There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is M+S 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 & 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 Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.

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 and 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:

• 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.

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 Marks and Spencer 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 & 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 Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Straight Leg Stitched Jeans, at Mark's & Spencer
Smark and stylish, these tailored trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. A practical and fashionable look for casual or smart occasions

Older Boys' Linen Blend Cargo Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these loose fit cotton blend cargos feature multi pockets. A practical easycare style

Superbad Blu-ray DVD, at Marks n Spencer
Rating Suitable for 15 years and over,

Limited Collection Slouch Shoreditch Satchell Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, this slouch style satchell is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's strong and practical as well as a trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Autograph Glass Charger Plate, at Marks & Spencer
Plain glass Silver trim, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Watercolour Floral Print Bikini Bottoms, at Marks n Spencer
Feminine and fashionable, this stylish bikini bottoms feature a pretty watercolour floral print. Designed to fit and flatter

Pure Cotton Fisherman Bag, at M+S
Stylish and practical, this day bag is ideal for keeping all your essentials to hand

Latte Ceramic Table Lamp, at Marks n Spencer
Faux silk shade Cylinder stand Two tone reactive glaze base H49.5 x Diam 28cm Bulb: 60W GLS B22 GLS This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Nail Strengthening Treatment, at Marks & Spensers
Hardens and protects nails to limit breaking and splitting Gives nails a natural gloss Provides protection to your manicure 11ml

Per Una Terri Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Textured straight leg trousers featuring front flap pockets

Limited Collection Long Beach Rope Necklace, at M&S
Clasp fastening Assorted charms Rope chain Long length Necklace length 97.5cm

2 Piece Pure Cotton Stripe Polo Neck Outfit, at Marks and Spencers
Fun and practical, this cute 2-piece outfit features a "4" motif. It's made from soft cotton to keep him comfy

Footglove Leather Toe Post Mules, at Marks & Spencer
Open toe Stitch design Buckle feature Notched

Ponticello, Pinot Grigio di Sicilia 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Grigio Country of origin: Italy Closure: Synthetic closure Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Chant CD, at Marks & Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Non-Iron Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and innovative, this easycare shirt has a special finish on the fabric and is cleverly constructed to make it non-iron. A great time saver, ideal for work wear

16-Piece Brushed Manjaro Cutlery Set, at MarksandSpencer
16-piece set Includes 4 forks, 4 knives, 4 dessert spoons and 4 teaspoons Brushed stainless steel finish 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

Philips RQ1051 Electric Shaver, at Marks & Spencer
Flex and pivot action: Three independently flexing heads in a shaving unit that swivels with full range of motion. This unique combination ensures optimum skin contact in curved areas to catch even the most problematic neck hair Tripletrack shaving heads: The three shaving tracks of the Triple-Track shaving heads offer 50% more shaving surface than standard, single track rotary shaving heads Precision cutting system: Ultra thin heads with slots to shave the long hairs and holes to shave even the shortest stubble Super lift and cut technology: The dual blade system lifts hairs to cut comfortably below skin level Precision tube trimmer: Patented tube trimmer technology for great precision and manoeuvrability. Perfect for contouring and trimming moustache and sideburns Can be easily rinsed under the tap Corrosion free heads Travel lock feature Battery status indicator Shaving unit replacement indicator Accessories: charging stand, protection cap, cleaning brush

Stainless Steel Wok with Lid, at Marks & Spenser
Double handles Glass lid Diameter: 30cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Ultimate Linen Shirt, at M+S
This Ultimate Linen shirt has a unique added performance that helps keep you cool, dry and fresh by drawing moisture away from the skin and reducing odour, while also helping your linen to stay smart throughout the day. It's also easy to iron, so looking your best is now easier than ever

Girls' Limited 2 Piece Pure Cotton Butterfly Top, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Girls Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Portfolio 3/4 Sleeve Nehru Collar Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Mimosa trend. A beautifully elegant look featuring chic, muted tones such as cocoa, mink, saffron and purple. Striking prints are key to this feminine trend

Bon Bon Table Lamp, at Marks and Spencer
Chrome plated steel Clear glass ball design Fabric shade H38 x Diam 18cm Suitable Light Bulb: 60W E14 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

125 Years Pure Cotton Twill Check Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

Double Breasted 4 Button Stretch Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Chic and stylish, this double breasted jacket makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Active Performance Sporty Jogging Bottoms, at Marks & Spenser
Perfect for active wear, these Performance jogging bottoms incorporate moisture management technology. The high-performance fabric draws moisture away from the skin to the surface, keeping you drier. Designed for a great fit and essential ease of movement

Broad Brim Summer Hat, at Marks & Spensers
Express your stylish side with this wide brim hat

Large Pillar Candle, at Mark & Spencers
Pillar shape Plain H19cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Long Sleeve Lambswool Cardigan, at Marks & Spenser
Soft and comfortable, this long sleeve cardigan is made from pure lambswool

Autograph Wool Blend Multi Pocket Hooded Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Besides Marks & Spensers Motor Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Property 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 Marks and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

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