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 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 Money Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

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

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencers Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct, 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 Spenser, 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.

Happy Birthday Cupcake Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

3 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Assorted Trunks, at Mark & Spencers
Made from soft breathable stretch cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

Long Sleeve Ruffle Stripe Cardigan with Angora, at Marks & Spencers
A touch of angora adds fluffy softness to this modern ruffle stripe cardigan. Snuggle up in style

Cool Soft Cotton 4.5 Tog Duvet, at Marks and Spencer
4.5 tog Naturally breathable, keeping your body refreshed Pure cotton cover and filling Available in Single (3ft), Double (4ft 6in), King size (5ft) and Super King size (6ft), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Total Support Non-Wired Embroidered Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Specially shaped for practical uplift, this attractively embroidered bra offers support and comfort for the larger bust. Suitable after breast surgery, wider straps and full size cups ensure a secure fit

Pure Cotton 'Ben 10' T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Fans of Ben 10 will love this short sleeve t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Autograph Handkerchief Collection Tall Vase, at Mark & Spencers
Fluted opening Handkerchief design top Round base Smoked glass H49 x Diam 21.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Handheld Parmesan Grater, at Marks and Spenser
Grip handle Wide plate L23.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pinstripe Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and 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

Red Wine Gift Set, at Marks & Spencer
Chteau Darzac Bordeaux Suprieur Waiters friend Wine stopper Presented in a wooden gift box with the 2 wine accessories Price includes delivery Looking to place a corporate bulk order? Please call 0845 6020602 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Pure Cotton Satin Stripe Border Duvet Cover, at Mark's & Spencer
Stripe design Bordered trim Supima 400 threadcount Comes in single, double, king-size and super king-size Co-ordinate with Satin stitch black, cream, white plain dye sheets and pillowcases strokes T356490F,T356490S,T356940P, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Baron de Pocé Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Dry, Medium bodied Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: France Closure: Natural Cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by vol: 12.5% Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

House White Wine 2008- Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Ugni Blanc, Terret, Grenache and Sauvignon Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 11.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle:8.6 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.4 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pleated Slim Leg Peg Trousers, at Marks n Spencer
Slim and stylish, these peg trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. Added stretch gives the perfect fit.

Bare Cooling Sheer Hold-Ups, at Marks & Spencers
Never lose your cool again in warmer weather with our Bare Cooling hold-ups. Crafted from a revolutionary Japanese yarn, their incredibly lightweight design releases a cooling sensation to your legs as you wear them

Rose Basket, at Marks & Spensers
Sure to brighten any room, this pretty, white woven basket is filled with beautiful, vibrant pink roses Available for delivery from 1st July to 30th September 2009

Nail Care Cushioned Emery Boards, at Marks & Spencers
Pack of 2 Stripe and spot design Cushioned

Buckle Front Slip On Mules, at Marks & Spencer
Buckle feature Flat sole Single strap

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Trousers with Silk, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from fine quality wool with silk for a touch of luxury. A practical, hardwearing and fashionable choice

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

Safe Sun Thomas the Tank Engine Swimwear, at Marks & Spencer
Play it safe with this cute sunsuit and desert cap set. It is designed for good coverage while the comfy stretch fabric lets him run around freely

Cotton Rich Sweat Pants, at Marks & Spencer
Offering fantastic value for money, these comfy joggers are great for relaxing in. Twin pockets and an elasticated waistband are useful design details

Rosina 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks&Spencer
H82 x W174 x D97cm Seat H45cm (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 Solid birch feet with a medium finish 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

Leather Bin, at MarksandSpencer
Elegant waste bin Broad base Circular design H22.5cm x W22.5cm x D29cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Linen Blend Water Repellent Mac, at Marks & Spencer
A smart single breasted mac in cool linen blend fabric, featuring a water repellent coating and concealed button fastening

Classic Collection Tencel® Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks & Spencers
These stylish jeans are made from soft, comfortable Tencel so they feel as good as they look. Discreet elastication at the back gives a comfortable, flattering fit

Stainless Steel Rectangular Mirror, at Marks & Spencer
Freestanding Tilt base Rectangular H22 x W16cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Christening Church Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Christening with love on your special day Inside message: Wishing you lots of happiness This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the worlds forests for the future Approx size: 174 x 124mm

Silver Plated Simple Oval Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks and Spencer
2 part set Hook fastening drop style earrings Clasp fastening necklace with pendant Oval design

Heart Mesh Lace Trim Hipster Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these hipster briefs are extremely comfortable to wear and give good coverage at the front and back

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 n 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 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.