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 & Spenser are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark & Spencers 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 & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents 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 Money Direct Buildings & Contents 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 Money Direct Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spenser online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money Direct website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from Marks and Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Money Direct in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Money Direct website.

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, 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 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.

Nature Plate, at Marks and Spencer
Round shape Swirl design Diameter: 32cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Racing Car Age 4 Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: A 'fab' 4 today! Inside message: You're a real champion! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 127mm

Classic Glasses Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Anniversary Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 mm x 125 mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Big & Tall Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Stretch Jeans, at Marks & Spensers
Relaxed and casual, these cotton rich straight leg jeans are made with stretch for comfort and ease of movement

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
A feminine 3/4 length sleeve top in textured fabric featuring an embroidered design and tie fastening

2 Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Vests, at Marks & Spensers
An outstanding value 2 pack of vests in natural breathable cotton

Pure Silk Layered Border Cushion, at Marks & Spencer
Rectangular shape Layered contrast border design Lined, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sony Bravia 46'' KDL-46V5500 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 3 with a 46 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Dynamic Contrast: 60000:1 Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ channels and radio stations (subject to coverage) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dimensions: With table stand: W112.3 x H77.1 x D33cm, without table stand: W112.3 x H72.3 x D9.6cm Weight: weight inc. stand 27kg, weight without stand 23.5kg Dolby Virtual Surround and BBE Digital: Experience the effect of digital surround sound from only two front speakers with our advanced S-Force Front Surround technology Connectors: Digital Audio Output (optical) x 1, HDMI™ Inputs x 4, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, Analogue Audio Inputs x 2, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2, BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Video/Music/Photo), AppliCast™ BRAVIA Engine 3: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 3 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Xross Media Bar: New Sony interface to enhance the operability and ease of use Picture Frame Mode: Not watching TV? Turn it into a digital photo frame to display your own pictures or the 6 pre-installed images BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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 Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Per Una Essentials Clover Embroidered Padded Bras, at Marks & Spenser
Elegant and feminine, these bras are beautifully embellished with clover embroidery. Soft padding and underwiring give support and a flattering natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

8 'Just to Say...' Text Cards, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Just to say... Inside message: blank for your own message 8 cards x 1 design Approx size: 120 x 120mm

Classic Collection Linen Blend Floral Print Panelled Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this panelled skirt in softly draping fabric is designed to fit and flare for a figure-flattering look. Floral print adds a fashionable touch

Limited Collection Chiffon Sleeve Crochet Shrug, at Marks and 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

Limited Collection Large Bow Belt, at M&S
Show off curves and cinch in your waist with this bow belt with stitch detailing for an on-trend look for day or night

Cotton Rich Thermal Opaque Tights with Wool, at Marks & Spencers
These cotton rich thermal tights will keep you feeling warm during the cold months. Added stretch gives a great fit and shape retention

PlayStation®3 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 Game, at Marks and Spencers
All-New EA Sports GamerNet, where online interaction has been taken to the next level Record everything from your greatest rounds to crazy, awe-inspiring shots, then post each challenge on EA SPORTS GamerNet for the world to beat Put yourself in the game like never before. Upload real-life photographs of yourself, friends, and family All-new Shot Confidence tracks your performance on every hole Featuring the greatest PGA Tour and LPGA Tour pros, including Tiger Woods, John Daly, and Vijay Singh Plus Annika Sorenstam, Natalie Gulbis, Christie Kerr, and Morgan Pressel Suitable for ages 3 years + 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Autograph Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Bold Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Pure Cotton Animal Hooded Reversible Jacket, at MarksandSpencer
The animal print makes this little jacket super cute. It's warmly padded and made from soft cotton to keep him comfy and cosy

Lesley Garrett - Amazing Grace CD, at Marks & Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Luxury Pure Cotton Long Sleeve E-Stripe Shirt, at Mark & Spensers
The superior quality, cut and detailing on this luxurious pure cotton shirt are inspired by Jermyn Street tailors. A sophisticated style with a great fit

Autograph Sport Body Spray, at M & S
Deodorising body spray 150ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Cecily's Garden Pink Floral Mum Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Birthday wishes to a wonderful mum Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

2 Button Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. A stylish, fashionable look

Watercolour Bouquet Wedding Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: On your Wedding Day Inside message: With best wishes for your happiness toady and always Approx size: 178 x 126mm

4 Assorted Hair Bands, at Marks&Spencer
Hold back those tresses in style with these fabulous hair bands

25 Nectarine & Orange Room Scenters, at Marks and Spenser
Pack of 25 Nectarine and orange scented Burns upto 4 hours each, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Georgian Antique-Brass Effect Bedstead, at Marks & Spensers
Headboard H136cm Endboard H105cm Single: L195 x W96cm Double: L195 x W145cm King size (5ft): L216 x W160cm Super king size (6ft): L216 x W189cm Antique-brass effect Sprung beach slats to ensure excellent support Mattress sold separately Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bailey Table, at Mark's & Spencer
H75 X W90 X L180 Made from solid wood and features natural characteristics such as knots and variations in grain pattern The timber will age over time and fade to a silver grey colour unless treated regularly with oil This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Roma Cotton Rich Bootleg Jeans with Belt, at Marks and Spencers
A smart pair of bootleg jeans in stretch cotton featuring a double buckle belt

5 Floral Embroidered Bikini Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
These floral embroidered cotton rich bikinis are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

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.