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

M&S Money Direct Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Car Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Car Insurance and Household Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Household Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Money Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

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

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

Machine Washable Single Pleat Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Put an end to tiresome trips to the dry cleaners. Our range of machine washable and tumble dry suits combine the best in convenience and contemporary style

Pink Spotty Shoes 40th Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy 40th birthday Inside message: Hope you have a lovely day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 126mm

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Seersucker Check Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
This pure cotton shirt has been dyed using a special process to give an authentic washed down look which will fade fashionably with time and wear. Colour variations make each garment unique

Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & M100 Mattress, at Marks & Spencers
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm 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: 21.5cm Divan Height: 41cm Large Drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Mattress has dust-free polyester fibre filling Mattress Spring Count: 288 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

Maternity Cotton Rich 3/4 Sleeve Ruched Top, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and casual, this cotton rich top is designed to flatter you and your bump. The ruched style and clever cut give a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A practical, versatile choice

Fraser Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencer
H99 x W209 x D102cm Seat H48cm, arm H66cm, top back rail H77cm (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 Fabric options feature reversible cushions 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 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

Plain Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks & Spensers
Modern and stylish, these bikini bottoms are outstanding value. Style and quality at a great price

Pure Cotton Embroidered Denim Skirt with Tights, at M&S
You will love this pure cotton denim skirt with a pair of tights. A practical, easycare style

DD-G Half Mesh Spot Underwired Bra, at Mark & Spensers
Soft and comfortable, this bra is specially designed for fuller busts. It's underwired and structured to give great support and a flattering enhanced shape

Airflex™ Leather Loafer Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these shoes are specially designed with the Airflex™ sole system. This innovative technology gives your feet enhanced support, comfort and flexibility

Autograph Mineral Powder Eyeshadow, at Marks and Spencer
Hypoallergenic Fragrance and preservative free

Autograph Lace Multiway Bra, at M&S
Luxurious and elegant, this elegant multiway bra is trimmed with fine lace. The flattering balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Panasonic DMP BD80 Blu-ray Disc™ Player, at Marks & Spenser
Blu-ray Disc™ player PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus: A high quality image-processing technology developed by Panasonic to precisely process each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal in the vertical direction 4:4:4 signal technology: Processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal in the horizontal direction, to complement vertical direction processing VIERA CAST function: Allows access to YouTube™, Picasa™, and other Internet sites from the special VIERA CAST screen Playback Media: BD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, AVCHD, Audio CD Audio: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True-HD Connectivity: USB 2.0, HDMI, SD slot, Composite Video Outputs, Component Video Outputs, HDMI Outputs (Version 1.3), Optical Digital Audio Outputs, Analog Audio Outputs 2-channel Accessories: Remote control Dimensions: 43 x 5.5 x 24.9cm

2 Pairs of Tatty Teddy Socks, at Marks and Spencers
A must for fans of Tatty Teddy this 2 pair pack of socks features assorted designs

Ankle High Stretch Platform Boots, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Central seam stitch Stretch design Ankle high High heel

Per Una Floral Lace Padded Underwired Bra, at Marks & Spenser
Feminine and delicate, this stylish bra is beautifully embellished with floral embroidery. The padded underwired style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Maternity Cotton Rich Frill Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and modern, this short sleeve shirt is designed to flatter you and your bump. The ruched style and clever cut give a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. Enjoy your pregnancy in style!

The Gum Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Vegetables for Roasting, at Marks & Spensers
Serves 4-6 Ready to cook Suitable for nut allergy sufferers 2 x 500g As featured on page 41 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Autograph Pure Wool 2 Button Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Our Autograph suits are made from finer fabrics with superior attention to detail, giving you the ultimate in sharp, sophisticated style

3 Younger Boys' Cotton Rich Batman Trunks, at Marks and Spenser
A must for fans of Batman, these cotton rich trunks feature assorted Batman motif designs

Floral Print Mug, at Marks and Spenser
Floral design Slim handle Diam: 20mm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and contemporary, this pure cotton stripe shirt is part of our luxurious Autograph collection. The fabric has been created exclusively for us to tie in with this seasons key looks, so you wont find it anywhere else"

Autograph Pure Cashmere Scoop Neck Jumper, at M&S
Sophisticated and modern, this scoop neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxurious softness

M&S 19'' HD Ready LCD TV with Built-in DVD Player - Black, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 19 inch flat screen, 1440 x 900 pixels Contrast Ratio: 500:1, Dynamic Contrast: 4000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: H41 x W46 x D20.5cm Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x Scart socket DVD Player: Built-in DVD player 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 T042100 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Rioja Campo Aldea Tempranillo 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Tempranillo Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Single Breasted 1 Button Jacket with Wool, at Marks & Spencer
Luxurious and elegant, this smartly tailored single breasted jacket is part of our exclusive Autograph range

Siemens Built-In Gas Hob ER15354EU, at Marks and Spencer
H56 x W582 x D512mm 4 burners - 2 standard, 1 high-speed, 1 economy 2 cast-iron pan supports with rubber feet Stainless steel base Black glass inlay for controls Easy-to-use front controls Flame-failure safety device Simmer setting on all burners for controlled simmering One-handed ignition 5-year guarantee This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Samsung 40'' LE40B650 HD Ready LCD TV, at M+S
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 40 inch LCD screen, 1920 X 1080 resolution Dynamic Contrast Ratio: Ultra contrast Integrated Digital Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W995.1 x D255.0 x H705.9 (with stand), W995.1 x D78.6 x H650.4 (without stand) Weight: 18.5kg (with stand), 14.5 (without stand) SRS TruSurround HD: For enhanced surround sound effect Connectors: 3 x HDMI, PC input, PC audio input, component, ethernet (LAN), 2x scart 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 Ultra Clear Panel: Retains the same high performance in any light conditions 100 Hz Motion Plus: Motion Plus technology uses extra frames to create seamless, smoother more precise images on screen Anynet+: The Anynet+ system allows control of a SAMSUNG Anynet+ TV via one single remote control 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sleeveless Side Panel Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Sleek and chic, this side panel dress is tailored to fit and flatter. A stylish choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and 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 Household 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 & Spencers, 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.