Besides Marks & Spencer Car 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 Marks and Spencers 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.

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 Marks and 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 Spencers, 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 Car 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.

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, Sainsbury's, 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.

Body Solutions Tummy Control Pencil Slip, at Mark's & Spencer
Designed to enhance the look of your dresses, this tummy control slip gives a smooth silhouette so it can be worn conventionally

Baroque Jacquard Cushion, at M&S
L43 x W43cm Baroque design Square shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cashmere Fingerless Gloves, at Marks and Spencer
Fab and fashionable, these long fingerless gloves in supersoft cashmere will give any outfit a cool contemporary twist.

Pure Cotton Frill Scoop Neck Top, at MarksandSpencer
The striking frill scopp neck detail gives this pretty soft cotton long sleeve tee a stylish twist

Autograph Floral & Feather Occasion Hat, at Marks & Spenser
Sophisticated and elegant, this occasion hat features a glamorous flower and feather trim. Sure to turn heads at stylish summer events!

Seville Antique Brass Toilet Roll Holder, at Marks and Spencer
Wall mounted H6 x W18 x L11cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Colletion Pure Silk Blossom Print Scarf, at M&S
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk blossom print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Winnie the Pooh Age 1 Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: 1 today Inside message: Happy birthday Approx size: 174 x 126 mm

Autograph Stud Gladiator Sandals, at Marks & Spencer
Open toe Stud strap detail Buckle fastening Mid heel Heel height: 8cm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Made with Insolia technology, an exclusive innovation that makes high heels more comfortable to wear and better for your body's alignment and balance. They work by taking the weight off your toes, so there's less pressure and more stability. Your legs, back and feet stay more comfy all day

Coloured Glass Collection - Leaf Cylinder Vase, at MarksandSpencer
Hand made Mirrored design Leaf detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bialetti Aluminium Teapot, at M+S
Attached lid 6 cup capacity, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Frill Trim Floral Top, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, this short sleeve top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a frill trim and floral print

Roberts SOUND 37 DAB Radio, at Marks and Spencer
Frequency ranges: FM/DAB wavebands Functions: DAB radio, CD, MP3/WMA playback Controls: Menu display selection of all major functions are clearly placed onthe front panel Output connectors: Headphone socket LCD Display: FM RDS station name display with dimmer control Mains power supply: Mains operation via AC adaptor (included) CD Bookmark: automatically remembers the last played position on the disc Station scan: Search/manual tuning Timer: Adjustable Sleep timer and adjustable Snooze timer Alarm: Wake to buzzer, radio or CD with multiple alarms Preset Stations: Up to 20 station presets Dimensions: W13.5 x H13.2 x D16.5cm Weight: Weight 1.03kg 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

Artemis Lightweight Soft Medium Rollercase, at Marks & Spencer
A smart option for travel, the wheeled design and retractable pull handle offer easy mobility no matter where you are in the world. A zip fastening helps keep your belongings secure

3/4 Sleeve Stripe Print Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
This outstanding value 3/4 length sleeve shirt makes a stylish addition to your wardrobe. A great fashion choice for everyday wear

5 Pairs of Stripe Sole Trainer Liners, at Mark & Spensers
These trainer liners are ideal! Cotton rich for comfort and durability, they feature a reinforced heel and toe for extra durability and stretch fabric to improve fit

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

Collezione Wool Rich Single Breasted 3 Button Jacket, at Marks n Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques

Bling Style Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencer
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Abbot Chair, at Marks & Spensers
H78 x W76 x D78cm Seat H43cm, arm H71cm Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Solid birch feet with a dark finish Free swatch samples: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Seams and pattern match on fabrics - Please note that the images of fabrics displayed here are overlaid onto models. These images act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished product. Seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pots and Containers Book, at MarksandSpencer
A beautiful range of 5 gardening titles, full of inspiring ideas and tips both for the novice and more experienced gardener. From pots and small backyards to larger gardens, feel confident in choosing the right flowers and shrubs for the right place all year round! Packed full of wonderful colour photography, these books will prepare and motivate you to garden

Indian Floral Jacquard Pillowcase, at M&S
Floral jacquard design Fits standard pillows, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Buckle Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Buckle feature Slip-on Mid heel Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Heel height 74mm

3/4 Sleeve Plain Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
This outstanding value 3/4 sleeve button top makes a stylish addition to your wardrobe. A great fashion choice for everyday wear

Geneva 2-Seater Sofa Bed (No Arms), at M & S
H88 x W152 x D96cm Seat H49cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a medium finish Sprung mattress: L178 x W112 x D5cm Sofa Bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 08457 624 624 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Knee Length Belted Pleated Skirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Elegant and feminine this knee length pleated skirt makes a fashionable, flattering choice. Get the latest look

2 Autograph Stripe Hipsters, at Marks n Spencer
Featuring the best in modern fabric and contemporary design, these luxurious hipsters feel exceptionally comfortable and give a superior fashionable fit

Adored Pure Cotton Long Stripe Nightdress, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and elegant, this flattering nightdress is part of our feminine Adored collection. It's made from the softest fabrics for the ultimate in comfort

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Button Shorts, at Marks and Spenser
Fabulous and modern, these shorts are part of our Limited Collection lingerie. They're made from soft stretch cotton designed to fit and flatter. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Samsung 46'' LE37A686 HD Ready LCD TV, at M+S
HD Ready 1080p: HD 1080p compatible to display High Definition signals in breathtaking quality, i.e. Playstation 3, Blu-ray, etc. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) delivers crystal-clear, digital audio and video signals using a single cable. 1080p is the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use Display: 46 inch LCD screen, 1,920 x 1,080 resolution Contrast: Dynamic contrast 50000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: 1119 x 94 x 686mm (without stand), 1119 x 260 x 744mm (with stand) Weight: 27 kg with stand SRS TruSurround XT: For enhanced surround sound effect Connections: 4 x HDMI , 1 x RF Input, 1 x optical, 1 x USB, 1 x VGA, 1 x headphones and 1 x PC input (all inputs at back of TV) DNIe+ Technology: The Digital Natural Image Engine produces images with incredible depth and density. Advanced contrast and detail enhancers combine to produce deeper richer lifelike colours Wide Colour Enhancer 2: Primary colours are strengthened to increase depth and intensity to show pictures in all their natural beauty 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 Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

When you're shopping at Marks and 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & 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."