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 & Spensers are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spencers 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.

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 Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings 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 Marks & Spensers, 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.

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 & Spensers 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.

Classic Claret 2007 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spensers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Cabernet Franc Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Big Brother Badge Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: I'm a big brother Big bro... bruv... big brother... bro... big bruv... big brother... bruv A teeny-tiny baby Has just moved in to stay, Someone to take care of And to play with every day - Someone who will look to you To see how things are done Being a big brother Sure will be a lot of fun! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Panasonic 42'' TX-P42G15 Full HD Plasma TV with freesat HD, at Mark's & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Button Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. A look that's always in style

Autograph Weekend Cotton Rich Wide Leg Jeans, at Marks & 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

Parisian Chic Calendar, at M & S
Approx. size: 225 x 390mm

Ceramic Canoe Potpourri Bowl, at Marks&Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Royal Horticultural Society Mauve Watercolour Flowers Blank Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Just a note... Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 150 x 150mm About the RHS: The RHS is dedicated to advancing horticulture and helping all gardeners. An interest in gardening is all you need to enjoy being a member of the RHS. For more information call 0845 130 464, or visit www.rhs.org.uk

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Denim Mini Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Get casual cool in this stretch denim mini skirt by Limited Collection. A stylish choice for this season's looks

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Jersey Top, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and stylish, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features a scarf neck design. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

3 Non-Iron Long Sleeve Shirts, at M&S
This pack of 3 shirts is great value. A practical and convenient choice, they're easycare and non-iron to save you time. Elasticated cuffs are a feature on shirts up to age 8 to make it easier for young children to dress

5 Plain Thongs, at Mark's & Spencer
These comfy thongs merge a plain design with the shape retaining benefits of added stretch for a lasting and wonderfully flattering fit. Ideal for wearing under a host of skirt, dress and trouser styles

Los Nucos Shiraz Cabernet Rosé 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: Chile Closure: Synthetic closure Bottle: 12 x 75cl Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

10 Denier Ladder Resistant Sheer Stockings, at Marks & Spencer
Our new innovation in fabric technology incorporates stretch into every single stitch to create an even, lightweight design and comfortable fit that's ladder resistant and simply a dream to wear

Machine Washable & Tumble Dry Single Breasted 2 Button Plain Navy Jacket, at M+S
Put an end to trips to the dry cleaner with our Machine Washable range. Each suit's stylish cut and fit is combined with the convenience of its high quality fabric that can be machine washed and tumble dried

Baby Text Birth Announcement, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: New baby Inside message: Would like to announce the birth of...a new arrival...on...time...weighing 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: 120 x 120mm

Rasteau 2007 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Candy Stripe Hamper Small Gift Bag, at Marks and Spencers
Contains: 1 gift bag Approx size: H130 x W100 (at base) x D90mm

Gold Plated Art Nouveau Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Stretch bracelet Art nouveau design

50/50 Floral Ribbon Embroidered Bedset, at Marks & Spenser
Floral ribbon embroidered Single set includes duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover and 2 pillowcases Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6') and king size (6ft), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Indian Jacquard Quilted Bedcover, at M+S
L250 x W265cm Indian inspired floral jacquard design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton V-Neck Cardigan, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Stormwear™ Long Sleeve Hooded Jacket, at Marks & Spensers
This soft and cosy hooded jacket offers quality at an outstanding value price. It's treated with our unique Stormwear™ finish, making it resistant to water and stains.

Château de Balan Bordeaux 2006 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Country of origin: France Grape variety: Medium Bodied Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Hooded Check Duffle Fleece, at Mark & Spensers
Comfy and cosy, this hooded fleece feels soft and warm and is great value. A practical, easycare style

Autograph Essentials Long Sleev Wrap with Merino Wool, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Autograph Essentials - a collection of luxurious and timeless wardrobe must-haves featuring premium design and sophisticated styling

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

Maxim Side Plate, at Marks & Spencers
Suitable for everyday use Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Diameter 20.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Traditional Alarm Clock, at Marks & Spencer
Metal case Glass lens Analogue display Round face Dimensions: 13 x 10 x 6cm

XBOX 360® Virtua Tennis™ 3 Game, at Marks & Spencers
Communicate with the top seeds and arrange training games or exhibition matches in the all new career mode Online tournaments and modes let you take challenges from across the world 20 of the world's best tennis stars including Rafeal Nadal, Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova & Martina Hingis Photo realistic graphics New World Tour mode Multi Set Tennis for the first time in VT Court Games - new mini games for 1 - 4 players 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, Platforms: Xbox 360, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Besides Marks & Spencer Motor Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Buildings 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 Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings 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.