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 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, 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.

Besides Marks and Spencer Motor 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 & Spencers 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.

When you're shopping at Mark & Spensers 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 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."

Bingley Bear Flower Sister Card, at M&S
Cover text: To a lovely Sister Inside message: Have a wonderful birthday Approx size: 175 x 125mm

Laser Cut Champagne Flutes Wedding Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: a toast to love, wedded bliss, together husband & wife, wedding, Love cherish, celebration, forever, true love, romance, happy couple, On you wedding day Inside message: With love on your special day Approx size: 230 x 114mm

North Coast Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Hooded Sweatshirt, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and relaxed, this long sleeve hooded sweatshirt is made from pure cotton it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Autograph Essentials Embroidered Non-Padded DD-G Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine this non-padded bra features floral embroidery. Stretch fabric and underwiring give a great fit and flattering uplifted shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Thomas The Tank Engine Pyjamas, at Marks&Spencer
A must for fans of Thomas the tank engine, these pure cotton pyjamas feature the popular character

Leather Lace-Up Boat Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Lace-up Round toe Contrast stitching Low heel

Linen Blend Pinstripe Straight Leg Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Sophisticated and elegant, these tailored trousers are detailed with a prinstripe design. A fashionable choice for work or formal occasions

Its A Groove Thing CD, at Marks & Spenser
Album, Marks & Spencer

Per Una Zig Zag Downy Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
A casual hooded jacket featuring a zip fastening and zig zag stitch detail

Collezione Luxury Flat Front Micro Stripe Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Add a smart dimension to your formal wardrobe with these single pleat trousers. Allowing for more hip room, they provide a clean, crisp and well turned out look

Pure Silk Abstract Print Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk abstract print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Silver Plated Mosaic Leaf Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks & Spencer
2 part set Hook fastening drop earrings Pendant necklace with adjustable length Mosaic leaf design Necklace length 40cm, extendable by 8cm For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

T356953S, at Marks & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ceriso Styled Floral Embroidered Thong, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and stylish, this modern thong features floral embroidery and a lace trim. It fits and drapes beautifully and feels blissfully comfortable to wear. Feminine everyday lingerie

Blue Harbour Pure Lambswool Zip Neck Argyle Jumper, at M+S
An extremely comfortable zip neck argyle jumper. It's made from extra fine lambswool which is spun for the softest feel. Conveniently, it can be machine washed and tumble dried and it resists bobbling

Autograph Pure Cotton Parisian Damask Duvet Cover, at Mark & Spencers
Floral design Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6in), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Oval Shell Jewellery Set, at Marks & Spencer
3 part set Hook fastening drop earrings Stretch bracelet Clasp fastening necklace Oval shell design Necklace lengths: 43cm, extendable by 7cm For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

3D Floral Cushion, at Marks & Spencers
Square shape 3D floral design Felted fabric Luxury feather inner Size: 43cm x 43cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ingredients Shea Nut Lip Butter, at Marks & Spensers
To help soften and smooth your lips Shea nut flavour 12ml

Mediterranean Style Vegetables, at Mark's & Spencer
Serves 4-6 Ready to cook Suitable for vegetarians 700g As featured on page 42 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Limited Collection Faux Fur Cuff Ankle Boots, at M&S
Round toe Faux fur cuff design Ankle high Pull on High heel Heel height: 99mm

Pro Flip Flops, at Marks n Spencer
Casual and relaxed, these flip flops make a comfortable and stylish choice. Perfect for warmer days at home or on holiday

Big & Tall Flat Front Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
No more trips to the drycleaners! These smart, fashionable trousers are machine washable. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Johnny Cash - The Legend CD, at Marks and Spenser
Album, Marks & Spencer

2 Sea Creature Swim Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these lined shorts fit comfortably and securely. Sea creature designs add a fab finishing touch

Castello Bedstead, at Marks and Spencer
Headboard H139cm (Single H128cm) Endboard H101cm Single:L190 x W92.5cm Double: L190 x W142.5cm King-size 5ft: L210 x W155.5cm Super king-size 6ft: L210 x W185cm Mattress sold seperately Available in black or cream Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spenser
Hook fastening Drop style Facetted bead design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Grandad Text Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: To a special Grandad Grandfather Papa Pop Grandpa Gramps Inside Message: Wishing you a very happy birthday This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future 175 x 126mm

Per Una Short Sleeve Spot Print Blouse, at M+S
A beautiful short sleeve blouse with camisole featuring frill trim and spot print design

Autograph Long Sleeve Satin Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary satin stripe design

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, Sainsburys, or Tesco Direct:

• 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.