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

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 M & S 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark's & 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 Car 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 & 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.

Floral Bouquet Gift Card, at M & S
Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Younger Boys' Thomas & Friends™ Rucksack, at Marks & Spencer
A must-have for fans of Thomas & Friends, this zipped double compartment rucksack features Thomas, the tank engine

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 1 Small + 1 Large Drawer & Autograph M500 Mattress - Firm, at Marks & Spencer
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 27cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Small drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Mattress is entirely handmade Individually pocketed springs Mattress features deep pillowtop layer containing high quality fillings of cashmere, silk and super-soft reflex foam Two further layers of cotton and polyester underneath the pillowtop layer Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges of the mattress Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel Mattress spring count: 1225 Sprung-edge divan can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bow Slipper Boots, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe Suede-effect Faux fur lining and trim Side tie detail Flat sole

Autograph Bone China Dinner Plate, at Marks and Spenser
Plain Diameter: 27cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Heritage Floral Wallpaper, at Marks and Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gingham Trim Crook Umbrella, at Marks & Spenser
Brighten up rainy days with this stylish lightweight umbrella

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Medium Stripe Rugby Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Casual and relaxed, this medium stripe rugby shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

2 Pure Cotton Joggers, at M&S
Comfortable enough for crawling or napping in, these soft cotton joggers are a practical and fashionable choice

Pretty Pink Bouquet with 50% More Roses, at M & S
50% more roses when ordering this bouquet for delivery between 21st August to 5th September 2009 Sophisticated and elegant, this array of roses and alstroemeria blooms perfectly captures the freshness of a crisp summer morning Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Gold Finish Wood Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at Marks and Spencer
Rectangle shape Pine wood border Gold finish Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7") Dimensions: H19.1 x W24.2 x D2.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Adored Comfort All Over Lace High Leg Knickers, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft and pretty, these lace trimmed knickers are made from a soft stretchy blend of modal and cotton

In Bloom Lime Blossom & Bergamot Rich Hand & Body Crème, at Marks & Spencer
Lime blossom and bergamot fragrance Softens the skin 200ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

50/50 Bed Linen - Flat Sheet, at Marks and Spencers
Single: L260 x W178cm Double: L260 x W228cm King size (5ft): L275 x W275cm Super king size (6ft): L275 x W310cm Plain dye bed linen Easy to iron Plain fabric (no design) Care instructions: Machine washable, Tumble dry Composition:50% cotton, 50% polyester, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Short Sleeve Nightdress, at Marks & Spencers
Fresh and feminine, this nightdress is made from a soft cotton blend so it feels comfortable to sleep in. The bow detail adds a pretty touch

White Wine, Chocolate & Rose Basket, at Mark & Spencers
The perfect gift for a special occasion, this set includes a gift-wrapped cream rose plant, a bottle of French white wine, delicious chocolates and it's all presented in a gift basket. Available for delivery between 1st April to 30th September 2009

5 Younger Boys' Football Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these comfy cotton rich socks features a football design

Per Una Square Button Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable notch lapel jacket featuring a single breasted design and square button fastening

Classic Collection Floral Embroidered Pump Slippers, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe Pump style Floral embroidered design Slip on Flat sole Comes in sizes 3-8

New Baby Mobile Gift Card, at Marks n Spencer
Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Cotton Blend Turn-Up Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This fashionable top is made from super soft fabric that looks and feels great. Modern styling details give it a cool contemporary edge

Autograph Copper Base 3-Tier Steamer, at Marks & Spencer
Stainless steel for maximum durability and shine Glass straining lid Riveted handles with silicone inserts for comfort and safety High performance copper base for even heat distribution Diam: 20cm Capacity: 3.8 litre Suitable for all cooker types except induction, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ethnic Heart Cluster Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Adjustable length Clasp fastening Heart cluster design Necklace length 82cm, extendable by 8cm

Domaine Guinand St Christol Côteaux du Languedoc 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Full Bodied Grape variety: Syrah, Carignan Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans 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

4 Ruby Mugs - Black, at Marks & Spenser
Set of 4 Stripe design H9cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Dora The Explorer Top, at M+S
Fans of Dora The Explorer will love this pure cotton top featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style.

Animal Print Towelling Slippers, at M&S
Relax in style and comfort in these soft, hardwearing mule slippers featuring spot detail. Machine washable for added convenience

Recycled Cream Flower Cushion, at Marks & Spensers
Square shape Appliqu floral detail 3D flower design L43 x W43cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Strings of Life Platinum Plated Ring, at Mark & Spensers
Crossed design Platinum plated

3 Piece Cotton Rich Animal Print Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
Fun and practical, this cute 3-piece outfit features animal print lining. It's made from soft cotton rich fabric to keep him comfy

M&S Money Direct offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car 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 Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Direct Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car 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 Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car 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 Car 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.