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 Spencers are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spensers 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.

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 Mark's & 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Mark's & Spencer 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 M & S, 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.

3 Pure Cotton Short Sleeve STAIN-AWAY™ Polo Shirts, at Marks & Spenser
An outstanding value pack of polo shirts in pure cotton. They're treated with STAIN-AWAY™, our unique high performance finish which helps prevent everyday stains, and makes them easy to wash out clean. It even works with ink blots!

Fairtrade Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Top, at Marks & Spencer
This stylish short sleeve top is a good deal for you and for our Fairtrade farmers. It's made from 100% Fairtrade cotton, helping local farmers to invest in developing their own communities

3 Pairs of Easy Grip Socks, at Marks & 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

Charlotte 2 Seater Sofa AU09 Newness, at Marks & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Samsung 22'' LE22B450 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: High Definition Multimedia Interface™ (HDMI) connections make your TV a multimedia centrepiece. Connect HD digital devices like disc players, game consoles, and satellite dish components into the rear connection for displaying an HD source on an HDTV Display: Samsung's proprietary picture quality DNIe+ enhancing engine with a 22 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1366 x 768 Contrast: High contrast Dimensions: With table stand: W557.8 x H437.4 x D216mm, without table stand: W557.8 x H384.1 x D75mm Weight: Including stand - 6.5kg, Without stand - 5.1kg SRS TruSurround XT: SRS Trusurround HD & Dolby Digital Plus for enhanced surround sound effect Connectors: HDMI x 1, composite (AV) x 1, PC input (D-sub) x 1, Component(Y/Pb/Pr) x 1, RF Input x 1, Headphone x 1, Scart x 1 DNIe+ Technology: The Digital Natural Image Engine produces images with incredible depth and density. Advanced contrast and detail enhancers combine to produce deeper richer lifelike colours Wide Colour Enhancer 2: Primary colours are strengthened to increase depth and intensity to show pictures in all their natural beauty Additional features: Sleep timer, clock & On/off timer, auto channel search, auto power off, auto volume leveller, game mode, teletext(TTXT) 1000p

Portfolio Panelled Pencil Skirt, at Marks & 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

Big & Tall Crease Resistant Flat Front Trousers, at M&S
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers. They're machine washable and feature coin catcher™ pockets which stop change falling out. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Per Una Plain Cosy Dressing Gown, at Mark & Spensers
Modern and feminine, this pretty plain dressing gown is made from soft fabric so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

2 Autograph Retro Stripe Hipsters, at Marks & Spenser
Featuring the best in modern fabric and contemporary design, these luxurious hipsters feel exceptionally comfortable and give a superior fashionable fit

Contemporary Kiwi Collection, at Marks & Spencers
Stoney Range Sherwood Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008(75cl) Sherwood Estate Pinot Noir 2007(75cl) Presented in a stylish wooden gift box Price includes delivery Licensing Act 2003: it is an offence for any person under 18 years to buy or attempt to buy alcoholic liquor Looking to place a corporate bulk order? Please call 0845 6020602 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Portfolio Cotton Rich Straight Leg Jeans, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Set Sail trend. Fresh and breezy, this sophisticated look features classic styling with vibrant accents of summertime pinks and blues. Feminine and coordinated designs for the new season

Per Una Floral Embroidered Lace Brazilian Knickers, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine, these stylish knickers are made from soft stretch lace. The modern Brazilian style gives a close fit and a flattering shapely look. Pretty everyday fashion

Utensils & Gadgets - AUTOGRAPH MASHER, at Marks n Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Angel Cotton Rich Assorted Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Cute and trendy, this pack 3 cotton shorts makes a great way to stock up on essential style

Elasticated Check Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Define your waistline with this fashionable check belt

Per Una Cotton Rich Stripe Bootleg Trousers, at MarksandSpencer
A smart pair of bootleg trousers in stretch cotton featuring stripe design

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Skating Bart Shorties, at Marks & Spensers
A must for fans of The Simpsons, these shorties feature Bart skating

Value Machine Washable Bow Tie, at Mark's & Spencer
A machine washable fabric and ready to wear bow tie provides hassle free convenience

Big & Tall Crease Resistant Houndstooth Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Limited Collection Tamara Sunglasses, at Mark's & Spencer
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Sister Cocktails Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: bellini, champagne cocktail, martini, daiquiri, long island iced tea, margarita To a wonderful Sister... Inside message: ...wishing you a birthday full of fun! Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Shiny Nail Kit, at Marks and Spencer
Nail wax nourishes and adds lustre Traditional chamois buffer quickly achieves a long lasting shine White pencil brightens your nail tips Used regularly it will encourage your nails to grow stronger and longer

Per Una 3 Button Revere Collar Cardigan, at Marks & Spensers
A feminine 3/4 sleeve cardigan featuring a revere collar. The 3 button fastening gives it the Per Una touch

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ Funnel Neck Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Extra small ideal for Boys and Back to School Stylish and innovative, this Blue Harbour jacket is treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains

Perfect Short Sleeve Mini Spot Print Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Wear this cute, versatile shirt under a dress or tank top, or team it with a skirt or trousers. Any way you wear it, you'll be right on trend

Walkmates Leather Buckle Fastening Sandals, at M+S
Open-toe Buckle fastening Contrast stitching Flat sole

1001 Little Ways to Look Younger, at Marks & Spensers
Anti-aging tactics and treatments for lifelong beauty

Long Sleeve Funnel Neck Zip-Up Tracksuit Jacket, at Mark & Spensers
Stylish and practical, this warm and cosy zip-up tracksuit jacket is ideal for workouts or relaxed casualwear

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Mock Layer Top, at Marks & Spencers
It looks like a top and knitted tank top, but this striking contemporary mock layered design is just one piece. The stripe detail adds a special stylish touch

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

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencer 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 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.