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 & 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.

M&S Money Direct Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Car Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Car Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Money Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the MarksandSpencer 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 & Spencer, 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.

Fresh Fruit Platter with Extra Thick Channel Island Double Cream, at Mark's & Spencer
Serves 8 Ready to eat Suitable for nut allergy sufferers Cream: 227ml Fruit: 745g As featured on page 53 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Per Una Mixed Bead Enchanted Bracelet, at M&S
Stretch bracelet Mixed bead design Multiple enchanted charms

5 Pairs of Older Boys' Cotton Rich Assorted Socks, at Marks and Spencers
Brighten up his underwear drawer with these fashionable assorted design socks made with soft breathable cotton

Floral Embroidered Table Runner, at Marks&Spencer
Floral embroidered design Tassel feature Dimensions: L230 x W33cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

125 Years Blue Harbour Heritage Pure Cotton Chinos, at Marks and Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

M400 Mattress - Firm, at Marks & Spensers
Single (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs Spring Count: 1054 Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning Manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Mid Calf Length Pleated Skirt, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable a-line skirt featuring pleated front detail and tape tie feature

TomTom XL LIVE IQ Routes™ Edition Europe Satellite Navigation System, at Marks & Spencer
Maps: Full door to door maps of the Western and Central Europe (42 countries) Display: XL 4.3" widescreen Safety Camera Database: Comes with fixed safety camera alerts pre-installed, to help you to drive more safely and responsibly Easyport™ Mount: EasyPort™ mount folds neatly onto the back of your device, making the whole navigation package fit into your pocket, bag or glove compartment Latest Map Guarantee: The latest map guarantee keeps you right up to date. If a new version of any map on this device is released within 30 days of your purchase, you can download a new one via TomTom HOME for free TomTom Mapshare™ Technology: Make corrections to your own map and benefit from thousands of corrections made by TomTom users every day - free of charge Updates from TomTom HOME: Get new software and download new maps via TomTom Home site, includes free and subscription services Sound: Loud and clear voice instructions Points of Interest: Pre-installed map has Points of Interest from petrol stations to hotels. Can be updated via TomTom HOME Traffic-Ready: Compatible with TMC Traffic Receivers, so your route can be altered to avoid the traffic ahead Plug & Go: Just plug in and tap the touch screen to begin using the intuitive user friendly interface Advanced lane guidance: Gives you extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions IQ Routes™ technology: Get a faster route to your destination, up to 35% of the time QuickGPSfix™: Get a faster route to your destination, up to 35% of the time Speeding alert: Alerts you that youre speeding, even if you''re not in navigation mode Help Me! menu: You can find help with local emergency service information at your fingertips. From hospitals to roadside assistance, this information will be useful in any area Accessories: Comes with USB car charger and USB cable Dimensions: 123 mm x 82 mm x 27 mm Weight: 185 grams Battery: Lithium-Ion (up to 3 hrs autonomous battery life) Memory: 2 GB internal flash memory TomTom Ticket 2 Drive savings when you purchase this product before 30th September 2009. Click here for more information

Odd Balls 150 Piece Jigsaw, at Marks & Spensers
Approx. size of completed puzzle: 300 x 210mm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Spot Fishnet Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Add a stylish touch of chic with this head-turning spot fishnet design

Baking Day, at Marks&Spencer
Rejuvenate the art of baking with this useful book, create delicious home baked food for your family to enjoy

Fenton Armchair, at Marks & Spencer
H90 x W96 x D103cm Seat H51cm, arm H60cm, top back rail H76cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Back cushions made from polyester fibre Fabric options feature reversible cushions 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 Solid hardwood feet with dark finish 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 samples: 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fresh Fruit Platter with Extra Thick Channel Island Double Cream, at Marks & Spensers
Serves 8 Ready to eat Suitable for nut allergy sufferers Cream: 227ml Fruit: 745g As featured on page 53 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

First Readers Rapunzel book, at Marks & Spencer
A man and wife have to give their baby Rapunzel to a witch. Will anyone be able to save Rapunzel?

Classic Collection Floral Print Jersey Top, at Marks&Spencer
This elegant easycare blouse has an integrated camisole for a feminine layered look. It makes the perfect match for skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic collection

Leather Rectangle Plaque Buckle Belt, at Marks & Spensers
Add a smart finishing touch with this pure leather belt and plaque buckle

Playmobil Construction Toy Set, at Mark & Spencers
Suitable for ages 4+ Includes two workers, construction tools, stackable bricks, road sign This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Classic Non-Wired Cross-Over Bras, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this pack of 2 full cup non-wired bras is great value. They're designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

Limited Collection Formal Bootleg Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Make a smart impression in these flattering and fashionable bootleg trousers. Stride out in style!

Cotton Rich Hooded Eskimo Reversible Jacket, at Marks & Spensers
She'll have two looks in one with this practical reversible jacket. It's warmly padded and made from soft comfortable cotton

School Riptape Plimsolls, at Marks & Spenser
Made with breathable cotton, these plimsolls are a practical choice for PE or play. Riptape fastening gives a good fit and makes it easy to put them on quickly

4 Neutral Dot Stacking Mugs, at Marks and Spencer
Pack of 4 mugs Includes stacker Dot design Contrast trim and handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Golf Keyring, at Marks & Spenser
You'll never lose your keys again with this eye-catching keyring and it's golf design

Autograph Single Cascade Orchid, at Marks and Spenser
Who could resist this Autograph luxury single cascade orchid? Presented in a beautiful silver embossed ceramic pot This variety of orchid is special due to its unique waterfall stem characteristics and large flowers Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Limited Collection Single Breasted Ruched Sleeve Blazer, at Marks & Spensers
Chic and stylish, this ruched sleeve blazer is tailored to fit and flatter. A great choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

Balfour Brut Sparkling Rosé 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier Country of origin: England Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans 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

Pure Cotton Twill Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these pure cotton shorts make a practical, fashionable choice

5 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Assorted Briefs, at M&S
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy briefs are ideal for everyday wear

Autograph Pure Wool Flat Front Fine Stripe Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and contemporary, these fine stripe trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Limited Collection Side Button Leggings, at Marks & Spensers
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

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 and 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, Sainsbury's, 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.