M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct 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 Mark's & 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 Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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

Autograph Leather Buckled Monk Shoes, at Mark's & Spencer
Square toe Punched hole detail Buckle fastening Stitch detail Block heel

Multi Strand Mixed Bead Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Adjustable length with clasp fastening 3 strand style Mixed bead design Length: 41cm Extendable by: 8cm

Royal Horticultural Society Mauve Watercolour Flowers Blank Card, at M+S
Cover text: Just a note... Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 150 x 150mm About the RHS: The RHS is dedicated to advancing horticulture and helping all gardeners. An interest in gardening is all you need to enjoy being a member of the RHS. For more information call 0845 130 464, or visit www.rhs.org.uk

Kaituna Hills Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at M & S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap Bottle: 12 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

5 Cotton Rich Flock Floral Print Knickers, at Marks & Spencer
These flock flower print cotton rich knickers are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

Polka Dot Princess Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Birthday princess Inside message: Hope you have a lovely day Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Autograph Pure Cotton Short Mac, at Marks and Spencer
A contemporary update of the classic trench style, this pure cotton mac makes a fashionable choice for sixth form wear

Pure Cotton Cap Sleeve Pintuck Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
This cap sleeved shirt will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features smart pintuck detail for a stylish casual look

7 Pairs of Freshfeet Square Design Socks, at MarksandSpencer
The innovative Aegis Active Freshness system will keep these socks smelling fresh and odour free and its permanently built into the sock to perform wash after wash. They're cotton rich for soft natural comfort and have a reinforced heel and toe for extra durability

Hamilton Armchair, at M+S
H95 x W103 x D99cm Seat H49cm, arm H66cm, top back rail 73cm Seat cushions made from Quallofil Extralife filling. Click here for more information on Quallofil Extralife Cushions are reversible on fabric upholstery options Solid birch feet Free swatch samples: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Isis Body Spray, at Marks & Spencers
Scented body spray 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

3 Pure Cotton Stripe Tea Towels, at Marks and Spencers
Pack of 3 Plain edge Assorted designs, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S 22'' HD Ready LCD TV with Built-in DVD Player - Black, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device HD Ready: 1080i, 720p Display: 22 inch flat screen, 1680 x 1050 pixels Contrast Ratio: 700:1, Dynamic 3500:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: H45.5 x W54 x D20.5cm Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x Scart socket DVD Player: Built-in DVD player Use wall mount

Twin Buckle Tote Bag, at MarksandSpencer
Stylish and useful, this tote bag features twin buckles. A practical and fashionable accessory

Spotty Die Cut Type Sister Birthday Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover Text: Happy birthday sister Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx. Size: 150 mm x 215 mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Fluted Glass Ball Table Lamp, at Marks and Spencers
Glass ball design base Fabric shade H55 x Diam 35cm Bulb: BC GLS Max 60W, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Thank You Teacher Wrap Pack, at Marks & Spencers
2 sheets, 2 tags Each sheet: 495 x 695 mm Tags: 85 x 55 mm

Pink Wrapping Accessory Pack, at Marks & Spensers
1 flower sticker 1 blue ribbon 1 pink ribbon 1 pink spotty ribbon Ribbon lengths: 1.5m Bow: 105mm diameter

3 Younger Boys' Cotton Rich Spider-Man™ Trunks, at MarksandSpencer
Fans of Spider-man™ will love this pack of 3 cotton rich trunks featuring the popular character. Fun, practical and great value

Plain Jogging Bottoms, at M&S
With added stretch for essential ease of movement, these comfy and practical joggers feature a decorative drawstring and are great for active workouts or relaxing in style

Portland Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spenser
H76 x W230 x D102cm Seat H52cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 Fabric options feature reversible cushions 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 castors All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - 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 08457 624 624 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

Bude Pasta Bowl, at Marks & Spensers
Ribbed design Stoneware Diam 22.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pairs of Sheer Assorted Net Design Knee High Socks, at Marks & Spenser
These assorted net design knee high socks make a comfy and warm way to add a touch of style to this season's outfits. Added stretch and a reinforced toe gives durability and comfort

Big & Tall Flat Front Ribbed Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
The perfect choice for colder days, these smart trousers are made from warm, hardwearing fabric. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Plain Longline Tie Waistcoat, at Marks&Spencer
Contemporary and casual, this longline cardigan is made with cool comfortable cotton and features a tie waist for a fashionable look

Autograph Pure Cotton Narrow Bengal Stripe Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Pure Silk Check Tie, at Marks & Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart check tie in pure silk

RealCool Cotton™ Active Performance Cotton Rich Joggers, at M&S
Perfect for active wear, these RealCool Cotton™ Performance joggers are made from high-performance breathable stretch fabric. They're designed in the latest style for a great fit and essential ease of movement

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Pocket Top, at Marks and Spencer
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a classic collar for a stylish casual look

Large Fridge Mum Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: "I wish I'd known" thought Mum, "I haven't got a lot in..." Inside text: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Size: 150 x 150 mm

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

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