When you're shopping at Marks & Spensers 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spenser 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."

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 Spenser are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & Spencer 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.

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 M & S 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.

125 Years Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Check Shirt, at M+S
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

Per Una Blush Spot Print Sleeveless Dress, at Marks and Spenser
A fashionable scoop neck dress featuring a blush spot print and detachable tape belt

Cotton Blend Pleated Ribbons Bedset, at Marks&Spencer
Pleat design Ribbon detail Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Drum Stool, at Marks and Spenser
H46 x D36cm Drum shape Wood markings Made predominantly from mango wood Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

North Coast Pure Linen Check Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Relaxed and stylish, this short sleeve shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Per Una Lilly Print Kimono, at Marks&Spencer
Modern and feminine, this pretty kimono is made from soft fabric so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Plain Sleeveless Camisole, at Marks and Spencers
This strappy longer length camisole will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features spaghetti straps for an essential casual look

Leather Reversible Belt, at Marks and Spenser
Define your waistline with this fashionable reversible leather belt

Mother's Day Graphic Floral Medium Gift Bag, at M&S
Contains: 1 gift bag H260 x W200 x D90mm

Sony ICFC1IPB iPod® Dock & Clock Radio, at Mark's & Spencer
FM/AM Tuner Audio-in connector to connect any music player Stereo Speakers with MEGAXpand 2 x 3 watt speakers Charges your iPod while docked Compatible with all iPods (excluding iPhone and 1st generation shuffle) Dimensions: L39.5cm x W19cm x H20cm Full Function Wireless Remote Control (supplied) allows access to all the music on your iPod from across the room Set two separate alarms with the option of waking up to your iPod, the radio or a buzzer Built-in calendar automatically recognises daylight savings time changes Built-in Lithium battery maintains the correct time in the case of a power interruption 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 iPod sold separately This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Bead Trim Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencers
Feminine and delicate, these fashionable tankini briefs features a bead trim. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Pure Cotton Checked Crop Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these cropped pyjama bottoms are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Portfolio Spice Bangle, at Marks and Spencer
Chunky style

Per Una Diamond Print Crinkled Scarf with Wool, at Marks n Spencer
This sophisticated diamond print scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The crinkled finish adds a stylish finishing touch.

Disney Fairies' Shimmering T-Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Suitable for ages 5+ Pack of 2 Contains a t-shirt with pretty pre-printed tink design and instructions Develops creativity This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Generic 85th Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: 85 Happy Birthday Inside message: Have a wonderful day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

ARCHOS 5 DVR Station for Internet Media Tablets, at Marks&Spencer
TV Recording: Easily record your favorite programs with the included TV program guide.Select your program on the program grid and schedule the recording with a click of the remote control. Record from most any external analog video source such as your satellite receiver, Digital TV adapter (DVB-T), VCR or cable box HD content playback: Play back HD videos up to 720p from your ARCHOS to your TV Full internet experience: Browse the Web comfortably and write your emails using the included remote control Faster charging: Charge your Internet Media Tablet quickly Media club: Discover a large library of movies, documentaries, music albums and games. Buy or rent your content in a few clicks and get instant access to it on your TV Stream from PC: Stream any of the music, movies or photos from your PC to your TV using your WiFi home network Multi-channel sound: Enjoy your films with 5.1 Surround Sound on your home cinema system through the SPDIF output Suitable for the ARCHOS 5 Internet Media Tablet 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

2 Autograph Mini Rib Hipsters, at Marks and Spencers
Sitting slightly lower on the waist and providing a snug fit, these comfortable hipsters are a great way to stock up your day to day underwear drawer

Bear Hat & Mittens Set, at Marks and Spencer
Keep little heads and hands warm with this bear design hat and mittens set in soft comfy fabric.

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Dolly Cardigan, at M & S
A beautiful knitted cardigan featuring a single popper fastening with satin covered button

Cherry Blossom Cake, at M&S
162 portions Three tier set of three cakes: Small - diam 15cm, Medium - diam 20cm, Large - diam 25cm Fruit Cake: Made with vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Sponge Cake: All-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Total height (including board): 29.5cm Fruit cake weight: 12.77kg total Sponge cake weight: 8.03kg total Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians As featured on page 56 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 21 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

8-Piece Dessert Knife & Fork Set, at Marks & Spenser
8 pieces 18/10 stainless steel 4 settings 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

Formula Skincare For Men Eye Reviver, at Marks & Spenser
Firms Moisturises Fragrance free 15ml

The Floral Collection Lavender Mini Gift Pack, at Marks and Spencers
Moisturising hand and body lotion: 50ml Guest soap: 25g Moisture rich handwash: 50ml

Younger Boys' Disney Cars Slippers, at Marks & Spensers
Lightning McQueen motif Grip sole Contrast trim Disney

Wool Blend Single Breasted Mid Length Jacket, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this wool blend jacket makes a fashionable and practical choice

Per Una Styled Embroidered Padded Bra, at Mark & Spensers
Elegant and feminine, this bra is beautifully embellished with delicate embroidery. Soft padding and underwiring give support and an enhanced natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Lotus Flower Pot Pourri Bag, at Mark's & Spencer
Lotus floral scent, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Natural Wool Duvet, at Marks and Spencers
Naturally breathable Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6in), kingsize (5ft) and super kingsize (6ft), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ivory Leather Wedding Guest Book, at Marks & Spencers
Wedding guest book Gift box Guest book: H210 x W290mm Gift box: H225 x W305mm

Marks and Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and Spencers do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the M&S Money Direct website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of Marks & Spencers Money products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money Direct loans, credit cards or Buildings & Contents Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money Direct can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Money Direct insurance products (Buildings & Contents Insurance, Motor Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks&Spencer insurance products in document format too.