contrast design H11 x Diam 9cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Oudinot Brut Champagne, at Marks & Spensers
75cl Oudinot Brut NV Champagne Not available to send separately You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

High School Musical 2 Soundtrack CD, at Marks & Spensers
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Reds & Whites - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
1 Mcon Millly-Lamartine Blanc 2007: It's so difficult to find good value white Burgundy these days, which is exactly why this wine is a real gem. With aromas of roasted peach and grilled nuts... 1 Trentino Chardonnay 2008: A scrumptious, lip-smackingly fresh style of Chardonnay from the mountain slopes of northern Italy. Charged with mineral, apple and nutty aromas... 2 Turn the Table Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Durbanville: A lively and invigorating Sauvignon Blanc with crisp acidity and a lovely touch of spice on the finish. Classic flavours of cut grass and freshly podded peas are complimented by a note of tangy lemon... 2 El Tidon Sauvignon Blanc 2008: Packed full of fresh, spicy flavour, this Spanish Sauvignon Blanc offers outstanding value for money... 1 La Tentation de Richelieu 2005: A powerful Bordeaux red which offers a wonderful combination of traditional flavours with ripe fruit concentration... 1 Chianti Riserva 2004: With its subtle, engaging flavours of sour cherry, dark chocolate and baked herbs, this is classic Chianti made in a highly approachable style... 2 Turn the Table Shiraz 2007: A deliciously juicy, fresh style of South African Shiraz that sets a new quality standard for affordable Cape reds... 2 El Tidon Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: A fresh and deliciously fruity red blend from the sunny vineyards of Castilla La Mancha in central Spain... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

T340778A, at Marks & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Glitter Clutch Bag Sister Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: For a special Sister Inside message: With love on your birthday Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Linen Blend Leaf Print Blouse, at Marks and Spencers
This fab short sleeve blouse features a stunning leaf print design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Rib Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Herringbone Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, this long sleeve herringbone shirt is made from pure cotton

Floral Design Push Up Multiway Bra, at M&S
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

Gel High Heel Insoles, at Marks and Spencers
Provides instant relief for the balls of your feet and under your heels

Via Ulivi Chianti 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Sangiovese & Canaiolo Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

The Floral Collection Magnolia Pomander Pack, at Marks and Spencers
Magnolia fragrance

12 Piece Linen Dinner Set - Sage, at MarksandSpencer
Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 cereal bowls Dinner Plate: Diam 27.5cm Side plate: Diam 20.5cm Cereal bowl: Diam 17cm Floral linen design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Round Toe Patent Finish Pumps, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Patent finish Slip-on Low heel Heel height: 15mm Comes on sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Pure Linen Turn-Up Sleeve Pintuck Blouse, at Mark's & Spencer
Chic and modern, this turn-up sleeve blouse is made from cool crisp linen and features front pintuck detail

12-Piece Ruby Dinner Set - Black, at Mark's & Spencer
12-piece set - 4 crockery place settings Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 cereal bowls Dinner plates: 27.5cm Side plates: 21.5cm Bowls: 16cm Fine china Stripe design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Recycled Cool Comfort Full Slip, at Mark & Spensers
This innovative slip is cling resistant and designed to keep you feeling cool, dry and comfortable. It's made with polyester from recycled plastic waste instead of oil. Using recycled materials helps to conserve the earth's natural resources and protect the environment for future generations

Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Button Stripe Top, at Marks & Spencers
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features smart stripe details for a stylish casual look

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencer 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spencers 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."