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

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 Property Insurance and Car 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."

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

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

M&S Stick Blender with Accessories, at Marks & Spencer
300 watt 2-speeds Stainless steel blade Includes: wall-mount bracket, mixing beaker, chopper, detachable plastic blending rod, whisk Dimensions: H38cm 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

Pure Cotton Fisherman Bag, at Marks & Spensers
Stylish and practical, this day bag is ideal for keeping all your essentials to hand

Cut Flowers Wax Lantern with Plate, at Mark's & Spencer
Wax lantern Cut flowers roomscenter Roomscenter burns for up to 4 hours 15ml roomscenter Comes with candle plate, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cashmilon™ Leopard Print Scarf, at Marks & Spenser
Keep warm, cosy and stylish in this fashionable leopard print scarf made from supersoft cashmilon™

Footglove™ Leather Wide Fit Moccasins, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Stitch detail Slip on Wide fit Mid heel Heel height 48mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

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

Champagne Retirement Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Happy Retirement, Party like you don't have to get up in the morning Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 174 x 126mm

Crozes-Hermitage Cave de Tain White 2008 - Case of 6, at M & S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Marsanne, Rousanne Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork 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

Suede Sprung-Edge Divan with 2 Small + 2 Large Drawers & M400 Mattress - Firm, at Mark & Spencers
Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Small drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm 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 Mattress spring count: 1054 Sprung-edge divan can be used with any mattress 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

Classic Non-Wired Jacquard Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Non-wired to provide you with a more natural silhouette. This great bra offers superior support thanks to adjustable straps and added stretch, while the easycare design guarantees convenient comfort

Autograph Leather Hip Wallet, at Marks and Spencer
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

Autograph Pure Cashmere Polo Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Sophisticated and modern, this polo neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxuriously soft knitwear

Pure Cotton Collegiate Baseball Cap, at Marks&Spencer
Whether you're keeping the sun out of your eyes during the big game or simply relaxing in the park, the baseball cap is a true summer essential

Stripe Print Tankini Top, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and fashionable, this stylish tankini top features a striking stripe print. A sleek, shapely look

Sketchy Farm Animals Multipack of Mini Cards, at Marks and Spencer
Pack Contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Cover text: Design 1: Thank you, Design 2: Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!, Design 3: Thank you very much!, Design 4: Thank you Inside Message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Funnel Neck Parka, at Marks and Spencer
A contemporary design and funnel neck makes this parka a fashionable choice

Autograph Pure Silk Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Crafted from pure silk for a truly elegant look and feel, this stylish tie adds a dash of colour to your smart boardroom look

Autograph Copper Base Wok, at MarksandSpencer
Diam 26cm Stainless steel for maximum durability and shine High performance copper base for even heat distribution Triple layer non-stick coating Riveted handles Hand wash only Suitable for all cooker types except induction, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ribbon Trim Lattice Weave Hat, at M&S
This stylish lattice weave hat is finished with a ribbon trim. Perfect for holidays or a sunny day

Compton Glazed Top & Sideboard Set, at M & S
H204.5 x W174 x D55cm Glazed unit has 3 shelves each side and toughened glass doors Sideboard has 2 cupboards and 4 drawers Made from White Oak solids and veneers Hand distressed, with the distressing aged with dark patina Mid-brown stained finish, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side panels, door panels, back panels made from oak veneer Top panels made from oak veneer with a solid oak edging for strength Drawer fronts and boxes made with solid hardwood. Draw bottoms made with oak veneer Solid hardwood legs and doors 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

Letters on a String New Baby Boy Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Baby boy Message: Congratulations! Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Candy Stripe Hamper Small Gift Bag, at Marks and Spencers
Contains: 1 gift bag Approx size: H130 x W100 (at base) x D90mm

Autograph Swirl Humbug Bottle Vase, at Marks & Spenser
Narrow neck Swirl stripe design Narrow base, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Lace Trim Shorts, at Marks n Spencer
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

Autograph M500 Zip & Link Mattress, at Marks & Spensers
Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 28cm Zip & Link mattress: Allows you to combine different levels of firmness on the left and right sides of the mattress. The two sides of the mattress zip together, so you and your partner can choose between medium or firm support Mattress unzips into 2 easier to fit into your home Entirely handmade Individually pocketed springs Deep pillowtop layer containing high quality fillings of cashmere, silk and super-soft reflex foam Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges Spring count: 1225 Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress. Cotton filling is sterilised and free of dust Does not require turning 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

Pacific Armchair, at Marks and Spencer
H92 x W83 x D91cm 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 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 Fabric options feature reversible cushions Cushion covers are removable on this range Frame made from solid wood wrapped in pandan. 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 Pine feet with a light finish 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

Fairtrade Curico Valley Shiraz 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Shiraz Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Pure Cotton Camouflage Cargo Trousers with Belt, at Marks and 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

MoDA Linear Floral Bamboo Paper Blank Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text: Blank Inside message: Blank for your own message Our MoDA range has been screen printed onto paper made from bamboo. Bamboo is a truly sustainable and renewable resource as it's the fastest growing plant on the planet! Approx size: 150 x 150mm

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 & Spensers 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.