When you're shopping at Marks & Spencers 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 Mark & Spensers 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."

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 Marks & Spenser 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.

Besides Marks & Spencers Motor Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Buildings & Contents Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Money Direct Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

Cotton Blend Rolled Sleeve Boyfriend Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
This casual v-neck cotton blend longline cardigan makes the perfect light extra layer. It features pintuck front pockets for an extra stylish touch

Photo Hands Scrapbook Wedding Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover message: Wedding Day Inside message: Wishing you a wonderful day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx. size: 150 x 150mm

4 Maxim Stainless Steel Knives, at Marks & Spencers
4-piece set 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Keyring, at Marks and Spencers
Show you care with this Keyring supporting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. The price of this product is donated to Breakthrough Promotions Ltd

2 Pure Cotton Knitted Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Casual and comfortable, these cotton knee length shorts feature a draw string and stripe design. A great value pack

Philips HS8420 Nivea For Men Cool Skin Rechargeable Shaver, at Marks & Spencers
Nivea for Men conditioner dispensing system: Nivea for Men shaving conditioner is dispensed directly onto your skin for a moisturising and smooth shave Flex tracker system: The flex tracker automatically tracks the curves of your face and helps to protect against skin irritation Stretch and lift rings: The shaving heads will glide smoothly on the surface of your skin, streching it at the same time to let the roots lift up against the the sharp rings of the shaver to get closest shave Integrated Cartridge Refill System: Simply pump the Nivea for Men shaving conditioner from the refill can directly into the cool skin shaver Waterproof: Can be easily rinsed under the tap Easy grip for total control

2 Machine Washable Apollo Ties, at Marks and Spencers
Smart style at a great price! This pack of 2 ties is outstanding value. They're machine washable, so you save on cleaning too

Click Blu-ray DVD, at Marks and Spencer
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Pure Cotton V-Neck Jumper and Polo Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
This fashionable layered look is a 2 piece set, a polo shirt and jumper both in soft comfortable cotton. Stylish, practical and easycare

Drawstring Waist Wales Joggers, at Marks & Spensers
Sports fans will love these cosy joggers featuring the Wales motif. A practical, easycare style

Cotton Rich Velour Hooded Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Treat yourself to plush comfort with this super soft velour hooded jacket. Perfect for relaxing or exercising in style

Pure Cotton Henley Neck Stripe Top, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this cotton pyjama top can be worn with a number of our pyjama bottoms and shorts to create your own style

Spiral Cut Cylinder Vase, at Marks and Spenser
Spiral design Cylinder shape Handmade, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Kitten Photo Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: Have a lovely birthday Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Casual Leather Contrast Stitch Belt, at Marks & Spencers
This leather belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

Roberts Revival RD60 DAB Radio, at Marks & Spensers
Styling: Fifties styling with gold plated fittings Frequency ranges: FM/DAB wavebands Input connectors: Stereo line in socket for iPod / MP3 playback, stereo headphone socket Output connectors: Stereo line output socket Controls: Rotary tuning and volume controls with one touch instant access to favourite station LCD Display: Easy to read 16 x 2 character LCD display with amber display backlight Mains power supply: Mains operation via AC adaptor (included) Battery power supply: Up to 120 hours battery life. Uses 4 x LR20 (D size) batteries (not included) Presets: Station name / multi preset mode Dimensions: W26 x H15.5 x D10cm Weight: Weight 1.6 kg 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 Girls' Pure Cotton Shopping Bag, at Marks & Spenser
Stylish girls need to keep all their essentials to hand, so this heart print shopping bag is a must have!

Stain Defence™ Non-Iron Adjustable Waist Trousers With Stormwear™, at M+S
These trousers are treated with Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ technology so they repel water and stains. They're non-iron for convenience - for best results, machine wash, tumble dry and hang straight away

LED Light Collection Floating Waterlily with Dragonfly, at M & S
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

Ceriso Spot Print Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Feminine and fashionable, this modern bra features a spot print and is finished with a frill trim. Soft padding and underwiring give great support and a fabulous flattering shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Single Glasses - VALUE FLUTE, at Marks&Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Connoisseur Chocolate Rose Cake, at Marks and Spencer
Serves 25 Chocolate cake: a rich chocolate cake filled with milk chocolate ganache. Chocolate cakes can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Contains alcohol - Grand Marnier liqueur Cake size: Diam 25cm 1.7kg Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians As featured on page 67 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Lichfield 3-Door Sideboard, at Mark's & Spencer
H83 x W160 x D50cm One interior shelf Cutlery tray in central drawer Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Handles made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered Top panel is veneered with solid oak edging for strength 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Ottoman Placemat, at M+S
Ribbed design Rectangle shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Black & Ivory Die Cut Rose Wedding Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Wedding Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Earth Spa Mineral Enriched Exfoliating Body Polish, at Mark's & Spencer
With extracts of mineral enriched seaweed, olive stone granules to gently exfoliate & shea butter to hydrate & smooth 200ml

Artificial Small Willow Twigs with Lights, at Marks & Spensers
String tied base Ready Made arrangement that needs no after care H80cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ingredients Bath Essence Mini Collection, at Mark's & Spencer
Pomegranate Bath Essence 60ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Chloride Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Limonene, Parfum, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Propylene Glycol Punica, Granatum (Pomegranate Extract), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 15985, CI 17200, CI 42090 Lemon Bath Cream 60ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Limonene, Citral, Linalool, Polyquaternium-39, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat, Citronellol, Propylene Glycol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citrus Medica Limonum Oil (Lemon Oil), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Citric Acid, Magnesium Nitrate Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylparaben, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Propylparaben, CI 19140, CI 15985 Shea Bath Cream 60ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Parfum, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Sheabutteramphoacetate, Polyquaternium-39, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Citric Acid, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylparaben, Magnesium Chloride, Caramel, Methylisothiazolinone, Propylparaben, CI 19140, CI 15985 Cocoa Bean Bath Essence 60ml Ingredients: : Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Benzophenone-3, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Limonene, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Caramel, Propylene Glycol, Coumarin, Alcohol Denat, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 15985 Lime Bath Cream 60ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Chloride, Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Parfum, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linalool, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Oil (Bergamot Oil), Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil (Lime Oil), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Litsea Cubeba Berry Oil, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 19140, CI 42090

Kaituna Hills Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks&Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap Bottle: 6 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

Silver Plated Pave Ball Ring, at Marks and Spencer
Large ball design

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 M & S 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, Sainsbury's, or Tesco's:

• 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.