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 M&S 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.

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 & Contents 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."

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

Animal Print Padded T-Shirt Bra, at M+S
Smooth and versatile, this comfortable t-shirt bra is designed for a no-show look under your clothes

Athena Sunglasses, at Marks & Spencer
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Autograph Drawstring Pintuck Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks & Spencer
Luxurious and sophisticated, these modern pyjama bottoms are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. They're beautifully designed and detailed with pintuck detail and made from the softest fabrics for the ultimate in comfort

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Scallop Trim Vests, at Marks & Spencer
Stock up on stylish essentials with this 5 pack of cotton vests

Super Husband Anniversary Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: To my super husband Inside message: On our anniversary xx Approx size: 230 x 114 mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Resident Evil: Apocalypse Blu-ray DVD, at Marks & Spensers
Rating Suitable for 15 years and over,

Casa Leona Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 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

Detroit Dining Table & 6 Alton Scroll-Back Chairs Set, at Marks&Spencer
7 piece set Table: H75 x W90 x D150cm Table seats 6 Chairs: H103 x W55 x D66cm Scroll-back antiqued-leather chairs Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Table top panel made from oak veneer with a solid oak edging for strength Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Special Effect Blusher, at Mark's & Spencer
Hypo-allergenic Metallic effect case

Autograph Two Tone Bracelet Watch, at M&S
Stylish and modern, this two tone bracelet watch gives a clean, smart look

2 Piece Multi Spot Dungaree Outfit, at Marks & Spenser
Practical and pretty, this cute dungaree and bodysuit 2 piece outfit is made from soft cotton to keep her feeling comfy and happy

Sophisticated Outfits Wedding Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Mr & Mrs Inside message: Congratulations Approx. size: 174 x 125mm

Single Breasted 2 Button Plain Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Boasting a sophisticated cut and quality fabrics at everyday prices, impeccable styling needn't cost the earth, with our impressive Outstanding Value suits range

Classic Collection Fleece Gilet with Detachable Faux Fur Collar, at Mark & Spensers
Add a cosy extra layer with this modern gilet. Fashionable as well as practical, it will keep you warm and comfy without compromising on style.

Bergerac 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure 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

Autograph Pure Cashmere Polo Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Sophisticated and modern, this polo neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxuriously soft knitwear

Short Sleeve Stripe Print Blouse, at Marks and Spenser
This stripe print blouse has a stylish tie sleeve feature. A key fashion essential this season

Stripe Hipster Skirt Tankini Bottoms, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this flattering hipster skirt is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Footglove™ Leather Square Toe Ankle Boots, at Marks & Spensers
Square toe Centre stitch detail Side zip fastening Ankle high Mid heel Heel height: 55mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Cotton Rich Sporty Cycle Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Ideal for sports and PE, these cycle shorts are made from cotton with stretch so they're comfortable, breathable and easy to move in

Blue Harbour Ultimate Pure Linen Stripe Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
Relaxed and stylish, this long sleeve stripe shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear Only available in XXXL

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks and Spenser
Offering that perfect fit at a great value price, these great straight legs are an essential part of any casual wardrobe. Perfect with a T-shirt and trainers, you can dress them up with a long sleeve shirt for a smarter, but laid-back, appearance

Black Gloss Pepper Mill, at Marks & Spencer
Fitted with a durable stainless steel mechanism Screw top design Adjustable for fine or coarse grind Used for peppercorns Lifetime guarantee Approx size: L4.5 x W4.5 x H19.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Jeans with Belt, at Mark & Spensers
Embroidered detail gives a pretty twist to these fashionable jeans

Autograph Pure New Wool 2 Button Navy Twill Jacket by Timothy Everest, at Marks and Spenser
Lined with Timothy Everest's signature luxurious lining, this distinguished jacket offers the best in contemporary design

Formula Calming Day Cream, at M+S
Contains chamomile and vitamin E Especially formulated for sensitive skin Hypoallergenic 50ml

Collezione Single Lock Leather Briefcase, at Marks n Spencer
Sophisticated and luxurious, this leather briefcase is inspired by Italian style

Pure Cotton Tatty Teddy Vest, at Marks & Spencer
Fans of Tatty Teddy will love this pure cotton vest featuring a studded slogan. A practical, easycare style

Signature Grapefruit & Ginger Burner & Refresher Oil, at Mark & Spensers
Grapefruit and ginger fragrance 15ml, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Wide Fit Wedge Slingback Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Peep toe Stitch detail Slingback style Buckle fastening Wedge heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

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 and 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, Sainsburys, or Tesco Direct:

• 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.