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&Spencer are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make M&S 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, House Insurance policies. Usually, UK House 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 House 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 House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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 M&S 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 M+S, 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.

Mark & Spencers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your House Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Mark & 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 Direct 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 House 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 (House Insurance, Motor 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.

Winchester Armchair, at Marks & Spencer
H94 x W94 x D100cm Seat H49cm, arm H62cm, top back rail H81cm Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions made from polyester fibre Fabric options have reversible cushions Fixed covers only 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

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Top, at Marks and Spencer
For casual elegance, you can't beat this stripe crew neck top. A great value cotton essential

Autograph Leather Lace-Up Shoes by Jeffery-West, at Marks n Spencer
Square toe Punched hole 4 eyelets Lace-up Block heel Tramline design Designed exclusively for Autograph by Jeffery-West

3 Pure Cotton Assorted Words Tea Towels, at M&S
3 part set Assorted words designs, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button DVD, at Marks and Spencer
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Bold Stripe Eyelet Curtains, at Marks and Spencers
Bold stripe Eyelet Lined Comes in standard 168cm/66in (STD) and wider 219cm/86in (WDR) widths Also comes in three drop lengths: short (137cm/54in), medium (183cm/72in), long (229cm/90in) How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Beaded Cushion, at Marks and Spencer
Rectangular shape Beaded design Dimensions: H30 x L40cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Floral Print Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this short sleeve shirt is made from pure soft cotton. The floral print adds a fashionable finishing touch

Pure Cotton Cord Stripe Towel, at Marks & Spencer
Cord stripe design Comes in 3 sizes: Hand - 50 x 90cms Bath - 68 x 137cms Bath sheet - 89 x 178cms, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Younger Boys Pure Cotton Plain Vests, at M+S
Comfortable, practical and fashionable, this 5 pack of vests is made from soft breathable cotton

Younger Girls' Oval Buckle Belt, at Marks & Spensers
Fun and fashionable, this belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Pure Cotton Bob the Builder T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Fans of Bob the Builder will love this pure cotton t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Hepworth Media Unit, at Marks and Spenser
H51 x L108 x W48cm Top: H15 x W47 x D43cm Bottom: H13 x W47 x D46cm 4 drawers and 2 glass shelves Metal Brass detailing on corners, feet and handles Made from European solid birch and birch veneer Treated with a rich stain and aged with dark patina known as a 'housemaid's rub' Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawer boxes made from solid European Birch. Drawers made from veneers Legs mad from European solid birch Handles made of solid antiqued brass Side panels and back panels are veneered. Top panel is veneered with solid birch edging for strength 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 Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. 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

Recycled Stormwear™ & Stain Defence™ Junior Blazer, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and innovative, this blazer is treated with Stormwear™ and Stain Defence™ to repel water and stains. It's made from polyester from 100% recycled sources. It features a contrast coloured lining and has an inside zipped pocket to keep lunch money safe

2 Younger Boys' Cotton Rich Little Devil Pyjamas, at Marks&Spencer
Soft and comfy, this pack of 2 little devil pyjamas are outstanding value

Animal Alphabet Novelty Notebook, at M+S
Animal alphabet novelty notebook Hardback W16 x L17 cm

Dyson Animal DC14 Upright Vacuum Cleaner, at Marks and Spencers
Suction power: 280 airwatts (constant) Root Cyclone™ technology: Dyson vacuum cleaners separate dirt from the air by centrifugal force. It spins the air incredibly fast and the dust and dirt is flung out into the clear bin™. Suction is maintained as there is no bag to become clogged Mini turbine head: Cleans pet hair and dirt from confined spaces such as upholstery, stairs and the car Hygienic and quick to empty: Dyson design minimises risk of contact with dirt Motorised brush bar: Powerful bristles remove dirt and pet hair from carpets Expels only clean air: Air expelled from a Dyson has 150 times less mould and bacteria than the air you breathe. Dyson technology captures particles as small as pollen, bacteria and mould spores Clear bin™: Tough polycarbonate bin lets you see when it needs emptying Bin capacity: 2.7 litres Fingertip brush control: Brush bar turns off to protect delicate rugs and hard floors Reversible wand: The wand reverses to reach awkward areas more easily and with a better grip Washable HEPA filter with Bactisafe™ screener: Ideal for allergy sufferers. Filters must be washed every 6 months All floors: This Dyson model is suitable for all floors Combination accessory tool: Nozzle converts to a mini turbine head for easy removal of pet hairs Cord length: 9.3 metres Maximum reach: 14.5 metres Dimensions: H110 x W33.5 x D34cm Weight: 8.4 kg Included in the box: Mini turbine head, brush tool, stair tool, crevice tool, operations manual, quick start guide, guarantee information and product registration card 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dogtooth Print Flexilite Umbrella, at Marks & Spensers
Brighten up rainy days with this stylish flexilite umbrella

Cape Quarter Rosé 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Mixed Ros Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 10% vol. Alcohol units per bottle:7.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.3 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pasta Recipe Book, at Marks & Spencers
Pasta - food for passion, food for life! For food that puts the colour and fun back into your life, look no further than pasta. Infinitely versatile and always delicious, pasta allows you to cook up a storm in the kitchen and whip up Italian delights that cannot fail to impress. Invite over the family, gather around the kitchen table and tuck into some truly inspirational food. For fail-safe ideas that take the minimum of effort, look no further than the recipes inside this book

Ceriso Spot Print Frill Trim Shorts, at M+S
Glamorous and flirty, these modern shorts feature a spot print and a frill trim. The low rise, low leg style gives a flattering, shapely fit. Designed for women who want the latest look

Autograph Styled Scratchy Spot High Leg Knickers, at Marks & Spencer
Glamorous and sophisticated these flattering briefs feature scratchy spot print. The modern low rise, high leg styling gives a flattering shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

In Bloom Orchid & Vanilla Fragranced Candle, at Marks n Spencer
Orchid and vanilla fragrance Burns upto 20 hours, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Essentials Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and contemporary, this pinstripe shirt is part of our luxurious Autograph collection. The fabric has been created exclusively for us to tie in with this season's key looks, so you wont find it anywhere else

Double Breasted Chunky Knit Cardigan, at M & S
Modern and stylish, this cardigan is a great work-to-evening style.

Cyclone Summer Hat, at Marks & Spencer
Keep your cool in this cyclone sun hat, a summer and holiday essential

7 Pairs of Big & Tall Freshfeet Square Box Design Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks&Spencer
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

Belgravia Chair, at Marks and Spencer
H95 x W83 x D86cm Seat H54cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that gives long-lasting performance and helps to maintain the cushions look and shape. Provides improved resilience without compromising on softness. Easy-care and springs back to its original shape after re-fluffing Back cushion made from fixed foam 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 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 0845 603 1 603 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited Cable Knit Sleeveless Waistcoat, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Girls Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Detroit Extending Dining Table & 6 Alton Scroll Back Chairs Set, at Marks & Spenser
7 piece set Table: H75 x W90 x L160cm (extends to L205cm) Chair: H99 x W46 x D56cm Table seats 6-8 Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Table top panel made from oak veneer with a solid oak edging for strength Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. Care & Cleaning: Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 Marks & Spencers 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."