There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Motor Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spenser, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Motor Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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's & 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 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 House Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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 Spencer 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 House 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 and Spencer, 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.

Ashton Bedstead, at Mark & Spencers
Headboard: H111.5cm Endboard: H69cm Underbed: H28cm Single: L201 x W101cm Double (4ft 6''): L201 x W147cm King size (5ft): L201 x W162cm Mattress sold separately Made from solid poplar and rubberwood All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Delivered flatpack due to size Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Floral Collection Mixed Talcs, at MarksandSpencer
Pack of 4 4 x 50g Magnolia Talcum Powder Ingredients: Talc, Magnolia Liliflora (Magnolia), Parfum, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Citronellol, Aqua, Isoeugenol, Propylene Glycol, Eugenol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Sorbital, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben Rose Talcum Powder Ingredients: Talc, Parfum, Rosa Centifolia (Rose), Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Aqua, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben Lavender Talcum Powder Ingredients: Talc, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Parfum, Linalool, Aqua, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Geraniol, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben Iris talcum powder Ingredients: Talc, Iris Florentina (Iris) Flower Extract, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl, Ionone, Aqua, Propylene Glycol

Autograph Long Sleeve Cardigan with Cashmere, at Marks & 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

Leather Flip Toe Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Square flip toe Stitch detail Slip on Block heel

Handcrafted Letters Valentine Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: One true Love Inside message: Happy Valentine's Day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

2 Piece Pure Cotton Owl Dungaree Outfit, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this cute 2 piece dungaree outfit features an owl motif and assorted buttons detail. It's made from soft cotton to keep her comfortable and happy.

Single Glasses - MAXIM WINE SGL, at Marks & Spencers
This eye-catching wine glass combines an elegant, simple stem with a burst of colour on the body

Limited Collection Faux Snake Skin Cropped Leggings, at Marks & Spencers
Slim and stylish, these leggings give a sleek modern look. This pair sits below the waist and is cut to fit and flatter.The cropped length adds a fashionable update. Get the latest look!

Maxim Pasta Bowl, at Marks & Spencer
Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Suitable for everyday use Makes an ideal gift Diam 22cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Big & Tall Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Flat Front Trousers, at M & S
Smart and stylish, these flat front trousers are made from fine quality wool with cashmere for exceptional softness. A practical, hardwearing and fashionable choice. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Collezione Single Breasted Funnel Neck Parka, at Marks and Spencers
Elegantly stylish and meticulously finished, this funnel neck parka is inspired by sophisticated Italian fashions

Blue Harbour Swimming Trunks, at MarksandSpencer
A great value pair of trunks offering a secure fit, while the classic look trunks are perfect for that relaxing walk on the beach

Autograph Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Butterfly Top, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in smart styles and high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Pink Sketchy Flowers Birthday Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Happy birthday Inside message: Have a lovely day Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Stripe Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencer
Smooth and sleek, these fashionable bikini bottoms feature a striking print. Make a splash!

Autograph Pure Silk Contrast Edge Tie, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Ice Cube Check Pyjamas, at M & S
He'll love the fun 'I'm so cool' slogan on these comfy pure cotton pyjamas

Footglove™ Wide Fit Slingback Wedge Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Ruched detail Slingback style Buckle fastening Wedge heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

2 Pairs of °Climate Control Balance Point Boot Socks, at Marks and Spencers
Climate control keeps you cool when you're hot and warms you up when you're cold so you're always at your optimum temperature. Exclusive to M&S, Climate control clothing is comfortable and breathable - ideal for sportswear. Comfortable and hardwearing, these socks are designed with Aegis Active Fresh technology to keep them odour free. Three levels of cushioning give comfort and protection where it's needed most

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Cymru Rugby T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this short sleeve t-shirt in soft cotton features an embroidered Cymru logo. A practical easycare style

Plain Swimming Trunks, at Marks and Spencer
Perfect for holidays or school swimming lessons, these practical trunks are outstanding value

Boys' Fun Icons Multipack of Cards, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Design 1: for you, Design 2: hi, Design 3: just to say Inside message: blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 3 designs Approx size: Design 1 & 2: 95 x 80mm, Design 3: 200 x 80mm

Autograph Pure Silk Leaves Tie, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Pure Cotton DJ Monkey T-Shirt, at M+S
Fun and fashionable, this mock layer top in soft pure cotton features a monkey motif. A practical easycare style

Limited Collection High Heel Gladiator Sandals, at M&S
Open toe Gladiator interweave design Tie fastening High heel Heel height 95 mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Criss Cross Body Shaper Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Look your best in that special outfit! These diamond design bodyshaper tights lift and shape your curves to give a more defined silhouette.

Wave Thermosoft Throw, at Marks and Spenser
Small: W150 x L200cm Large: W230 x L240cm Wave design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Panasonic 26" TX-L26X10 HD Ready LCD TV, at M&S
HD Ready: Displays images in HD resolution, defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 26 inch plasma display, 1,049,088 (1,366 x 768) pixels Contrast (Dynamic): 30,000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W66.4 x H43.4 x D11.9cm (without stand) W66.4 x H47.4 x D21.7cm (with stand) Weight: 10.5kg (with stand) V-Audio: Unique sound technology that delivers crystal-clear sound with superior bass performance Connectors: 3 HDMI, 2 Scart, PC Input, S-Video Input, Headphone Jack, Composite Video Input VIERA Superior Picture Quality: The VIERA system provides richly expressed images with enhanced contrast SD Card Slot: View your treasured photos on the big screen by simply removing your camera's memory card and sliding it into the SD card slot 24p Playback: High speed playback of images to recreate the full cinematic experience VIERA Link: Enables you to control all your AV systems with only one remote Use wall mountT042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S High Gloss Black Flat Panel TV Stand up to 52'', at Marks & Spencer
Supports flat panel LCD and plasma TVs up to 52" Clear, tempered safety glass shelves Fits up to 4 audio video components and a center channel speaker Includes a cable management system to hide wires and interconnect cables Metallic black finish Scratch resistant, powder-coated steel framing Top shelf weight capacity: 56.7kg Lower shelves weight capacity: 22.7kg Overall dimensions: H61 x W127 x D53.3cm Top shelf dimensions: W127 x D40.6cm Middle shelf dimensions: H25.4 x W106.7 x D38.1cm Lower shelf dimensions: W106.7 x D45.7cm Boxed delivery - self-assembly required This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wool Rich Check Belted Coat, at Mark & Spensers
This warm wool rich coat features handy side pockets and a flattering check design. Wear over this season's styles for a cosy, contemporary look

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 House 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."