Besides Marks & Spensers Motor Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Buildings 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 Insurance and Standard Buildings 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.

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 & 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, 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 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.

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 and Spencer 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 Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 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 Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Mirrored Leaves Wall Art, at Marks & Spencer
Wire tree design Mirror leaf design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sprung-Edge Non-storage Divan & M100 Mattress, at Marks & Spencer
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 21.5cm Divan Height: 41 Mattress has dust-free polyester fibre filling Mattress Spring Count: 288 Sprung-Edge divan - can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are 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

Pure Linen Wide Leg Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to fit and flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. A look you can dress up or down

Bon Bon Table Lamp, at Mark's & Spencer
Chrome plated steel Clear glass ball design Fabric shade H38 x Diam 18cm Suitable Light Bulb: 60W E14 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Surf's Up Blu-ray DVD, at Marks and Spencers
Rating Parental Guidance,

Pure Cotton Short Sleve Checked Top, at Marks and Spencers
This fashionable top features a stylish check design for a fab contemporary look

24 Smoked Salmon Blinis, at Mark's & Spencer
Contains 24 pieces Serves 5 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 400g As featured on page 11 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

Autograph Gold Tile Bedcover, at Marks & Spenser
Embroidered patchwork design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Adored Comfort Embroidered Orchid Padded Bra, at Marks&Spencer
Pretty and elegant, this underwired padded bra is made from the softest fabric and embroidery, so it feels blissfully comfortable to wear. Underwiring and padding give an uplifted and enhanced natural shape. Feminine everyday lingerie

Pretty Floral Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Marks and Spencer
Jacquard cushion Square shape Floral and leaf design Size: 50cm x 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gardening Print Mug, Tray & Coaster Gift Set, at Marks and Spencer
Set of 3 Gardening print Mug height: 10.5cm Coaster size: 10.5 x 10.5cm Tray size: L21 x W14 x D1.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Schoolwear Plus Fit 3 Easycare Long Sleeve Blouses, at Marks & Spenser
This 3 pack of larger sized easycare long sleeve blouses is outstanding value. Reinforced seams give extra strength and durability View Plus Schoolwear Size Guide. Find out more

Per Una Essentials Clover Embroidered DD-G Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and elegant, this stylish bra features stretch lace fabric and a clover embroidered design. It's underwired and structured to give great support and a natural uplifted shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Blue Harbour Linen Short Sleeve Plain Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Relaxed and stylish, this check design shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Bamboo Toilet Brush Holder, at Marks & Spencer
Square design Bamboo style Approx size: H11 x W11 x L37cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Pocket Top, at Marks & Spencer
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a classic collar for a stylish casual look

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Upsy Daisy Top, at Marks and Spenser
The Upsy daisy slogan makes this cute top even more fun

Barton Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencer
H90 x W183 x D90cm Seat H51cm (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 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 Includes 2 matching fibre scatter cushions Feet are castors with antique-brass effect 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 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Andante Square Side Plate, at Mark's & Spencer
Ideal for everyday use, durable Square edge design Diam 20.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Polo Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable and relaxed, this short sleeve polo shirt is made from pure cotton it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Large Etched Mirror Jewellery Box, at Mark's & Spencer
Etched mirror design 2 drawers

Autograph Pure Wool Flat Front Trousers, at M+S
Our Autograph suits are made from finer fabrics with superior attention to detail, giving you the ultimate in sharp, sophisticated style

Per Una Maxi Length Panelled Denim Skirt with Belt, at M & S
An elegant full length denim skirt in stretch cotton featuring a panel design

Les Closiers Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry, full bodied Grape variety: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvdre, Cinsault, Counoise Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Autograph Skinny Floral Tie, at Marks & Spenser
Cut narrower for a contemporary look, this skinny tie adds a smart finishing touch. Ideal for sixth form wear

Pure Cotton Textured Bathmats, at Mark & Spencers
Textured edging Latex gripped backing Large bathmat: L80 x W50cm Pedestal mat: L55 x W50cm Sizes sold separately. Customers should select which mat size they wish to purchase from the drop down menu, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Plain Waist Slip, at Mark & Spencers
A practical fashion essential you can't do without! This cling resistant slip comes in a variety of lengths. It's a must-have for enhancing the look of your dresses and skirts, particularly those that look see-through under light

Pacific Coffee Table, at Marks and Spencer
H42 x W76 x D76cm Handwoven in natural pandan leaves around a solid wooden frame Solid wood feet with glides With toughened glass top This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pairs Of Trainer Socks, at Mark's & Spencer
Designed to hide neatly inside your trainers, these breathable cotton rich socks are made with added stretch for comfort, superior shape retention and durability

Black Aluminium 24cm Skillet, at Marks and Spencer
Non-stick aluminium Triple layer non-stick coating for low fat cooking and easy cleaning Tempered glass lid for easy visibility Riveted handle Soft touch silicone handle for strength and durability Oven safe up to 180/240C/350F/ gas mark 4 Glass lid Diam 24cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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