M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 Marks & 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 Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Finance. Not least of these is Mark & Spensers Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Finance you can keep the cost of your Motor 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 Motor Insurance cover from M&S Finance, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spencers, 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 Motor Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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

Spider-Man 3™ Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
2007 Marvel Characters Inc Spider-Man 3™ Foil printing and embossed effect Cover text: My Spidey senses are tingling! Inside message: I sense it's your birthday! Approx size: 152 x 216mm

Special Princess Age 3 Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: To a very special little princess Inside message: Happy birthday This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 127 mm

Bottle Shaped Food Chopper, at Mark & Spensers
Bottle shape Clear plastic strip Contrast colour detail H25cm x W9cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3/4 Sleeve Wiggle Knit Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and elegant, this shirt has fab 3/4 length sleeve and wiggle knit design. Open neck collar adds to its irresistible appeal

Antigua Armchair, at Mark & Spensers
H97 x W98 x D98cm Seat H52cm, arm H67cm, top back rail H78cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that gives long-lasting performance and helps to maintain the cushions look and shape. Provides improved resilience without compromising on softness. Easy-care and springs back to its original shape after re-fluffing 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 Cushion covers are removable on this range 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 Wooden feet wrapped with rattan 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 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

Per Una Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe Pyjamas, at Mark's & Spencer
Modern and feminine, these pretty stripe pyjamas are made from soft pure cotton. So you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Bloomin Marvellous with 50% More Roses, at M+S
50% more roses when ordering this bouquet for delivery between 21st August to 5th September 2009 This pastel-striped gift bag is packed with a superb selection of roses, chrysanthemums, Asiatic lilies, carnations and hypericum berries Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

3 °Climate Control Cotton Rich Assorted Trunks, at Mark's & Spencer
Climate control fabric absorbs and stores body heat when you're too hot and releases the heat when you're too cold. The result is the perfect body temperature so you'll feel comfortable all day. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology

Bright Butterflies Daughter Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: Happy birthday to a special daughter Inside message: With lots of love Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Stainless Steel Barbecue Tool Set, at Marks&Spencer
5 piece Barbeque set 1 x turner 1 x tongs 3 x skewers Stainless steel

Recycled Funnel Zip Neck Fleece, at Marks&Spencer
An ideal choice for school, this fleece is made from polyester from 100% recycled sources

Pure Cotton Satin Rose Pillowcase, at Marks and Spencers
Rouched floral panel Slim pleat trim, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Non-Wired Plain Nursing Bras with Larger Back Size, at Marks & Spenser
With drop down cups perfectly designed to see you through the nursing period, this supportive bra offers lasting comfort thanks to the soft, breathable qualities of a cotton blend weave. Pack contains 1 black and 1 white bra

High Waist Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit and a look that's always in style

Philips Power2Go Rechargeable Power Pack, at Mark's & Spencer
This power solution provides an easy way to avoid ever running out of power with any of your portable devices, including your laptop, on the go. When fully charged, this power solution is able to provide up to 60 hours of power without the need of a power outlet Due to the interchangeable connector tips that are included, this device is fully compatible with most portable devices from a very wide range of brands. Simply choose the connector tip to match your portable device Due to the interchangeable connector tips that are included, this device is fully compatible with most laptops from a very wide range of brands. Simply choose the connector tip to match your laptop Via the illuminated LEDs, you are informed about the charging status of your device. When all LEDs are illuminated you know your device is fully charged, so you can unplug it from the power outlet and prevent unnecessary energy consumption When you press the test button, the LED battery capacity indicator shows you how much power is remaining and when it's time to recharge The travel bag supplied with this device is both convenient and useful as it provides extra protection Charging via the USB outlet of a PC, laptop or USB adapter is convenient as you don't have to rely on having a suitable AC power outlet. You simply charge the power solution and have a convenient back-up supply for your portable devices on hand at all times Power output voltage: 5.6 V DC, max. 350 mA, 19 V at max 2000 mA Battery capacity: 1000 mAh (at 19 V), 3600 mAh (at 5.6 V) Battery type: Li-Polymer Charging time: 3 hours Charge current: max. 3200 mA Dimensions: H12 x W8.1 x D2.5cm Weight: 0.282 kg

Shea Nut Body Butter, at Marks & Spencers
Shea nut fragrance Easily absorbed 200ml Ingredients: Aqua, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-8 Beeswax, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Theobroma Cacao Butter, Bis PEG-12 Dimethicone Beeswax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter), Benzyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Parfum, Alcohol Denat. Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Caramel, Butylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Amyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Isobutylparaben, Alpha-isomethyl Ionone, CI 15985

Easycare Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

Classic Collection Floral Print Skirt, at Mark & Spensers
Elegant, stylish and comfortable, this maxi length pull-on skirt is finished with floral print design. The ideal match for blouses and fine knits in coordinating colours

Hand Crafted Stitched Guitar Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: Happy birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Peppa's Space Trip & Teddy's Day Out Book, at Marks & Spencers
Join Peppa and friends as they take a trip all the way into outer space. This colourful and fun story book is sure to grab your kids' imagination

Portfolio Short Sleeve Swirl Print Blouse with Camisole, at Marks & Spencer
Chic and contemporary, this cowl neck blouse gives a stylish modern look and features an integrated camisole

Gold Celebration Cake, at Marks & Spenser
36 portions Sponge cake: all-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Cake weight 1.7Kg. Sponge cakes can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Fruit cake: Vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Cake weight 2.7Kg. Fruitcakes can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Cake size: 20.5cm square Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 68 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm for delivery in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Limited Collection Floral Jacquard Mini Skirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's LA Love trend. Feminine, soft and laid back, this is a fashionable LA look with a boho vibe. Beautiful fabrics and playful prints are key

Recycled Satin & Suedette Bedcover, at Marks and Spencers
Suedette and satin design Quilted Approx size: 145 x 200cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cashmere Polo Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Blissfully cosy, this roll neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxurious softness

Younger Boys' Twin Riptape Strap Trainers, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Twin straps with riptape fastening Grip sole

Flat Front Crease Resistant Trousers, at Mark & Spencers
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers

Pure Cotton Multiple Pocket Jeans, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable and practical, these cotton jeans are hardwearing and comfy. The 'sheriff' motif gives a cute look

Glam Girl Sticker Activity Book, at Marks and Spencer
Ever stuck for something to do? Then this fantastic book is just for you! Get busy with the colourful activities and think up creative ways to use your beautiful butterfly stickers. They can flutter their way onto gift wrap, greeting cards, invitations or accessories. Just use your imagination

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Beaded Neckline Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
An elegant 3/4 sleeve cardigan featuring a beaded neckline and assorted button fastening

When you're shopping at Marks & 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencers than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Finance. 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 Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance 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."