M&S Money Direct Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Car Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Car Insurance and Buildings Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Money Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

M&S Money Direct offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car 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 Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Direct Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car 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 & Spensers 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car 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 Car 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.

When you're shopping at Marks & 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 Buildings Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencers 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."

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

Per Una Double Breasted Short Mac with Belt, at Marks&Spencer
A fashionable double breasted short mac featuring a notch lapel and matching belt

Sweet Pea Y Shape Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks and Spencer
2 part set Y-shape necklace Hook fastening drop earrings Sweet pea design

Long Sleeve Ireland Woven Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed, stylish and comfortable, this hardwearing tracksuit features an Ireland motif. A practical easycare style

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

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button DVD, at Marks and Spencer
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Autograph Mineral Powder Eyeshadow, at Marks and Spencer
Hypoallergenic Fragrance and preservative free

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Polo Shirt, at M+S
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Cosmetox Rejuvenating Cleansing Cloths, at Marks and Spencer
Visible results in 4 weeks Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic

Garmin® nüvi® 1340 Satellite Navigation System, at Mark & Spensers
Maps: Preloaded with street maps for Western Europe, including the UK and Ireland Directions: Lane Assist to show you to the correct lane for upcoming junctions Display: 9.7 x 5.7cm, 480 x 272 pixels Display type: WQVGA color TFT with white backlight Accepts data cards: microSD™ card (not included) Battery life: up to 4 hours Battery Rechargeable lithium-ion Dimensions: W12.2 x H7.5 x D1.6cm Weight: 161.6g Compatible with Windows 2000 or later and Mac OS X 10.4 or later Only 15mm thick ideal for use in and out of the car Premium, subscription-free traffic alerts Public Transport & Pedestrian mode with optional cityXplorer™ download New optional AA City Guides for restaurant listings, attractions and more Garmin's unique speed camera warnings (database updated daily)

Per Una Roma Cotton Rich Washed Bootleg Jeans, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable pair of washed bootleg jeans in stretch cotton featuring a button and zip fastening

Self Stripe Pintuck 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, at Marks & Spenser
Elegant and stylish, this self stripe top features a striking pintuck detail for a fabulous feminine look

Circle Shell Drop Earrings, at Marks & Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style Circle shell design Contrast open circle feature

Pure Cotton Hooded Sweat Top, at Marks & Spencer
Casual and comfortable, this hooded top is made from pure cotton. A fashionable easycare style, ideal for PE

M400 Mattress - Soft, at Marks and Spenser
Single (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs Spring Count: 1054 Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning Manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Cable Knit Jumper, at Marks & Spenser
Relaxed and casual, this cable knit jumper is made from pure cotton. It's designed to keep its shape and feel soft and comfortable to wear

Double Pocket Lined Holdall Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and practical, this holdall is ideal for business or weekend travel

125 Years Luxury Pure Wool Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

Twin Stitch Medium Purse, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and stylish, this purse features compartments for your cash and cards and a secure popper fastening, making it an ideal choice for everyday use

Small Curl Edge Glass Bowl, at Marks & Spencers
Hand decorated Curl edge design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Exclusive Smart Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Japanese Blossom Bedset, at Marks & Spencer
Blossom print design 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 Super king size includes super king size duvet cover (6 ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pretty Floral Wife Anniversary Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: To my wonderful wife on our anniversary, When I married you, I thought I couldn't love you more, But now I know I do Inside message: Happy anniversary Approx size: Unfolded: 176 x 126mm

Sony AIR-SA20PK Wireless Speakers & Dock for iPod®, at MarksandSpencer
Transmit CD-quality audio from your iPod or iPhone to up to 10 separate, plug-and-play receiver/speaker systems (two supplied). Connect the dock to a home theater receiver to listen to stored music through your home audio system Connect the dock to a television to view video content stored on your iPod on a big screen Speakers: Total 8W RMS (4W x 2) iPod Docking Station included 2 x wireless speakers included Compatible with any iPod and /or iPhone AM/FM tuner Alarm clock Wireless remote controls for your Dock and each AIR-SA15R speaker This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

Blue Harbour Linen Blend Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks & Spenser
These classic jeans are an excellent addition to any causal wardrobe thanks to a smart, easy to wear design. Team with a long sleeve shirt or plain tee for an effortless weekend look

Autograph Chaton Drop Earrings Made With CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements, at Marks & Spensers
Hook fastening Drop style Made With CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements

Pure Cotton Tonal Stripe Towel, at Marks and Spencer
Tonal stripe design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Multi Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Stylishly smart casual, this multi stripe shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Luxury Cotton Rich Bengal Stripe Shirt with Silk, at Marks and Spencers
The superior quality, cut and detailing on this luxurious pure cotton and silk shirt are inspired by Jermyn Street tailors. A sophisticated style with a great fit

Australian Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. 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

Not so long ago, only banks and traditional insurance companies offered financial or insurance products, yet today it may often seem as if even the local corner shop is offering financial products. That's not quite true, of course, but many more companies do offer financial products than used to be the case, and it can sometimes be difficult to decide who is offering the best deal.

And, while Marks n Spencer once offered mostly fashion products, with the only hint of a credit card being when you paid for your shopping at the checkout, today you'll find as good a deal on M&S credit cards as you will with the latest range of M&S fashion.

In fact, these days Mark's & Spencer, through its M&S Money Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.