When you're shopping at Marks & Spencer 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 Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at M & S 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."

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

M&S may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Motor 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 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 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 M&S insurance products in document format too.

Pure Cotton Varied Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
A stylish smart-casual look, this short sleeve polo shirt in soft cotton features varied stripe design. Practical, comfortable and easycare

Casa Leona Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Button Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. A stylish, fashionable look

Garmin Sat Nav 4.3" Travel Pack, at Marks & Spenser
Free 2 year guarantee This pack contains everything you need to get started with your new nvi. The carrying case protects the nuvi from scratches, and the USB cable lets you connect to your computer to download vehicle icons, addresses, system updates, maps and more. And with the AC Adapter, you'll be able to charge your nvi when youre out of your car and near an outlet

Autograph Pure Cotton Satin Stripe Border Duvet Cover, at Marks & Spensers
Stripe design Bordered trim Supima 400 threadcount Comes in single, double, king-size and super king-size Co-ordinate with Satin stitch black, cream, white plain dye sheets and pillowcases strokes T356490F,T356490S,T356940P, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Weekend Cotton Rich Bootleg Jeans, at Mark & Spencers
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Limited Collection Ruched Shoulder Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, this ruched shoulder bag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Cotton Blend Stripe Pyjama Bottoms, at Mark & Spensers
Pretty and feminine, these comfortable pyjama bottoms feature stripe design

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

Per Una Pure Cotton Corduroy Handbag with Charm, at Marks & Spencer
A heart shaped charm makes this fashionable bag even more special. Give your look the Per Una twist!

Portfolio Pure Linen Sleeveless Belted Dress, at Mark & Spencers
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

Crochet Leather Nappa Gloves, at Marks & Spensers
The definitive classical country-styled driving glove with a high quality pure cotton crochet back that is vented at the wrist. The gloves have a nappa leather palm

Sterling Silver Inset Shell Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening Shell inset design Length: 41cm

Pacific Footstool AU09 Newness, at Marks and Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

First Readers The Three Little Pigs, at Marks & Spenser
This popular story is part of the First Readers range. The three little pigs are each building their own house, but oh no here comes the big bad wolf! These First Reader story books help your child learn to read. They are closely linked to the National Curriculum. Their vocabulary has been carefully selected from the word lists recommended by the National Literacy Strategy

Per Una Leather Plaque Buckle Belt, at Marks & Spenser
A bold buckle makes this fashionable belt even more special. Add a stylish finishing touch from Per Una

Adjustable Task Collection - Table Lamp with Green Shade, at Marks & Spensers
Antique-effect brass finish Adjustable height Conical shade, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Heart Charm Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable choice for school, these stretch bootleg trousers feature a pretty heart charm

Bodyshaper Textured Diamond Tights, at Marks and Spenser
Add a stylish touch of chic with this head-turning diamond design

Autograph Wool Rich Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these wool rich trousers give a well dressed look and feel comfortable to wear

Cream Aluminium Collection Griddle Pan, at Marks and Spenser
Aluminium construction ensures pans are easy to use and durable Non-stick coating Riveted handles for safety and strength Suitable for use on all cookers and hobs except induction L26 x W26cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Double Pocket Tab Waist Mini Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
The buttoned pockets on this skirt give it a military edge. Just add opaques and boots and you'll be parading this season's key look

Pointed Toe Court Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Pointed toe Slip on Mid heel Plain Heel height 67mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Pure Cotton Corduroy Straight Leg Trousers, at MarksandSpencer
Smart and stylish, these easycare cotton trousers are outstanding value

Autograph Puccini Sofa Pad Set, at Marks and Spencer
Plain seat pad set Suitable for all-weather use Seats and seat pads sold separately. Seats pictured are not included This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

National Geographic Kids - Magazine Gift Subscription, at Marks & Spencers
National Geographic Kids is the monthly edu-tainment magazine for boys and girls. Jam-packed with the amazing images you'd expect from the National Geographic brand, National Geographic Kids is everything an inquisitive young mind needs

Pure Cotton Cropped Cargo Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
A stylish summer staple at home or on holiday. Just add a t-shirt and flip flops

Handcrafted Watercolour Flower in Vase Mother's Day Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Mum for you Inside message: Have a lovely time on Mother's Day Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Hello Kitty Rock Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Fans of Hello Kitty will love this pure cotton short sleeve top featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Autograph Sweet Avalanche+ Roses - Dozen, at Marks & Spencer
These extra-long stemmed, large-headed roses come in a selection of glorious shades. All of the rose bouquets are hand-tied and beautifully wrapped in frosted Autograph™ cellophane and black ribbon Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

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, Buildings Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 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 Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.