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 Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at MarksandSpencer 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."

M & S 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 Money Direct 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 & Spencers insurance products in document format too.

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 & Spencers 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.

Autograph Manor Damask Pencil Pleat Curtains, at Marks & Spencer
Damask design Pencil pleat Lined Comes in standard 168cm/66in (STD) and wider 219cm/86in (WDR) widths Also comes in three drop lengths: short (137cm/54in), medium (183cm/72in), long (229cm/90in) How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

V-Shaped Wine Glass, at Marks n Spencer
H21.5cm 32cl capacity Coloured glass Handmade V shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stainless Steel Pot Strainer, at M&S
Crescent shaped drainer Handle Hanging hook This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Floral Foil Daughter Birthday Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: To a special Daughter Inside message: With love on your birthday Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

M&S 1.5m High Performance Gold Scart Cable, at Marks & Spenser
1.5 metre cable 24 carat gold connections Titanium finished plugs Multiple shielding for minimum interference 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

Older Boys' Square Buckle Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this square buckle belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Autograph 6 Brush Collection, at Marks and Spencers
Handmade 1x foundation brush 1x blusher brush 1x eyeshadow brush 1x eye crease brush 1x eyebrow/lash comb 1x lip brush

Glitter Stripe Bedset, at Marks & Spensers
Glitter stripe design Single set includes duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases Super king size includes duvet cover (6ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Eyelet Trainers, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Stitch detail Lace-up Flat sole

Short Sleeve Button Front Keyhole Blouse, at M & S
This fab short sleeve blouse features a sleeve keyhole feature. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Detroit Console Table, at Mark's & Spencer
H76 x W120 x D40cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Drawer boxes made from solid European hardwood. Draw fronts made from oak veneer All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item 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

Easycare Satin Check Long Sleeve Shirt, at M&S
This easycare shirt is perfect for value, comfort and style

5 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Assorted Design Socks, at Mark's & Spencer
Brighten up his underwear drawer with these fashionable assorted design made from soft breathable cotton rich fabric

Per Una Rainbow Stripe Bikini Bottoms, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable stripe bikini bottoms featuring a side tie

Memory Foam Pillow, at Marks and Spencers
Provides support and maximum comfort Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Stripe Brazilian Knickers, at Marks & Spensers
Brazilian briefs are the newest trend in knicker shapes with their flirty cutaway styling at the front and back. These flattering lace trim briefs are designed to make the most of your figure

Oliveira Lecestre Vieilles Vignes Chablis 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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 Weekend Cowl Neck Cardigan, at M & S
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Wentworth 2-Seater Sofa, at Mark & Spencers
H96 x W146 x D100cm Seat H50cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Feet are castors Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Yellow Classic Rose Cake, at Marks and Spencer
36 portions Fruit cake: Vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Cake weight: 2.7kg. Fruit cakes can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Sponge cake: all-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Cake weight: 1.7kg. Sponge cakes can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Cake size: 20.5 x 20.5cm Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians As featured on page 68 in the food to order brochure Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

4 Leather Placemat, at Marks and Spencer
Pack of 4 Ridge detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Elasticated Waist Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable elasticated waist belt

Tall Cylinder Bubble Base Vase, at Mark's & Spencer
Bubble base feature Hand made, clear finish Made of glass H40 x Diam 14cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stripe Bodyshaper Bandeau Swimsuit, at MarksandSpencer
This innovative swimsuit is made from Sensitive Fabric which helps to prolong the life of your swimsuit by resisting the damaging effects of chlorine and the sun. As well as being chlorine and UV resistant, it's stretchy, lightweight and quick-drying. A tummy control panel makes you look slimmer in seconds and enhances your bust to give a natural shapely look with gentle support

Autograph Snag Free Loop Hairbands, at Marks & Spenser
Set of 5 Plain Hair loops without metal clasp to ensure hair is not snagged

Multi Coloured Mix Bead Shanghai Collar Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Multi coloured Chunky bead design Clasp fastening Necklace length: 41cm

Recycled Anti Allergy Pillow Protector, at Marks & Spencer
Proven defence against dust mite allergies Endorsed by the British Allergy Foundation Our anti-allergy bedding offers continued protection wash after wash, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Pure Linen Parisienne Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Machine Washable Diamond Pattern Tie, at Marks & Spensers
No more trips to the drycleaners! This patterned tie is machine washable

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.