Besides M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Buildings & Contents 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 Mark's & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents 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.

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 & 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.

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 Spencers 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.

Big & Tall Blue Harbour Stormwear ™ Trekking Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Lightweight and versatile, these trousers are treated with our unique Stormwear™ water and stain repellent finish. They feature zip-off legs and a hidden comfort waistband so you'll stay comfortable all day long

3/4 Sleeve Waterfall Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and stylish, this cardigan features a waterfall front. Ideal for layering

Autograph Leather Buckled Monk Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Square toe Punched hole detail Buckle fastening Stitch detail Block heel

Tramline Riptape Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Square toe Tramline design Riptape fastening Flat sole

Brand New 200 Sudoku Puzzles for The Weekend, at M+S
At the end of a stressful working week, relax with this new collection of sudoku puzzles. You dont need to be a maths whiz, all you need is a logical mind. So prepare your favourite breakfast and grab yourself a pencil to enjoy this collection of 200 sudoku puzzles for the weekend.

Crozes-Hermitage Cave de Tain White 2008 - Case of 6, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Marsanne, Rousanne Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

Classic Collection Stripe Crinkle Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, this panelled skirt in softly draping fabric is designed to fit and flare for a figure-flattering look. A stripe crinkle design adds a fashionable touch

Autograph Pure Cotton Stripe Pyjama Bottoms, at Mark & Spensers
Create your own look by mixing and matching these pure cotton pyjama bottoms with our tops and t-shirts. Great for relaxing in style whether you're heading for bed or just chilling out at home

7 Pairs of Freshfeet Days of the Week Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks and 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

Short Sleeve Heart Print Belted Blouse, at Marks & Spensers
This fab short sleeve blouse features a stunning heart print design. A vibrant new look, perfect for this season

Pure Cotton Double Breasted Denim Jacket, at Marks & Spensers
Comfy and cosy, this denim jacket feels soft and warm and is great value. A practical, easycare style

Adored Modal Blend Embroidered Nightdress, at M+S
Stylish and elegant, this flattering long nightdress is part of our feminine Adored collection. It's made from the softest fabrics for the ultimate in comfort

In Bloom Lime Blossom & Bergamot Eau de Toilette, at M&S
Eau de Toilette 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Big & Tall Cotton Rich Flat Front Corduroy Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
A relaxed formal look, these comfortable cotton rich corduroy trousers make a stylish and practical choice for everyday wear. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Signature Filled Glass Candle, at Marks and Spenser
One of these designer-inspired signature filled candles will look fantastic on your bedside table. A simple, tasteful addition to your decor in scented clove and orange, natural cotton or plum and rhubarb

M&S 2GB USB Memory Stick, at Marks & Spensers
2GB memory stick Plugs directly into computer's USB port High-speed USB 2.0 compatible Plug'n Play USB interface requires no driver software Includes USB extention cable and neck strap Rubber housing Dimensions: 54 x 19 x 10mm Weight: 10g (approx) 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

Floral Design Push Up Multiway Bra, at M & S
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

Cover Up Drawstring Vest, at Marks and Spencers
Feminine and fashionable, this flattering cover up is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

British Heritage Grain Lace Up Gibson Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Lace up 4 eyelets Round toe Shallow block heel Inspired by traditional design Goodyear welted sole Full leather lining Crafted from premium calf leathers Made by hand in the UK

Linen Blend 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This stripe shirt will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features smart turn up sleeve and breast pocket detail for a stylish casual look

Fairtrade Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Top, at Marks and Spenser
2 for 8 offer excludes items in the sale Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade This stylish longer length short sleeve top is a good deal for you and for our Fairtrade farmers. It's made from 100% Fairtrade cotton, helping local farmers to invest in developing their own communities

Silver Plated Tiered Heart Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks and Spencer
2 part set Hoop fastening earrings Clasp fastening necklace with adjustable length Tiered heart design

Little Acorns Melamine Set with Bowl Cup & Plate, at Marks and Spencers
1 plate 1 bowl 1 cup 1 spoon Plate: 170 mm diameter Bowl: 110 mm diameter Cup: 80 mm diameter Spoon: 135 mm length

M&S iPodŽ & MP3 Speaker Dock with CD Player & Radio Alarm, at Marks and Spencers
iPod dock MP3 Dock (via USB Slot) CD Player FM Radio Alarm Clock (either Buzzer, iPod tracks or FM Radio) Connects to other audio devices, 5 ways to wake up and snooze function Compatible with all generations of iPod and other MP3 players - classic, nano and touch iPods, iPod shuffle, MP3 players and other external audio devices when used in conjunction with stereo mini plug cord Charges iPod when docked Amplifier power output: 4W x 2, 1KHz 10% THD, 8 ohm Tuner band: FM, tuning range: 87.5 ~ 108.0 MHz, frequency step: 50 KHz Input impedance AUX input: 10 kohms Input terminal: external DC IN (for AC adapter), AUX IN AC adapter: input: AC 100 -240V, 50/60 Hz, output: DC 12V Power source: DC 12V 2A (external DC IN) Dimensions (approx): W25.6 x H12.1 x D14.5cm Weight: 1.526 kg 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

Floral Collection Rose Bath Essence, at Marks & Spencer
Moisture rich Rose scented 500 ml Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Rosa Centifolia (Rose), Glycerin, Cocamide DEA, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-2, BHT, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, CI 17200 CI 47005

Platinum Plated Marquise Promise Ring, at Marks & Spensers
Cubic stone Platinum plated

Per Una Essentials Clover Embroidered Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and delicate, these stylish shorts are made from soft stretch lace. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Acapulco Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
Drop style Hook fastening Acapulco detail

Per Una Pure Cotton Jaquard Pyjamas, at Marks & Spenser
Modern and feminine, these pretty jaquard pyjamas are made from soft pure cotton. So you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Fruit Beauty Flower Bath Fizzers Gift Pack, at Marks and Spencer
Contains: wowee plum, zingy lemon, funky orange and shocking raspberry flavours Flower bath fizzers

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