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

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 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 & Spenser, 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.

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 & Spenser 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.

Playmobil Chicken Coop Set, at Marks n Spencer
Suitable for ages 4+ Includes rooster, hens, chicks, farmer, baskets This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Piece Floral Design Cardigan Outfit, at Marks & Spencer
Practical and pretty, this cute long sleeve top, cardigan and bottoms 3-piece outfit is made from soft fabric to keep her feeling comfy and happy

Castello Headboard, at Marks and Spenser
Headboard H139cm Single: W91cm Double: W137cm King-size 5ft: W152cm Super king-size 6ft: W182cm Available in black or cream Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dinner Candle Holder, at Marks and Spencer
Fluted opening Two tone glass design Long stem Wide base Hand decorated H33 x Diam: 8.8cm Weight: 0.45kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Cherry Blossom Small Jewellery Box, at Marks and Spencers
3 drawers Cherry blossom design Mirror finish

Knee High Stretch Platform Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Knee high High heel Heel height: 100mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Earth Spa Bath & Body Rescue Oil, at Mark & Spensers
With ingredients from around the globe to restore, replenish and pamper Perfect in the bath, on the body, or in the hair 100ml

Nord Sud Rhône Syrah-Grenache 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Syrah, Grenache Country: France Closure: Natural cork 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

LED Light Collection Floating Waterlily with Dragonfly, at Marks and Spenser
Decoarative outdoor lighting For indoor or outdoor use Colour changing Floating feature for table top water display 14 x 14 x 11 cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Plated Scatter Pear Pendant Necklace, at Marks & Spencers
Clasp fastening Fine chain Scatter pear pendant Length: 41cm Extender: 8cm

Pure Cotton Woven Bold Stripe Pyjama Shorts, at Marks & Spensers
Soft and comfortable, these pure cotton shorts can be worn alone or with a number of our pyjama tops and t-shirts to create your own style

M&S Black Finish Flat Panel TV Stand up to 32'', at Marks & Spensers
Supports flat panel LCD and plasma TVs up to 32" Clear tempered safety glass shelves Fits up to 4 audio video components and a center channel speaker Includes a cable management system to hide wires and interconnect cables Metallic black finish Scratch resistant, powder-coated steel framing Top shelf weight capacity: 45.3kg Lower shelves weight capacity: 22.7kg Overall dimensions: H76.2 xW81.3 x D46.7cm Top shelf dimensions: W81.3 x D33cm Middle shelf dimensions: H30.2 x W81.3 x D34.3cm Lower shelf dimensions: H30.2 x W81.3 x D40cm Boxed delivery - self-assembly required This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Kitchen Butchers Block, at Marks & Spencers
H90 x W55 x D60cm Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sapporo Bookcase, at Marks & Spencers
H180 x W80 x D37cm Made from solid bamboo and bamboo veneer Finished with a matt lacquer that provides the pieces with extra protection and durability Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the ite 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Langhe Arneis 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Arneis Country of origin: Italy Closure: Screw cap Bottle: 12 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

Handcrafted Westies Valentine Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: I Love You... Inside mesage: Be my Valentine This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Ceriso Spot Print Frill Trim Thong, at Marks & Spenser
Glamorous and sexy, this modern string features spot print, lace detail and pleated skirt design. The skirted string style is cute and flattering. Designed for women who want the latest look

Autograph Essentials Bootleg Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Autograph Essentials - a collection of luxurious and timeless wardrobe must-haves featuring premium design and sophisticated styling

Stars of Jazz CD, at Marks and Spencers
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Funnel Zip Neck Fleece, at Mark's & Spencer
Warm and comfy, this long sleeve fleece is outstanding value! A practical, stylish and easycare top at a great price

Moscatel De Valencia 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Sweet Grape variety: Moscatel Country of origin: Spain Closure: Synthetic closure Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 15% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 11.3 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Harmony Shoulder Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and fabulous, this scoop handbag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's strong and practical as well as a trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Map Measurer & Compass, at Marks and Spencer
You'll always find your way with this map measurer and compass. The measurer is designed for easy use on all maps while the compass is backlit for lowlight situations and has a clip which can be used to keep it securely on you

Wild Print Halterneck Tankini Top, at Marks and Spencers
Gorgeous and glamorous, this flattering tankini top features a striking print. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Firm Control Low Leg Briefs, at Marks & Spenser
Look slimmer in seconds! These firm control knickers gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

Formal Contrast Stitched Belt, at M+S
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather belt

Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Casual and comfortable, these embroidered shorts make a fashionable and practical choice

XBOX 360® Beijing 2008™ Game, at Mark's & Spencer
Experience the authentic look and feel of the Olympic Games Brand new control systems to give you the edge Train and manage your countrys elite, customising their agility, power, stamina and speed, creating the unbeatable team Challenge friends online to walk away with the gold Accessible to play online on XBOX Live 1 - 8 players 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, Platforms: Xbox 360, ESRB Rating: Everyone

5 °Climate Control Cotton Rich Briefs, at M+S
Climate control fabric absorbs and stores body heat when you're too hot and releases the heat when you're too cold. The result is the perfect body temperature so you'll feel comfortable all day. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology

Funky Flower Wallpaper, at Marks & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer 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 and 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 M&S Financial Services 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 & Spencer insurance products in document format too.