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 Mark's & 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 & 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.

Mark's & 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 & 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 & Spenser 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 and Spencer 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.

Freshfeet Suede Moccasins, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Stitch detail Centre bow feature Slip-on Flat sole Lined With built in Freshtech™ technology for fresh, odour-free slippers Freshtech™ technology is permanently built in to the slipper and still performs after many washes Freshtech™ technology combats the bacteria that causes bad smells and odours Antibacterial for fresh feet comfort

Autograph Monroe Headboard, at Marks & Spencer
Headboard H110cm Double: W135cm King size (5ft): W150cm Super king size (6ft): W180cm Leather upholstery Designed to fit most standard divans Mattress and divan sold separately Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sony DPF-D70 Digital Photo Frame, at Marks and Spencer
Display: 7 inch photo-quality LCD screen. Actual viewing area: 152 x 91mm Features: Intelligent orientation sensor automatically rotates picture for correct viewing with frame in landscape or portrait positions. Choice of Slideshow modes or clock display Connectors: Multi-card slot accepts Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, SD, MMC, CompactFlash, MicroDrive or xD media Image Transfer: Easy transfer of images from connected PC to photo frame's internal memory with no software required Memory: 256MB internal memory stores up to 500 pictures: Auto size adjustment re-scales large files for increased album capacity Accessories: Wireless remote commander and AC power adaptor 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

Younger Boys' Cotton Rich Football Shorties, at Mark & Spensers
Made from comfortable, breathable cotton, these football shorties are outstanding value

WowWee™ Femisapien™ Robot, at Marks & Spencers
RS Femisapien has 3 main function modes, each corresponding to a different head position. Tilt her head in the desired direction and her function mode will change! In Attentive Mode, RS Femisapien interacts directly with you. She will slow pose, be your back-up singer, introduce herself, dance with you, and even blow kisses In Learning Mode, teach RS Femisapien a sequence of movements that she can perform for you, up to 80 steps long! RS Femisapien is also pre-programmed with a number of precise functions and sounds that can be used as part of her program routine, including striking poses, holding and presenting thin objects such as business cards (not included) and blowing kisses! Responsive Mode is RS Femisapien's main walking mode; she can interact with your sounds or perform comedy routines. She will also detect objects at neck level, and stop when something is in her path. And, she can even respond to your hand gestures as you wave in front of her! RS Femisapien features responsive 4-way joystick hands. Each hand can be moved forward, backward, inward or outward to initiate various actions. Depending on Femisapien's head tilt, each hand position combination differs Acts as your own personal back-up singer with her "Shoop" feature. Sing aloud or play music, and when in range (within 3 feet /1 m) of any sound source, she will move her hips and arms to the music and sing a back-up tune Comes loaded with 36 functions and 20 interactive routines, so you will constantly be entertained. There are also 59 "hidden" functions to explore! RS Femisapien can communicate with, and even control, other WowWee robots, including the original Robosapien™! RS Femisapien will converse with you; speak clearly within approximately 3 feet (1 m) of her, and she will "chat" with you! Features a Standby Mode to conserve battery power RS Femisapien has four adjustable volume settings 5 x motors 4 x position switches in each joystick hand access up to 56 functions 1 x IR receiver 2 x IR transmitters 1 x microphone to detect words, music and sharp noises 1 x speaker with nearly 90 seconds of sound 2 x tilt sensors for forwards and backwards fall detection Ages: 8+ Dimensions: L10.2 x H38.1 x W20.3 cm Weight: 0.7 KG Batteries: 6 x AA alkaline not included 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

Linen Blend Chambray Belted Skirt, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and modern, this linen blend skirt features a tie waist belt. A smart modern look

Pure Cotton Contrast Stitch Jeans with Belt, at MarksandSpencer
Contrast stitch gives these jeans a fun twist. A practical and fashionable style

Gold Effect Regal Twist Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Twist design Lobster claw fastening Gold effect Necklace length 46cm, extendable by 5cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

The Mini Brain Games Puzzler, at Marks & Spencer
Take the challenge of the Mini Brain games puzzler for a total cerebral workout. This tiny book is full of a wide range of brain training puzzles so you can reap the rewards of an exercised and mentally agile mind !

Simi the Kitten & Butterflies Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Special Birthday Wishes! Inside message: Have a wonderful day! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 215 x 150mm

3 Cup Cafetiere, at Marks and Spencer
Clear jug Contrast lid and handle Metallic frame 3 cup capacity, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Long Sleeve Bouncy Frill Cardigan, at Marks and Spenser
A casual long sleeve open cardigan in a soft cotton blend. Bouncy frill trim details give it the Per Una touch

Bubble Base Tumbler, at Marks & Spenser
Bubble base design Hand made glass with heavy base Height: 15.5cm Capacity: 225ml (25.5cl), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton V-Neck Floral Print Top, at Marks & Spensers
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features floral print for a stylish casual look

Bamboo Duck Board, at Marks & Spencers
Slated design Approx size: H3 x W36.3 x L56.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Total Support Daisy Full Cup Bra, at Marks & Spenser
Soft and comfortable, this non-wired bra gives all-round support and uplift with good coverage, extra wide straps and 3 hook-and-eye fasteners. It's secure but gentle and lightweight, an ideal choice for everyday wear

Dad's Den Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Dad's den Inside message: Have a wonderful day Approx size: 175mm x 126mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the worlds forests for the future

4 Oslo Wine Glasses, at Marks and Spencer
Pack of 4 Approx size: H22cm Dishwasher safe, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Embroidered Stripe Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfortable, feminine and pretty smooth and versatile, this classic bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

Strapless Stick on Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Thanks to these moulded cups, you can get discreet support - great for wearing with strapless or backless dresses and tops

Knitted Fine Ribbed Wrap, at Marks and Spencer
Keep warm without compromising on style! This fashionable fine ribbed wrap feels soft and cosy and makes a great way to add an extra layer

Younger Boys' Mr Men Clogs, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Flat sole Adjustable strap Mr Men print Mr Men and Little Miss™ & 2007 THOIP (a Chorion company). All rights reserved

100 Denier Thermal Opaque Tights with Wool, at Mark's & Spencer
These cotton blend thermal tights will keep you feeling warm during the cold months. Added stretch gives a great fit and shape retention

Leather Multi Colour Loop Belt, at Marks and Spencer
This leather notched belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

Essential Suit Carrier, at M&S
An essential bag for the business traveller, this practical space-saving carrier will keep your suits looking smart

Autograph Pure Cashmere Hooded Stripe Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and snuggly, this practical cashmere hooded cardigan will keep him feeling warm and comfortable. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Autograph Hat Box, at M & S
A smart and useful hat box from Autograph. Perfect for storing your hats when they're not needed, or carrying them in style

Pure Cotton Stripe Shrug Mock Layer Top, at MarksandSpencer
A stripe shrug mock layer top adds a fashionable touch to this pure soft cotton top

4 Pairs of Cotton Rich Contrast Heel & Toe Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these cotton rich socks are naturally breathable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Moulton TV Unit, at M+S
H55 x W120 x D45cm Equipment space: H13 x W112 x D55cm 2 soft-close draws Glass top Glass table tops are made from safety-tested toughened glass Made from solid ash and ash 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 n 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."