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&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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Home 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 Home 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 Car Insurance, M&S Home 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.

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 Spencers 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 Marks and Spencers, 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 Car Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Reversible Knitted Wrap, at Marks and Spenser
Keep warm without compromising on style! This fashionable wrap is reversible, making it even more versatile. A great way to add a cosy extra layer

Blue Harbour Modal Blend Short Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Stylishly smart casual, this contrast stitch detail shirt is made from a modal blend so it feels exceptionally comfortable to wear. Modal is a luxuriously soft fabric made from natural plant fibres

Playmobil Police Motorbike Toy, at Marks&Spencer
Suitable for ages 4+ Flash light Includes motorbike, detachable policeman This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Tummy Control Strappy Vest, at Marks & Spencers
This tummy control vest gives a flattering shape - great under close fitting tops. The hidden panel shapes the waistline and flattens your tummy while the longer length helps prevent it rolling up

Autograph Spot Print Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Glamorous and sexy, this modern bra is made from soft fabric trimmed with fine lace. The flattering balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Lace Trim Brazilian Knickers, at Marks & Spencer
Brazilian briefs are the newest trend in knicker shapes with their flirty cutaway styling at the front and back. These flattering lace trim briefs are designed to make the most of your figure

Dualit Food Processor - Cream, at M+S
Heavy duty induction motor with 12 year guarantee Fully adjustable slicing blade - 0.5mm to 7.5mm Reversible grating disc - 2.5mm and 4.5mm Reversible shredding disc - 1mm and 3mm Three long life stainless steel chopping blades with sure grip handles Emulsifying disc (Edisc) Bakery grade dough blade Chipping disc - 8mm square x 8 chips Takes 3 different bowl sizes which fit inside each other, allowing you to start with the small bowl, then move on to the medium and large bowls with no washing up in between Every bowl is perfect for multiple tasks and includes a giant 3.25L sized bowl Non-slip suction feet and multiple safety interlocks Pulse setting 1.5kW Dimensions: W21 x L25 x H42.5cm 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

7 Fresh Feet Stripe Socks with Silver Technology, at Mark & Spencers
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

Pure Cotton Quick Iron Button Down Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Stylish and innovative, this pure cotton easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

Multi Strand Twist Design Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Multi strand style Twist design Length: 91cm

Woven Silk Stripe Tie, at Mark's & Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary stripe tie in pure silk

Per Una Long Sleeve Crochet Scarf Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
A casual long sleeve cardigan in textured fabric featuring a crochet knitted scarf

Per Una Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Printed Cardigan, at Marks&Spencer
Cool and comfortable, this 3/4 sleeve cardigan is made from pure natural cotton and features a floral button fastening for a fashionable look

Petite Cotton Rich Circle Print Top, at Marks and Spencer
Fresh and feminine, this short sleeve petite top features a stunning circle design. A vibrant new look, perfect for this season. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Cascade Bead Y Design Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Cascade bead Y design Multi strand Necklace length: 49cm, extendable by 8cm

Apron Lace Up Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Lace up Block heel

Single Pleat Plain Trousers with Wool, at Marks & Spencer
A casual relaxed look, these trousers sit at the natural waist. They're roomy in the seat, thigh and knee with a straight leg

Autograph Pure Cashmere Polo Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spenser
Sophisticated and modern, this polo neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxuriously soft knitwear

12 Piece Sennen Dinner Set - Blue, at Mark's & Spencer
12 piece set - 4 crockery place settings Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 cereal bowls 4 dinner plates: Diam 28cm 4 side plates: Diam 21cm 4 cereal bowls H8.5 x Diam 14cm Single stripe trim design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Filigree Collection - 3-Arm Chandelier, at Marks & Spencers
3 light chandelier Clear glass droplets Tiered H 75 x Diam 36cm Bulb: 5 x E14 Golf Ball 60W This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gathered Front Santoni Body, at Mark's & Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds! This control body gently shapes your figure all over for a smoother, sleeker silhouette

Power Rangers Jungle Fury Activity Case, at Marks & Spensers
This activity case holds the Power Rangers treasury, storybook, poster book and colouring book, providing hours of fun for all Power Rangers fans. It includes fun, colourful pens for colouring in the Rangers and villains as well as 2 stencils for children to create their own unique Power Rangers illustrations on paper.

Shades of Pink, at Marks and Spencer
5 Malibu Roses 5 Anastasia White Blooms 5 Dark Pink Spray Roses 5 Ruscus 75cl bottle of Cava Brut Licensing Act 2003: it is an offence for any person under 18 years to buy or attempt to buy alcoholic liquor Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009 Price includes delivery Looking to place a corporate bulk order? Please call 0845 6020602 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Vase not included

Tiny Fairies 21st Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Having so much fun, now you're 21 Inside message: Have a fantastic birthday! Approx. size: 150 x 150mm

Soft Vanilla Pot Pourri Bag, at Marks and Spencers
Vanilla scented assortment, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Trousers with Cashmere, at Marks & Spenser
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on these trousers to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

WowWee™ RS Wrex The Dawg™, at Marks and Spenser
RS Wrex the Dawg's moods (Happy, Angry and Crazy) and desires (Exercise, Call of Nature and Hunger) are expressed by his hilarious "jackpot" eyes! His left eye displays his moods and his right eye displays his desires Change RS Wrex the Dawg's moods via the Mood Dial on the intuitive remote controller, by hitting him on his push button nose to reset his "jackpot" eyes, or allow him to change moods all by himself! Thanks to his junkyard construction, RS Wrex the Dawg occasionally malfunctions. When he begins his "malfunction animation", it is your cue to reset him using the programming hatch. If you do not enter a code in time, he will enter his "Breakdown Mode", and will not be able to do anything until you enter a reset code There are many possible reset codes that you can enter by accessing his reprogramming hatch: try programming him as a cat, or to disobey your commands! You can even re-program him as the original Robosapien™! Capable of performing a number of tricks including offering his paw, playing dead and dancing! You can select the tricks via the Trick Dial on the remote controller. Each of his moods features its own unique set of tricks Features a remote controller that matches his junkyard origins; it allows you to access all of his features and tricks using dials and picture icons! Zips around rapidly on his two hind wheels and two jointed front legs Features swivelling ears, a moving jaw, and a squeaky tail Set him to "Guard Mode" and have him warn you when strangers approach Select the Off the Leash icon from the remote controller's Mood Dial and he will explore your home all on his own! Features a Sleep Mode to conserve battery life Featuring an optional edge detection function, RS Wrex the Dawg will avoid edges and obstacles, and will know when he has been picked up Program a sequence of actions up to 80 steps and he will perform them back flawlessly! RS Wrex the Dawg can "see" in front him; he will react to movements and obstacles in his field of vision! Features an entertaining Demo Mode, in which he shows off his movements and personality! 9 motors 10 eye icon combinations IR sensors Speakers Age: 8+ Dimensions: L33.2 x H24.1 x W33.2 cm Weight: 1.8 KG Batteries: 4x "C" alkaline, 2 x "AA" (remote controller) Batteries 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

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Swirl Neck Top, at M & S
Modern and stylish, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features a swirl neckline design. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Perfect Modal Blend Scoop Neck Stripe Top, at Marks & Spensers
What weekend chic is all about. This soft, pima cotton modal tee looks great with jeans or cords

Soft Fleece Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencer
Relax in style and comfort in this cosy dressing gown made from soft fleece

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 Car 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; Car Insurance and Home 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 Home 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.