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 & 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & 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 Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents 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 M&S, 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks & Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Motor Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Mark & Spensers, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Motor Insurance from Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Wentworth 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spencer
H96 x W146 x D100cm Seat H50cm (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 Feet are castors 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 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 item 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Turn-Up Sleeve Number Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and modern, this shirt in soft cotton features turn-up sleeves and assorted numbers detail. A practical easycare style

Autograph Bronzer Brush, at Marks & Spencers
Handmade Enables you to achieve a controlled light and even coverage

Medium Jungle Monkey, at Marks and Spenser
Suitable for ages 0-3yrs H23cm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Turn-Up Sleeve Number Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
Smart and modern, this shirt in soft cotton features turn-up sleeves and assorted numbers detail. A practical easycare style

Pearl Effect Floral Stud Earrings, at Mark's & Spencer
Butterfly stud fastening Floral design Pearl effect Diamant detail

3 Pure Cotton Stripe Design Trunks, at M+S
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

White Pearl Damask Cake or Favour Boxes, at Marks and Spencer
Contains: 10 cake or favour boxes Flat: 155 x 85mm Folded: L130 x W80 x D27mm

3 Pure Cotton Neutral Stripe Hand Towels, at Marks & Spencers
Set of 3 Stripe design 50 x 70cm approx., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Trousers with Belt, at Mark's & Spencer
The pretty floral embroidery makes these fashionable trousers extra special. Soft cotton fabric and an elasticated waist will keep her feeling comfy

Dualit Vario 4-Slice Toaster - Red, at Marks & Spencer
2200 watt 4 slice toaster Hand built in England as identified by the individual assemblers mark on the base plate Designed for use in commercial kitchens Patented, award-winning ProHeat elements Mechanical timer to control toasting Manually operated eject lever to keep items warm until needed Selector switch - use only the slots required Adjustable inner wire guard to grip toast Replaceable/ repairable parts Easy cleaning with a stainless steel cover High lift mechanism to remove small items easily Extra wide 28mm slots to accommodate larger items and the optional sandwich cage Concealed crumb tray Adjustable rear foot Weight: 4.25 kg Dimensions: H22 x W46 x D21cm 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

Geneva 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spencer
H88 x W186 x D96cm Seat H49cm (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 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 Solid birch feet with a medium 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 item 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

Autograph Sailor Button Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sit on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Silk Rich Metallic Floral Bow Tie, at Marks & Spenser
Crafted from luxurious silk, this elegant bow tie is a sophisticated choice for entering those black tie events in classic style

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Dolly Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
A beautiful knitted cardigan featuring a single popper fastening with satin covered button

Red Classic Rose Cake, at Marks and Spencer
36 portions Fruit Cake: Made with vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Cake weight is 2.7kg. Can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Sponge Cake: All-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Cake weights 1.7kg. Can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Cake size: 20.5cm square Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 68 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Wool Blend Flat Front Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear

Royal Jelly & Pure Honey 3 Jar Trio, at Marks & Spencer
Pack of 3 Moisturising body cream ingredients:Aqua, Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Polysorbate 60 Dimethicone,Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Lanolin, Parfum, Panthenol, Benzophenone-3, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Mel(Honey) Mel (Honey) Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Amyl Cinnamal Benzyl Salicylate, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Phenoxyethanol Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, BHT, CI 47005, CI 14700 Body Scrub Ingredients: Aqua, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Silica, Glycerin Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Seed Powder, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Panthenol Benzophenone-3, Sucrose (Sugar), Disodium EDTA, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Mel (Honey), Mel (Honey) Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Nitrate Phenoxyethanol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, BHT, CI 19140, CI 14700. Hand and Nail Cream Ingredients: Aqua, Paraffinum Liquidum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitol, Cera Albam, Ceteareth-20, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Parfum, Allantoin, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Mel (Honey) Mel (Honey) Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propolis Extract, Propylene Glycol Royal Jelly Extract, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Tocopheryl, Acetate, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Amyl Cinnamal, BenzylSalicylate, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl, 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, CI 47005, CI 14700

Scoop Neck Jumper Dress with Cashmere, at Marks and Spencer
A touch of cashmere adds luxurious softness to this smart jumper dress. A glamorous modern look

Hannah Montana A5 Academic Diary, at Marks and Spenser
1 diary (week to view) Disney

Autograph Exclusive Floral Sequin Headdress, at M&S
Fashionable and elegant, this headdress features intricate sequin and flower detailing. Sure to turn heads at stylish summer events!

Roberts RD-21 FM RDS/DAB Portable Digital Radio in Silver, at Marks & Spencer
FM/DAB wavebands FM RDS station name display and easy read 16 x 2 character LCD display Menu display/selection of all major functions Search/manual tuning Rotary tuning, volume, bass and treble controls Line output, headphones and AC mains socket Uses 6 x LR20 (D size) batteries (Not included) with up to 150 hours battery life W300 x H180 x D95mm Weight 2kg 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

Autograph Pure Abaca Snake Trim Hat, at M+S
Luxurious, fashionable and elegant, this pure abaca hat features a modern contrast design to give it a sophisticated look To receive your FREE hat box, simply click on the hat box below and add it to your basket

Magic Loc Collection 4-Tier Glass Shelf, at Marks & Spencer
4 tier Clear glass Chrome finish Magic Locs suction holders stick to tiles, glass and steel - perfect for tight spaces and the DIY shy, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
A style classic at a great value price, updated with a modern cut and contemporary detailing

Pure Cotton Hooded Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
A stylish smart-casual look, this long sleeve hooded polo shirt in soft cotton features a stripe design. Practical, comfortable and easycare

Chintz Tea Party Hand Finished Multipack of Cards, at Marks & Spenser
Pack contains: 6 cards, 2 designs Cover text: Both designs blank Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 200 x 80 mm

Handcrafted Tickle Me Dog Valentine Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: Tickle Me! Inside Message: Be my Valentine Approx size: 178 x 127mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Sterling Silver Filigree Heart Pendant Necklace, at Marks and Spenser
Clasp fastening Fine chain Filigree heart pendant

Limited Collection Bow Cut Out Court Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Almond toe Court style Cut out detail Bow feature Mid heel Heel height: 72mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

M&S Money Direct Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Money Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.