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 & Spensers 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Home 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 Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

When you're shopping at Mark & Spencers 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 Money Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark's & Spencer than you might imagine.

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

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark & Spensers 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 Home 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 Spenser, 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.

Brokenwood Verona Vineyard Shiraz 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry, full bodied Grape Variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country: Australia Closure: Screwcap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% 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

Autograph Essentials Vintage Rose Non-Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Glamorous and sophisticated, this elegant bra is made from soft fabric trimmed with fine lace. The flattering balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Wild Roses Gift Card, at Marks&Spencer
Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Cotton Paisley Print T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
This fashionable pure cotton t-shirt features a stylish paisley print for a fresh modern look

Leather Fresh Feet Slip On Boat Shoe, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Lace stitch detail Contrast stitching Slip on style Flat sole

Sex and The City: The Movie DVD, at Marks and Spencer
Rating Suitable for 15 years and over,

Spots on Kraft Large Gift Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Pack Contains: 1 gift bag Approx Size: H: 270 mm, W: 360 mm, D: 100 mm

Cotton Blend Tummy Control Vest, at Marks & Spencer
This tummy control vest gives a flattering shape - great under close fitting tops. The hidden panel shapes the waistline and flattens your tummy while the longer length helps prevent it rolling up

Panasonic 50'' TX-P50X10 HD Plasma TV, at Marks & Spencer
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 50 inch plasma screen, 1,049,088 (1,366 x 768) pixels Dynamic contrast ratio: 2,000,000:1; Native: 20,000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W121.8 x H76.9 x D10.5cm (without stand), W121.8 x H81.4 x D40.1cm (with stand) Weight: 34kg (without stand), 36kg (with stand) V-Audio: Unique sound technology that delivers crystal-clear sound with superior bass performance Connectors: 3x HDMI, S-video input, component video input, PC input and 1 x headphone jack VIERA Superior Picture Quality: The VIERA system provides richly expressed images with enhanced contrast and deeper natural colours, thanks to the wider x.v.Colour palette Digital Cinema Colour: Superb colour reproduction with 4,096 equivalent steps of gradation SD Card Slot: View your treasured photos on the big screen by simply removing your camera's memory card and sliding it into the SD card slot Intelligent Frame Creation With 24p Playback: With 50Hz video signal input, the Intelligent Frame Creation achieves high moving picture resolution even in fast-motion scenes. 24p Playback creates high speed playback of images to recreate the full cinematic experience VIERA Link: Enables you to control all your Panasonic AV systems with only one remote Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of Footsies, at Marks & Spencers
These soft semi-opaque footsies are designed to hide inside your shoes for extra comfort

7 Pairs of Freshfeet Cotton Rich Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks & Spenser
Our odour control Freshfeet socks are now better than ever with a new Sanitised Silver finish. Known for its natural antibacterial properties, silver helps reduce the presence of bacteria that causes smelly odours, so your feet stay fresh with every step and it keeps working for the lifetime of the socks

Waterproof Mattress Protector, at Marks & Spencer
Quilted for comfort Completely waterproof, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Black Dress on Pink Floral Birthday Card, at M+S
Cover text: Happy birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Older Boys' Cymru Rugby Swimming Shorts, at Marks&Spencer
Sports fans will love these cosy Cymru swimming shorts featuring the country motif. A practical, easycare style

Pure Cotton Spot Print Mock Layer Top, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and comfy, this pure cotton spot print top is outstanding value!

Classic FM: Movies CD, at M&S
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Post Surgery Modal Blend Non Wired Padded Bra, at M&S
Pretty and feminine, this modal bra is made from soft microfibre fabric and gives a gently supportive fit and a flattering shape. It features 2 secure prosthesis pockets

Craft Effect Grandson Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: To a very special grandson Inside message: Have a wonderful day Approx size: 150 mm x 150 mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Per Una Short Sleeve Top with Silk, at Mark's & Spencer
A fashionable short sleeved top in luxurious silk mix fabric featuring a tie neck design

The Floral Collection Magnolia Liliflora Fragranced Drawer Liners, at Mark's & Spencer
Contains 5 sheets Fragranced

Pure Cotton Moleskin Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Practical and fashionable, this mid length jacket is made from easycare cotton. Its contemporary styling will keep you looking sleek and chic season after season

Pure Cotton Hooded Denim Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Practical and fashionable, this pure cotton jacket is fully lined and features a hood . A comfortable, easycare style, machine washable for added convenience

Front Panel Knee High Stretch Boots, at Marks & Spenser
Pointed toe Front panel stitch detail Knee high Mid heel Heel height: 65mm Added stretch Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Hastings 4+2-Drawer Chest, at Marks and Spencer
H119 x W86 x D44cm 6 drawers Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Ripstop Pull On Hat, at Marks and Spencer
Keep your cool in this pull on sun hat, a summer and holiday essential

Limited Collection Frill Sleeve Satin Dress, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Sony Cyber-shot™ DSC-W220S Digital Camera, at Marks and Spencer
Pixels: 12.1 Megapixels Zoom: 4x optical zoom, 8x digital zoom, 25 x smart zoom (with VGA) Screen: Large 2.7-inch (230K dot) Clear Photo LCD with wide viewing angle ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 Dimensions: W95.2 x H56.5 x D21.8 Enhanced Face Detection Enhanced Face Detection with selectable adult/child priority high-speed subject tracking for clearer portraits. Includes Face Motion Detection Enhanced Smile Shutter Enhanced Smile Shutter automatically fires shutter when subject smiles: now easier to use with adjustable smile threshold Intelligent Scene Recognition Intelligent Scene Recognition simplifies shooting by choosing best settings for difficult conditions such as twilight portraits and backlit scenes Optical SteadyShot High sensitivity ISO 3200 and Clear RAW Noise Reduction for high-quality images with reduced blur during handheld shooting in low light BIONZ processor BIONZ processor for enhanced image quality, reduced image noise and fast shooting response Slideshow HD Slideshow with music offers fun image display with effects and music on LCD or connected HD TV 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free 2 year guarantee

Floral Mesh Bodyshaper Tights, at Mark & Spensers
Bodyshaper tights are made to shape and lift your curves for a firm sculpted look. Added stretch moulds your figure for a more defined silhouette

3 Pairs of Easy Grip Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these cotton blend socks are naturally breathable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Special Hoop Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening 'Two hearts linked together wear this necklace as a daily reminder that you are loved very much and always will be x' slogan on backing Length: 41cm Extender: 8cm

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 & 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.