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 Mark & Spensers, 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and 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 Marks n Spencer, 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 Money Direct, you get more, and you pay less.

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 Marks & Spensers 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.

Cashmilon™ V-Neck Long Sleeve Jumper, at MarksandSpencer
Soft and cosy, this long sleeve jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™. A smart modern look

Blossom Tree Embroidered Cushion, at Marks and Spencers
Rectangular design Blossom tree embroidered design Size: L50 x W30cm Pure Cotton, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Younger Girls' Bow Detail Boots, at MarksandSpencer
Round toe Pull on Bow detail Flat sole Lined Comes in sizes 4-13

Classic Collection Long Lily Print Skirt, at Marks and Spencers
Long and lovely, this lily print skirt is a stylish, versatile choice. A classic style essential

Giant Book Of Cool Stuff, at Marks and Spencer
This book will keep them busy as they look for over 1000 jokes, facts, activities, and more cool stuff

Autograph Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Gingham Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
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

Fun Photographic 50th Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Approx. size: 215 x 150mm Cover text: 50 Like a posh wine, you've grown more mellow with all the years. Or is it grown more mellow with all the posh wine? Inside message: Happy 50th birthday

Oval Mirror, at Mark & Spensers
H61 x W41.5cm Oval shape Black frame Art deco style, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Airflex™ Apron Leather Slip-On Shoes, at M&S
Slip-on Square toe Stitch detail Block heel Expanding breathable and waterproof sole Unique airflex™ airflow system for unbeatable comfort

Autograph Styled Embroidered Padded Bra, at M&S
Stunningly stylish this padded bra features floral embroidery. The demi-cup style is ideal for wearing with low necklines and the gentle padding and underwiring give a flattering shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Long Sleeve Open Front Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
This casual open front cardigan makes the perfect light extra layer. It features pintuck detailing for an extra stylish touch

Laser Cut Fuchsias Daughter-in-Law Birthday Card, at M & S
Cover text: Happy Birthday to a Very Special Daughter-in-law Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 x 126mm

Pheasant Gully Bin 492 Riesling Gewurztraminer 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Medium dry Grape variety: Riesling & Gewurztraminer Country of origin: Australia Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians 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

Pink Embroidered Butterflies Birthday Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Birthday Wishes Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Long Sleeve Snake Print Cardigan, at Mark & Spencers
Modern and stylish, this cardigan features a snake print design. A versatile, easywear style

Maternity Cotton Rich Frill Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Fashionable and modern, this short sleeve shirt is designed to flatter you and your bump. The ruched style and clever cut give a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. Enjoy your pregnancy in style!

3 Modal Blend Long Sleeve Assorted Tops, at Marks & Spencer
Stock up on essentials for less! This great value pack of 3 tops is comfortable, practical, fashionable and easycare

Double Sheepskin Rug, at Marks & Spencer
Thick pile Double sheepskin shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Nectarine & Orange Pot Pourri Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Nectarine and orange frangrance Natural and man-made botanicals, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mixed Panel Textured Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Elegant and feminine, this flared skirt features a mixed panel design. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Pacific Footstool AU09 Newness, at Marks & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cut Flowers Fragrance Diffuser & Refill Plug-In, at Marks and Spencer
Changeable fragrance 15ml of fragranced liquid Lights up when in use This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Artificial Magnolia Flower Arrangement & Ceramic Ribbed Vase, at Marks and Spencers
Arrangement includes ceramic ribbed vase Artificial magnolia bouquet No watering required therefore easy care, fresh looking throughout the year H60cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Zip Fastening Fleece Jacket, at MarksandSpencer
Relaxed and cosy, this fleece makes a warm and comfortable extra layer

Limited Collection Contrast Shopper Bag, at MarksandSpencer
Fashionable and fabulous, this shopper bag 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!

Autograph Zip Shoulder Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Luxurious and beautiful, this leather handbag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's front pocket make it practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Older Girls' Hello Kitty Spot Print Mock Layer Nightdress, at Mark & Spencers
A must for fans of Hello Kitty show, this nightdress features a spot print and Hello Kitty motif

Traditional Round Wall Clock, at Marks and Spenser
Traditional design Round face Roman numerals Dimensions: H32 x W32 x D8cm Slogan: Helping to preserve England's endangered species of Flora & Fauna, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

7 Pairs of Big & Tall Freshfeet Stripe Heel & Toe Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks and Spenser
Our odour control Freshfeet socks are now better than ever with a new Sanitised Silver finish. Known for its natural antibacterial properties, silver helps reduce the presence of bacteria that causes smelly odours, so your feet stay fresh with every step and it keeps working for the lifetime of the socks

Autograph Straight Leg Trousers with Cashmere, at Marks and Spencer
Simple and stylish, straight leg trousers are a modern classic. They are cut to skim the hips and thighs, giving a sleek flattering shape that's always in style

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 and Spencers 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 Marks & Spencers, 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 Motor Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.