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

Besides Mark & Spencers Motor Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Home Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Money Direct Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Mark & Spensers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Home Insurance and Standard Home Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

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, Sainsbury's, 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.

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

Pure Cotton Fine Ribbed Placemat, at Marks&Spencer
Ribbed design Rectangle shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Moon Marble Bead Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Marble shaped beads Moon effect Adjustable length Lobster claw fastening Necklace length 72cm, extendable by 8cm

Divan Sets - M400Z+L 4 DRW SUE, at Marks and Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Chunky Animal Slab Rope Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Button fastening Chunky animal slab Rope necklace Necklace length 48cm

Meadow Print Shade, at Marks & Spencer
Meadow print D30 x H22cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Widefit Small Bow Pumps, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Bow feature Slip on Flat sole Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Domaine des Serres du Colombier 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

Easycare Short Sleeve Fine Pinstripe Shirt, at Mark & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

Soup Recipe Book, at Marks & Spenser
This book is a celebration of great home-made soup with a huge variety of recipes to choose from. It shows not only how easy soups are to prepare, but also what a wide range of ingredients can be used to make them. There are simple everyday soups made from staple ingredients, many of which are a meal in themselves, as well as light and refreshing broths. You'll also find more sophisticated creations, using delicious ingredients from all over the world - indulge yourself in the feast of flaovours and textures. This book is beautifully illustrated with simple step-by-step instructions, making it a pleasure to use and an indispensable volume in any cook's kitchen.

Pure Cotton Stem Trail Towel, at Marks and Spencer
Stem leaf design Comes in 3 sizes Hand Bath sheet X large bath towel, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sony Leather Camera Case, at Mark & Spensers
Use this durable leather case to keep your camera safe when you are out and about

Draping Wisteria Embroidered Cushion, at Marks & Spencer
Rectangular shape Floral embroidery, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Wool Rich Flat Front Plain Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Frill Front Top, at Marks and Spencer
Bring some casual elegance to your wardrobe with this short sleeve top, that features frilled neckline with lace giving it an extra stylish twist

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Embroidered Bib Top, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and versatile, this square-neck top is made from cool comfortable cotton

Cotton Rich Cropped Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Fresh and fashionable, these mid calf length trousers look chic with wedges, sandals or flat pumps. The centre pleat adds an extra touch of style

M&S Coffee Maker, at Marks & Spensers
Filter coffee maker - Americano, flat white 1.5 litre capacity 1000 watt Keep warm function Anti-drip feature Programmable digital timer Removable and washable filter Removable filter basket Water level gauge Dimensions: H36cm Automatic safety feature to switch off warm plate after over an hour 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Anthony Bear and Heart Mum Birthday Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: With love To a very special Mum x Inside message: Happy birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Leather Formal Classic Square Buckle Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather classic square buckle belt

Black & Decker® PV1205BN Dustbuster® Pivot® Vac, at Mark's & Spencer
12V power for maximum cleaning performance and efficiency - ideal for the more demanding clean-up tasks Pivoting nose enables easy cleaning of areas difficult to reach with conventional hand vacs The pivoting nose has 10 settings for maximum flexibility to clean in hard to reach areas such as underneath cupboards, or on shelves overhead Cyclonic action spins dirt away from the filter maintaining optimum suction power Double action filtration means product performs better and lasts longer Filter cleaning wheel for easy and hands free cleaning of the filter The side empty door is an easy to empty system which means all the dirt goes straight in the bin - hands dont touch the dirt! Built-in extendable crevice tool enables deep cleaning of confined spaces/small areas Innovative design is unique and stylish Accessories are stored on board, always at hand for your cleaning jobs Ergonomic design for comfortable use 2 speed switch for increased power control This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Gold Plated Trio Crystal Stud Set, at Marks and Spenser
Set of 3 Butterfly fastening Diamant detail

Luxury Mattress and Divan Set - Firm, at Marks and Spencer
Single (3ft): W90 x L190 Double (4ft 6): W135 x L190 King Size (5ft): W150 x L200 Super king size (6ft): W180 x L200 Anti-allergy - provides effective protection against dust mite allergies, so you'll have a trouble free sleep Mattress has 2200 independent pocketed springs in two layers Mattress filling is a combination of lambswool, cotton and loose hair Cotton-felt provides a soft surface, while wool tufts hold the filling in place Hand-stitched sides support the mattress walls and extend the sleeping area Divan has 956 pocket springs Timber frame Feet are high-quality castors This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Plain Slip-On Basic Mules, at Marks & Spencer
Relax in style and comfort in these soft mule slippers. Machine washable for added convenience

Perfect Limited Collection Buckle Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Top and ankle buckle feature Stitch detail Heel height: 51mms Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Long Sleeve Cowl Neck Fleece Top, at Mark & Spencers
Want style and comfort? This cowl neck fleece top looks fashionable and will keep you feeling warm, cosy and snug.

Younger Boys' Lizard Sunglasses, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and fab, these lizard sunglasses give 100% UV protection for safer style in the sun

Text Husband Anniversary Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Husband Happy Anniversary Inside message: With lots and lots of love Approx size: 230mm x 114mm

Secret Support™ Floral Bow Mule Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious and fashionable, these bow detail slippers are made from soft suede. Relax in style and comfort!

Faux Pearl Stud Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
Butterfly stud fastening Faux pearl design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencer 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 Marks & 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."