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 MarksandSpencer are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spenser 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Property 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 Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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

Besides M&S Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Property 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 & Spensers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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.

Ruched Floral Bedcover, at Marks & Spenser
Rouched flower design 250 x 265cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Charlotte Armchair AU09 Newness, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Plain Lightweight Umbrella, at Marks and Spencer
Lightweight and easy to carry, this slimline umbrella provides you with effective protection from those sudden downpours

Collections - PB WOOD PUL/TRAIN, at Marks & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

In Bloom Orchid & Vanilla Moisure Rich Body Wash, at Marks & Spenser
Body wash Orchid and vanilla fragrence Moisture rich 225ml

Luxury Non-Iron Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
The superior quality, cut and detailing on this luxurious pure cotton shirt are inspired by Jermyn Street tailors. A sophisticated style with a great fit

Autograph Essentials Sleeveless Shift Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and elegant, this sleeveless shift dress is beautifully designed and detailed with front pleat feature. An exclusive, luxurious look from Autographbr>

Thermal Pointelle Vest, at Marks and Spencers
Indulge in soft, warm comfort with this thermal easy to wear knitted vest. Perfect for adding a snug extra layer to your outfits during the colder months

Older Boys' Bump Toe Boots, at Marks&Spencer
Round bump toe feature Triple riptape straps Stitch detail Grip sole

Tupungato Syrah 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Full-bodied Grape variety: Syrah Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Natural Cork Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Perfect Limited Collection Almond Toe Court Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Almond toe Court style Stitch detail Mid heel Heel height: 64mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Griffin iTrip SE - FM Transmitter For iPod, at Marks and Spencer
Free 2 year guarantee iTrip broadcasts the music from your iPod to an open FM frequency so you can listen to your tunes through the nearest FM radio. Use it with car radios, boomboxes, or your home or office entertainment system.This design update for iTrip features a new, brighter high-contrast display, easier to read in any light. Griffin-exclusive SmartSound technology optimizes the FM signal sent to your receiver, for the best-quality sound possible

School Riptape Plimsolls, at Marks & Spencer
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

2 Older Girls' Sport Santoni Crop Tops, at Marks and Spenser
Soft and stretchy, these comfy sport santoni crop tops make a great way of getting girls used to the idea of wearing bras

5 Luxury Pure Cotton Patterned Handkerchiefs, at Marks and Spenser
A great value pack of pure cotton handkerchiefs

Brush Stripe Pencil Pleat Curtains, at M & S
Textured stripe design Lined Comes in standard 168cm/66'' (STD) and wider 219cm/86'' (WDR) widths Also comes in three drop lengths: short (137cm/54''), medium (183cm/72''), long (229cm/90'') How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Small Rollercase, at Marks n Spencer
Free 5 year guarantee Take the hassle out of travel with the practical, easy to transport and stylish design of this spacious rollercase. Perfect for business travel, this case includes a garment carrier and shoe bag Includes free i-trak luggage ID service see details below

Footglove™ Leather Whip Stitch Detail Ankle Boots, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Whipstitch detail Zip fastening Ankle high Block mid heel Heel height: 47mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Pair of Olive Trees, at Mark & Spencers
These two small olive trees are great for your patio or doorstep. Ready for replanting into your own pot Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Pure Cotton Spot Print Cropped Pyjama Bottoms, at M&S
Pretty and feminine, these spot design pyjama bottoms are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

First Readers Sleeping Beauty, at Marks and Spencer
Someone forgot to invite the wicked fairy to the princess's christening party. She is so cross that she puts a curse on the young princess. Who will wake the beautiful sleeping princess?

Per Una Leather Skinny Plaited Belt, at Mark's & Spencer
A plaited detail and patent finish make this fashionable belt even more special. Add a stylish finishing touch from Per Una

Petite Baby Elephant Bookend, at Mark's & Spencer
Suitable for ages 0-3 years This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dogtooth Print Flexilite Umbrella, at M&S
Brighten up rainy days with this stylish flexilite umbrella

3 Pack Easycare Long Sleeve Shirts, at Marks & Spensers
Woven in a no-fuss easycare fabric, long sleeves and double button cuffs add a smart focus to your office look. A practical and convenient choice for everyday wear

Classic Collection Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear

TomTom One IQ Routes™ Edition Europe Satellite Navigation System, at Marks and Spencers
Maps: Full door to door maps of Western and Central Europe (42 countries) Display: 3.5'' touch screen 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: 92 mm x 78 mm x 25 mm Weight: 140 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

Autograph Babylon Collection Shade, at Marks and Spencer
Tapered design 20 x 50 x 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sony DVP-FX720 7'' Portable DVD Player, at Marks and Spencer
Playback: Plays DVDs, CDs and MP3s Display: 7 inch TFT LCD screen Lithium Rechargeable Battery: Fast charging batter with upto 5 hours of life Connectors: USB input, twin headphone jack Accessories: Mains adaptor, car adaptor, remote control Dimensions: H11 x W24 x D30cm Playback: DVD-R/-RW/-R DL/+R/+RW and CD-R/-RW with DivX, DVD-R Dual Layer, DVD+R/+RW and DVD+R Dual Layer

Autograph Styled Pleated Brazilian Knickers, at Marks & Spenser
Sophisticated and feminine, these figure-hugging stretch briefs feature a pleated skirt design and lace detail. The shapely Brazilian style looks very modern and gives a flattering fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

When you're shopping at Marks and 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 Property Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencers 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."