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

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 and Spencer, 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 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.

Disney Princess Activity Pack, at Marks & Spencer
This cool activity case provides hours of fun. Packed full of activities, a posters, pens, she'll have loads of fun with her favourite Disney Princesses

Autograph Hair & Body Wash, at Marks & Spencers
200ml

Autograph Puccini 2 Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencers
H66 x W166 x D80cm Seat H22.5cm Aluminium frame Suitable for all-weather use Includes plain seat pad Handwoven synthetic rattan This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Panelled Lace-Up Trainers, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Lace-up Chunky grip sole Panelled design

Autograph Skinny Gingham Tie, at Marks and Spenser
Cut narrower for a contemporary look, this skinny tie adds a smart finishing touch. Ideal for sixth form wear

Autograph Essentials Modal Rich Slash Neck Top, at Marks & Spencers
Sophisticated and modern, this slash neck top is beautifully designed and cut for the best in contemporary style. It's made from stretch modal, a supersoft fabric which feels exceptionally comfortable to wear

Cotton Rich Straight Leg Joggers, at M & S
Relaxed and comfortable, these easycare joggers are made from cotton rich stretch fabric for ease of movement and great shape retention

Halterneck Bikini Top, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and stylish, this flattering bikini is designed in the latest shape. Make a splash!

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Multi Check Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and innovative, this multi check easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

Sony VAIO VGN-NS20E Laptop, at Marks and Spencer
Processor: Intel Pentium Processor T3400 with Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Processor speed: 2.16 (GHz) RAM: DDR2 SDRAM (1x2GB, 1x1GB) Screen: (Diagonal Size) 15.4" X-black LCD, resolution 1280 x 800, aspect ratio - 16:10 Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium Hard Drive: 250GB Serial ATA - 5400 rpm Graphics card: Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M Memory stick slot: Memory Stick™ Std / Duo, Memory Stick™ PRO Std / Duo, high speed data transfer, SD card Digital camera: Built-in 'Motion Eye' Digital Camera, Frames per Second 30, Image Sensor 1.3 mega pixels, Motion Pictures max. Resolution 1280x1024 (SXGA) Optical Drive: Built-in DVD+-RW/+-R DL/RAM optical drive Interfaces: 4 Pin i.LINK™ (IEEE1394), 400 Mbps x1, DC in x1, Memory Stick™ Slot x 1, Microphone Jack (Stereo) x 1, RJ-11 Direct Port (Modem) x 1, RJ-45 Direct Port (Network) x 1, USB Port 2.0 x 4, VGA Connector for Monitor x 1, Express Card Slot x 1, SD Card Slot x 1 Connectivity: Built-in Modem V.92/V.90, Integrated Wireless LAN, Ethernet network 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T Battery: Lithium-Ion battery (VGP-BPS13B) - Battery Life 225 minutes, Actual battery life will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations. Benchmark: MobileMark 2007 Video & TV software: Me&My VAIO, VAIO Content Importer / Exporter, WinDVD 8 for VAIO, VAIO Movie Story Audio software: VAIO Music Box, Windows Media Player 11 Photo software: Picture Motion Browser, VAIO Movie Story CD-DVD burning software: Easy Media Creator 9, Click to Disc/Editor Office application software: Adobe Reader 8.1, Microsoft Office Ready 2007 (60 days Try & Buy) Security & other software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 60 days free virus update), VAIO Recovery Utility - HDD recovery (hidden partition), Google software package Accessories included: AC Adaptor, Battery, Power Cord Dimensions: D 270 x H (min - max) 31.4 - 38.0 x W 360mm Weight: Weight with Supplied Battery and Supplied Drive (kg) 2.9 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

Lightweight Slash End Stripe Print Scarf, at Mark's & Spencer
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your look with this elegant slash end stripe print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Portfolio Longline Ombre Jacket, at Marks n Spencer
Part of Portfolio's C'est Chic trend, featuring a cosmopolitan palette of black, off white and neutral, this is a feminine and elegant look for the new season

Stainless Steel Zester, at Marks and Spenser
Hanging loop Stainless steel design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Satin Rose Cream Duvet Cover, at Marks and Spencers
Rouched three dimensional floral panel Slim pleat trim Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6'), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft) 100% cotton sateen 300 thread count, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Double Contrast Strap Swimsuits, at M+S
Smooth and sleek, this fashionable swimsuit features a contrast double strap and plain print. Make a splash!

16-Piece Aurora Cutlery Set, at Marks and Spencer
16 piece set Includes 4 forks, 4 knives, 4 dessert spoons and 4 teaspoons 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Compton Coffee Table, at MarksandSpencer
H45 x W90 x D90cm 1 fixed shelf Made from White Oak solids and veneers Hand distressed, with the distressing aged with dark patina Mid-brown stained finish, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Solid hardwood legs Side panels, door panels, back panels made from oak veneer. Top panels made from oak veneer with a 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. SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this table as part of a set. Click here to view the Compton Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Linen Blend Short Sleeve Shirt, at M+S
Fashionable and contemporary, this linen blend polo shirt is a practical easycare style

Cashmilon™ Long Sleeve V-Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spenser
Elegant and feminine, this jumper features a flattering V-neck. Stylish, practical and fashionable

The Gum Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Slim Leg Peg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Slim and stylish, these tailored trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. A practical and fashionable look for work or smart occasions

Limited Collection Bow Peep Toe Platform Shoes, at M+S
Peep toe Contrast strap detail Buckle fastening Platform style High heel Heel height 105 mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Recycled Cool Comfort Waist Slip, at Marks & Spencers
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 Silk Snake Print Lightweight Scarf, at Marks & Spenser
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk snake print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

2 Pure Cotton Polo Shirts, at Marks & Spencer
This great value 2-pack polo shirts is made from pure cotton, a natural choice for schoolwear

Crow's Fountain Traditional Bush Vine Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

Curry Bible, at Marks and Spenser
With a huge variety of styles ranging from delicately spiced to hot and fiery, and from mild and creamy to fragrant and aromatic, it is perhaps no surprise that the curry is one of our nation's most popular dishes. Curry Bible aims to show just how simple it can be to create a range of tempting curry dishes from scratch using a combination of freshly ground spices and aromatic herbs. The carefully selected recipes bring together the familiar and the more exotic, and comprise dishes from across India and South East Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Curry Bible contains over 95 easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipies, each accompanied by a stunning full-colour photograph of the finished dish. It is the perfect kitchen companion for anyone wishing to extend their culinary repertoire and enter the exciting and colourful world of spice.

DeLonghi Icona Toaster - Azure Blue, at M+S
Power 1.8kW 4 slice toaster Electronic controls: reheat, defrost, bagel and cancel 2 toasting slots operate independently All functions with neon indicator Hi-rise facility - extra 20mm lift for removing toast Variable browning controls Extra deep crumb tray Non-slip feet This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Apple Shaped Jotter Box Thank You Teacher Gift, at Marks n Spencer
1 apple shaped box Jotter paper 2 pencils Approx size: H95 x D130mm

Spot Design Shower Curtain, at Mark's & Spencer
Spot print design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 Car 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; Car Insurance and Buildings 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 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.