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 & Spencers 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, 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.

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 & 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the M+S 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 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 & Spensers, 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.

Sennen 12-Piece Dinner Set - Blue, at Marks and Spenser
12-piece set Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 bowls Dinner plate: Diam 28cm Side plate: Diam 21cm Bowl: Diam 14cm Suitable for everyday use, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Tasselled Pashminetta Scarf with Wool, at Marks & Spensers
Soft, simple and stylish, this versatile scarf comes in one of autumn's key colours and is a great value way to accessorise

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 1 Small + 1 Large Drawer & M400 Mattress - Firm, at Marks & Spencers
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large Drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm, Small Drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Smaller drawers at the head end are designed to open without moving your bedside table Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give the mattress edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs 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

USA & Australia Travel Adaptor, at M&S
UK socket to 2 flat pin plug adaptor

Limited Collection Double Buckle Shoulder Bag, at Mark & Spensers
Fashionable and fabulous, this double buckle shoulder bag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Pure Cotton Floral Cropped Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and practical, these cropped pyjama bottoms are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Ombre Check Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Smart casual style for less! This pure cotton shirt is outstanding value

Petite Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks & Spencers
A wardrobe essential at a great price, these straight leg jeans are outstanding value. Stock up on style!

3 Non-Iron Short Sleeve Blouses, at Mark & Spencers
A great value 3-pack of school blouses, non-iron for convenience

Stainless Steel Handle Soup Ladle, at M&S
Suitable for non-stick saucepans Stainless steel finish Plastic scoop, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Flat Front Fine Stripe Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and contemporary, these fine stripe trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

10 Personalise Your Own Graphic Heart Thank You Cards, at M+S
Pack contains: 10 cards, 1 design Cover text: Thank you Approx size: 155 x 110mm Inside message: Blank for your own message The cards in this pack are made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests

Pure Cotton Belted Knee Dart Jeans, at Mark & Spencers
Comes with belt shown in image These straight leg jeans in pure cotton are great value. A practical, easycare style

Sony Bravia 37'' KDL-37W5500 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks & Spenser
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 3 with a 37 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Dynamic Contrast: 50000:1 Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ channels and radio stations (subject to coverage) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dimensions: With table stand: W91.7 x H64.9 x D30.3cm, Without Table Stand: W91.7 x H60.2 x D9.1cm Weight: Weight inc. stand: 18.5kg, weight without stand: 15.5kg Dolby Virtual Surround and BBE Digital: Experience the effect of digital surround sound from only two front speakers with our advanced S-Force Front Surround technology Connectors: Digital Audio Output (optical) x 1, HDMI™ Inputs x 4, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, Analogue Audio Inputs x 2, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2, BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Video/Music/Photo), AppliCast™ BRAVIA Engine 3: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 3 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Xross Media Bar: New Sony interface to enhance the operability and ease of use Picture Frame Mode: Not watching TV? Turn it into a digital photo frame to display your own pictures or the 6 pre-installed images BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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: 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 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 Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gold Spot Bursts Bottle Bag, at Marks and Spencer
1 bottle bag with tag Approx size: H370 x W120 x D80mm

Autograph Pure Cotton Belted Straight Leg Jeans, at Mark & Spensers
Fashionable and contemporary, these straight leg jeans are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Bring Your Own Whites Mix- Case of 12, at MarksandSpencer
4 El Tidon Sauvignon Blanc 2008: Packed full of fresh, spicy flavour, this Spanish Sauvignon Blanc offers outstanding value for money. Aromas of citrus fruit and dried herbs are followed up by a dry, tangy palate and a soft-textured finish... 4 Sicilia Bianco 2007: Clean, fresh limey aromas with lively fruit on the palate. A really refreshing, fruit dry wine... 4 Ctes du Rhne Blanc 2008: With its appealing aromas of honeysuckle and baked pears, this soft and gently spicy white is classic Ctes du Rhne at a fantastically affordable price ... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Cotton Rich Knitted Dress and Tights Outfit, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and pretty, this cute knitted dress and tights 2 piece outfit is made from soft cotton to keep her feeling comfy and happy

Autograph Long Sleeve Crew Neck Vest, at M & S
Featuring the best in modern fabric and contemporary design, this luxurious vest feels exceptionally comfortable and gives a superior fashionable fit

5 New Lace Shorts, at Marks & Spensers
Smart, snug and easy to care for, these cosy shorts combine a flattering fit with a lace design and stretchy fabric to create the perfect knickers for day to day wear

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Denim Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Casual and contemporary, this denim shirt is made from cool comfortable cotton and features popper fastening

Sony PSP™ LEGOŽ Indiana Jones™ The Original Adventures Game, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for all ages Be Indiana Jones: Re-live his epic adventures in a humorous LEGO world based on the original trilogy of movies Explore and discover: Journey from the jungles of South America to the snowy mountaintops of India, all in search of ancient and powerful artefacts that you will use to solve puzzles Whip it! Use Indy's signature weapon to capture and disarm enemies, swing across gaps, activate levers, and interact with a world of LEGO objects and puzzles Pick your character: Choose from over 60 playable characters, each with a variety of unique abilities that you will use to help solve puzzles and battle enemies. Plus, play the villains and supporting characters 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 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, Platforms: Sony PSP, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Pure Silk Floral Print Lightweight Scarf, at M+S
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk floral print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Per Una Short Sleeve Spot Print Blouse, at M&S
A beautiful short sleeve blouse with camisole featuring frill trim and spot print design

5 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Assorted Slips, at M+S
Made from soft breathable stretch cotton, these comfy slips are ideal for everyday wear.

2 Older Girls' Heart Trim Crop Tops, at Marks & Spensers
Cute and comfortable, these comfy crop tops make a great way of getting girls used to the idea of wearing bras

3 Piece Cotton Rich Outfit, at Marks & Spencers
Practical and pretty, this cute long sleeve top, skirt and tights 3-piece outfit is made from soft cotton to keep her feeling comfy and happy

2 Piece Pure Cotton Stripe Dungaree Outfit, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this cute 2 piece dungaree outfit features a stripe design with button detail. It's made from soft cotton to keep her comfortable and happy

Pure Wool Spot Rug, at Marks&Spencer
Rectangular Spot design Small: L80 x W140cm Medium: L120 x W180cm Large: L160 x W230cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Oval Face Roman Numeral Watch, at Mark & Spencers
Oval face Analogue Roman numeral Leather-effect strap

Besides Mark & Spensers Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct House 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 Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

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