When you're shopping at Mark & 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 Car 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."

Marks & Spencer 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 & Spencers 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 Finance 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 and Spencer insurance products in document format too.

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 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 Mark's & 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 Car 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.

Sony VAIO VGN-P11Z Laptop, at Marks and Spencers
Processor: Intel Atom™ Z520 Processor, Supports Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Processor speed: 1.33 (GHz) RAM: DDR2 SDRAM (1x2048MB on board) Screen: (Diagonal Size) 8" X-black LCD with LED technology with 1600 x 768 resolution Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium Hard Drive: 60GB Ultra ATA/100, 4200 rpm Graphics card: Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 Memory stick slot: Memory Stick™ Duo, Memory Stick™ PRO Duo, high speed data transfer Digital camera: Built-in 'Motion Eye' Digital Camera, 0.3 Image Sensor (Mega Pixels) resolution 640x480 (VGA) and built in microphone Keyboard: Pointing Stick Shock Protection: G-Sensor HDD Shock Protection Interfaces: DC in x 1, Memory Stick™ Slot x 1, SD Card Slot x 1, USB Port 2.0 x 2, Audio out x 1, Port Replicator (dongle connector) x 1, Port Replicator Interfaces - GigaEthernet / VGA Port Connectivity: Built-in WWAN - Everywair Wireless WAN 7.2Mbps (HSDPA/HSUPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS), Wireless LAN Max. Data Rate (Mbps) 300 (RX)/ 150 (TX), Integrated Bluetooth (Version) 2.1 + EDR Battery: Lithium-Ion battery (VGP-BPS15/B) Battery Life (min) 165. Actual battery life will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations. Benchmark: MobileMark 2007 Video & TV software: WinDVD 8.0 for VAIO Audio software: Windows Media Player 11 Photo software: Google Picasa Office application software: Adobe Reader 8.1, Adobe Standard 8, Microsoft Office Ready 2007 (60 days Try & Buy) Security & other software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 60 days free virus updates), VAIO Recovery Utility - HDD recovery (hidden partition) Accessories included: AC Adaptor, Battery - VGP-BPS15/B, Power Cord, VGP-DA10 (Display/LAN Adapter) Dimensions: D 120 x H 19.8 x W 245mm Weight: Weight with Supplied Battery and Supplied Drive (kg) 0.638 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

3 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Assorted Design Socks, at Marks & Spencers
Fun and fashionable, these comfy cotton rich socks feature assorted design

Autograph Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Rib Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

M&S 2-Tier Steamer, at Marks & Spenser
5.6 litre capacity 800 watt 60 minute timer 2 detachable steaming compartments Power indicator Automatic shut-off Dimensions: H39 x D35cm 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Handcrafted Hey Mum Scruffy Dog Mother's Day Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Hey Mum... Inside message: Today, and every Mother's Day, n all the years to come, there's Just one thing for me to say, "I really love you mum!" Approx size: Unfolded: 220 x 220mm

Easy Iron Poplin Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and stylish, this formal shirt features an odour fighting stayfresh finish that makes it easy for you to stay cool, crisp and comfortable throughout the day

Las Falleras Duo - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
3 Las Falleras White 2008:A fresh, lively and dry example of Spanish Macabeo... 3 Las Falleras Red 2008:Bright and youthful with a lively aroma and flavour... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Jewel Embellishment Belt, at Marks & Spenser
A jewel embellishment makes this fashionable belt even more special. Add a stylish finishing touch from Per Una

Multi Floral Padded Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Sleek and stylish, this bra is perfectly smooth so there are no visible outlines under clothing. Light padding and underwiring give an enhanced natural shape. Designed for women who want a streamlined silhouette

Portfolio Wrap Tie Cardigan, at M&S
Part of Portfolio's Mimosa trend. A beautifully elegant look featuring chic, muted tones such as cocoa, mink, saffron and purple. Striking prints are key to this feminine trend

16-Piece Aurora Cutlery Set, at Mark & Spensers
16 piece set Includes 4 forks, 4 knives, 4 dessert spoons and 4 teaspoons 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

Large Marquis Ring, at Marks & Spencer
Faceted faux gemstone Chunky design

Corbières 2007 - Case of 12, at M&S
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Mixed Red Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork 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

Soft Grip Turner, at Marks & Spensers
Soft grip handle Loop in the handle for hanging, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Stripe Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencers
A stylish low rise pair of bikini bottoms featuring a stripe print design

Cotton Rich Transformers Hooded Top, at Marks & Spenser
Fans of Transformers will love this hooded top featuring embroidered motif. A practical, easycare style

Granite Chopping Board, at Mark & Spencers
Rectangular design Smooth surface, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gold Finish Wood Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at Mark's & Spencer
Rectangle shape Pine wood border Gold finish Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7") Dimensions: H19.1 x W24.2 x D2.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Spots & Butterflies Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover Text: To a special Daughter Inside Message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 175 x 125mm

Sterling Silver Inset Shell Necklace, at Marks & Spencers
Clasp fastening Shell inset design Length: 41cm

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Frill Neck Jersey Top, at Marks and Spencers
A stylish 3/4 sleeve jersey top in textured fabric featuring frill neck detail

Per Una Cape Cardigan with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
A stylish 3/4 sleeve cardigan in a soft knitted fabric featuring a wide cape style

Cotton Rich Drawstring Corduroy Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Stylish and versatile, these comfortable cords can be worn smart or casual. A practical easycare choice

Machine Washable Fine Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spencers
No more trips to the drycleaners! This striped tie is machine washable

Per Una Cotton Blend Gem Paisley Top, at Marks & Spencers
A stylish short sleeve top in a soft cotton blend featuring a gem paisley print and embroidered detail

Divan Sets - M400S+SE 4 DRWS, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

7 Pairs of Big & Tall Freshfeet Days of the Week Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks and Spencers
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

Flat Screen Wipes, at Marks & Spenser
50 moist cleaning tissues Alcohol free Ideal for TFT, LCD, laptop, PDA and all glass surfaces 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

Pearl Crystal Graduated Set, at Marks & Spenser
2 part set Faux pearl Crystal feature

Traditional Scroll Cushion, at M&S
Square shape Traditional scroll design L50 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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, 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 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.