When you're shopping at M+S 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 Marks and 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."

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 and 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.

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 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 M+S, 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 & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Cotton Rich Velour Stripe Hooded Jacket, at Marks&Spencer
Soft and comfy, this hooded jacket is made from velour and features stripe design. An easycare essential with a stylish look.

Seasonal Tree Die Cut Calendar, at M+S
Approx. size: 225 x 390mm

Autograph Sport Eau de Toilette, at Marks & Spencer
Sporty fragrance 30ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Cotton Stripe Leg Joggers, at Marks & Spensers
Relaxed and comfortable, these casual joggers are made from soft cotton rich fabric and feature a pull tie fastening waist. A practical easycare choice

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Matinee Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
Knitted in pure cotton, this cute hooded cardigan will keep him warm and comfy. It looks cuddly too!

Organic Cotton Illustrated Eco Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Shop greener by using this organic cotton shopper instead of plastic carriers. The illustration was commissioned from eminent fashion illustrator David Downton, making this bag a must-have style conscious accessory

Nail Cuticle Care Treatment, at Marks and Spencers
11ml

Pure Cotton Canvas Holiday Shopper Bag, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this shopper bag is a useful accessory with bags of style!

7 Pairs of Big & Tall Freshfeet Stripe Heel & Toe Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks and Spenser
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

Large Roasting Tray, at Marks & Spenser
Ideal for roasting meat or vegetables Heavy gauge easy to clean bakeware Premium non-stick coating Soft grip handles Rectangular shaped L38.5 x W30.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Maternity Camisole, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and stylish, this camisole is designed to flatter you and your bump. A clever cut gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. An essential fashion favourite

Single Pleat Straight Leg Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend with stretch. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear

Per Una Ditsy Floral Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spenser
Hook fastening Drop style Ditsy floral design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Autograph New York Body Cream, at Marks and Spenser
Moisturising 200ml

M&S Wi-Fi Radio MX-200, at Marks and Spenser
Uses your wireless broadband connection to connect to the web Stream audio from the web Listen to more than 6000 stations from around the world Stream audio from your computer Dimensions: H17.5 x W21 x D11cm 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 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

Cotton Rich Chunky Knit Stripe Hooded Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Casual and modern, this stripe cardigan is made with cool comfortable cotton and features 3/4 sleeves for a fashionable look

Sonoma Dark Display Shelving Unit, at Marks & Spenser
H160 x W147 x D40cm 4 shelves Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Shelves made from White Oak veneer Delivered flatpack due to size 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 Flap Pocket Ripstop Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these loose combat trousers in pure soft cotton feature multiple flap pockets and a straight leg design. Practical easycare style

Stainless Steel Skimmer, at Marks & Spencer
Hanging loop Stainless steel design Slotted, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Catseye Goblet Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Chain Cateye Pendant Necklace length: 53cm

PSP™ Daxter Game, at Marks & Spensers
A bug-blitzing adventure, tying up many loose ends from the Jak series Quirky multiplayer action Compatible with Jak X: Combat Racing for PlayStation 2 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, Platforms: Sony PSP, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Per Una Pure Cotton Floral Print Minishirt, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and feminine, this pretty floral print minishirt features a frill trim. It's made from cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

4 Pairs of Autograph Cotton Rich Multi Stripe Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and fashionable, these multi stripe socks are part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Short Sleeve Chambray Shirt, at M+S
Stylishly smart casual, this short sleeve shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Chateau de la Charriere Savigny-Les-Beaune 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians 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

Sterling Silver Double Oval Earrings, at Marks & Spensers
Hook fastening Double oval design Diamant detail For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Stormwear™ Hooded Ruffle Parka, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this warmly padded coat is treated with our unique Stormwear™ technology which repels water and stains. Storm cuffs help keep arms warm and hold on gloves

My First Colouring Book, at Mark's & Spencer
With over 280 pages to colour, this book is never-ending fun! Little hands will love colouring the big pictures of cars, farm animals, toys and much more!

Sonoma Office Desk & Desk Tidy Set, at Marks & Spensers
*Save 25% when you buy this set. Individually 648. Save 162. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer Tidy: 2 drawers and fixed glass shelf Tidy: H16 x W106 x D22.5cm Desk: 1 large pull out drawer with fold down front, ideal for a keyboard Desk: H77 x W131 x D65cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Chalk and Cheese Fun Character Multipack of Mini Cards, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Design 1: thank you, Design 2: surprise, Design 3: Thanks, Design 4: for you Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 95 x 80mm

Marks & Spenser may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and 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 Financial Services 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, Motor 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.