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

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spenser Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Car 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 Car Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spencers, 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 Car Insurance from Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Mark & Spensers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents Insurance or Car Insurance, but Marks n Spencer 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, Car 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 & Spencers insurance products in document format too.

Divan Sets - F400Z+L NS SUEDE, at Marks & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Plastic Wrap Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencers
With full UV protection and a flattering modern design, these smart sunglasses will see you through the summer in style

Château de Balan Bordeaux 2006 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spensers
Country of origin: France Grape variety: Medium Bodied Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Sparkle Cherry Reversible Bedset, at M&S
Set includes single duvet cover and pillowcase Cherry and spot print, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Pure Cotton Corduroy Coat, at Marks & Spencer
A smart single breasted coat in pure soft cotton featuring notch lapel

Oxford Toe Cap Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Lace up Stitch detail Block heel

Sony HTP-B350IS Home Theatre System, at Marks and Spencer
Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray Disc player - outputs HD1080p / 24p True Cinema picture, plus upscales existing DVD's to give you the best quality when using the HDMI connection 5.1 channel surround sound system with 450W total power output Cut equipment clutter and enjoy massive sound from speakers no bigger than a golf ball 3 HDMI™ inputs (1 out) with pass through of High Definition 1080p plus x.v. Colour and 24p True Cinema technology that adjusts picture settings on pass through to make movies look as authentic as the original Sony DIGITAL MEDIA PORT - connect to and release digital music stored on your WALKMAN or other mp3 players, mobile phones, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices 3x optical inputs for connectivity to set-top boxes and gaming consoles S-AIR Ready - an optional extra that enables you to go wireless and enjoy a cable free environment (rear speakers only) Multimedia guaranteed with BD-ROM/R/RE, DVD-+Video/R/RW, CD Playback, AVCHD Playback BD-Live ready: Just connect the player to the internet and download the latest firmware to access studio-specific online content including trailers, interviews and other extras through your Blu-ray Disc™ Player. The Quick Start-up mode enables you to enjoy your Blu-ray movies already after just six seconds (6 sec). The new XrossMediaBar™ guarantuees an easy to understand menu control, simple for everybody to use intuitively all of the players functions With 24p True Cinema you can sit back and watch the film like in real cinema, without length or quality losses New Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology that converts standard-definition signals (480i) to 1080p and outputs a full HD equivalent resolution signal to 1080p TVs via HDMI™

Autograph Pure Cashmere Short Sleeve Jumper, at Marks n Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this crew neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxurious softness

Cartoon Dog Couple Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy Anniversary Inside message: With love Approx size: 175 x 125mm

No VPL Bonded Lace Trim Full Briefs, at Marks & Spencers
Pretty and feminine, these bonded lace trim midi briefs are extremely comfortable to wear and give good coverage at the front and back

Animal Print Mesh Tights, at Marks & Spenser
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These animal mesh tights have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

Girls' Limited Cable Knit Sleeveless Waistcoat, at Marks & Spenser
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

Short Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
This fab short sleeve shirt features a tucked detail and stripe design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Limited Collection Strappy Slingback Sandals, at M & S
Open toe Strap front Elasticated ankle strap Slingback High heel 8cm

Design-a-Dinosaur T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
For ages 3 to 6 years T-shirt Glow in the dark dinosaur print Assorted colour paints Brush Stencil, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bright Spots and Stripes Duo Multipack of Cards, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Blank Inside message: blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 138 x 138mm

Autograph Leather Laced Desert Boots, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Lace-up Stitch detail Block heel Contrast sole

Perfect Bottom Lift Knickers, at Marks and Spencers
Give your bum a boost with these light control shaping knickers - perfect for when you need a little lift!

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Dolly Cardigan, at Marks & Spenser
A stunning 3/4 sleeve cardigan in a soft knitted fabric featuring a single decorative button

Per Una Pure Cotton 4 Button Corduroy Jacket with Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable single breasted corduroy jacket in pure soft cotton. Block stripe jersey scarf makes it extra stylish

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Ben 10™ Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Mule style Slip on Ben 10 motif TM & 2008 Cartoon Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved

Sonoma Dark 2-Door Glazed Top Unit & 2-Drawer Sideboard Set, at Mark & Spencers
2 piece set Top Unit: H110 x W122.5 x D33cm 2 adjustable glass shelves and internal lights with on/off switch Glass doors and shelves are made from safety-tested toughened glass Sideboard: H88 x W122 x D50cm 2 drawers and cupboards, each cupboard has an adjustable shelf Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid hardwood. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Door frames made from solid wood. Door panels made from White Oak veneer Handles made from solid wood Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bad Hair Day Dog Sister Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Never mind, Sister, we all have bad hair days! Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Padthaway Chardonnay 2006 - Case of 6, at M&S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Wool Columbia Rug, at Marks & Spenser
Rectangle shape Stripe design Small: L140 x W80cm Medium: L170x W120cm Large: L230 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Notched Leather Belt, at Marks and Spencer
A patent finish makes this fashionable belt even more special. Add a stylish finishing touch from Per Una

Kerpow Glow in The Dark Bedset, at Marks and Spencer
Wham pow print Set includes single duvet cover and 1 pillowcase, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ceriso Spot Print Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Feminine and fashionable, this modern bra features a spot print and is finished with a frill trim. Soft padding and underwiring give great support and a fabulous flattering shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

2 Litre Glass Mixing Bowl, at Marks & Spenser
2 litre capacity Classic shape Transparent, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Loop Dinner Candle Holder, at Marks & Spencer
Handcrafted Holds 5 candles Loop design H10 x W69 x D8.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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