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 M & S 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Home 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 Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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

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

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Motor Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Mark & Spensers, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Motor Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

6 Summer Garden Hand Finished Multipack of Cards, at Marks and Spencers
Cover Text: Both designs blank Inside Message: Blank for your own message 6 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 200 x 80 mm

Silver Plated Assorted Petal Y Design Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Y design chain necklace Assorted petal design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Check Flat Cap, at Marks and Spenser
A traditional British classic, this is a versatile style that looks great worn smart or casual

Big & Tall Single Breasted Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this single breasted jacket is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

Perfect Scorpius Hard Small Rollercase, at Marks and Spencer
Strong yet lightweight, this stylish luggage has 4 wheels for maximum manoeuvrability, a fixed combination lock, telescopic handle and fully lined interiors. There's a free 5 year guarantee, too

Per Una Flawless Finish Illuminating Concealer, at M+S
Liquid concealer Hypo-allergenic Light diffusing

Autograph Linen Blend Shirt & Cargo Shorts Outfit, at Mark's & 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

Hedgehog Couple Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy Anniversary Inside message: To you... Approx size: 175 x 125mm

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Embroidered Cropped Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
An ideal choice for casual everyday wear, these cropped trousers are finished with an embroidered hem. They look stylish worn with knitwear or casual tops in complementary colours

Per Una Notched Leather Belt, at Marks & Spensers
A patent finish makes this fashionable belt even more special. Add a stylish finishing touch from Per Una

Machine Washable Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
aspirational copy

Chalk and Cheese Fun Character Multipack of Mini Cards, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Design 1: thank you, Design 2: surprise, Design 3: Thanks, Design 4: for you Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 95 x 80mm

Black Aluminium Casserole Dish, at Marks & Spencer
5.7 litre capacity Non-stick coating Tempered glass lid for easy visibility Riveted handles Oven safe up to 180/240C/350F/ gas mark 4 Soft touch silicone handles for strength and durability, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
No more Monday morning mayhem with this non-iron shirt. Keeping all the smart qualities of a standard long sleeve, it's specially treated for a no fuss finish

Side Ring Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencers
Gorgeous and glamorous, these fashionable bikini bottoms feature a stylish side ring. Make a splash!

The Waterfall Knee Length Pencil Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
This chic skirt is a wardrobe essential with a ruffled front making it a striking look for day or night. Pencil skirts flatter your curves and look fabulous with heels and pretty blouses

Pure Cotton 3 Piece Long Sleeve check Outfit, at M&S
Fun and practical, this cute 3 piece outfit features a check design. It's made from soft cotton to keep him comfy

Autograph Styled Embroidered Non-Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Glamorous and sophisticated this balcony bra features a delicate embroidered design. Stretch fabric and underwiring give a great fit and flattering uplifted shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Hall Cascade Droplet Ceiling Light, at Marks and Spencer
Glass dropper pendant Metal frame H39 x Diam 21cm 60W GLS or 11W CFL, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Mineral Face Powder, at M+S
Hypoallergenic

Nubuck Leather Belts, at Marks and Spencer
This leather nubuck finish belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

The Floral Collection Lavender Bath Beads, at Marks&Spencer
350g Lavender scented Comes in a decorative glass jar

Blue Harbour Trekking Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
These classic shorts are an excellent addition to any causal wardrobe thanks to a smart, easy to wear design. Team with a long sleeve shirt or plain tee for an effortless summer look

Mini Limited Long Sleeve Animal Print Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Mini Limited is a collection of cute fun styles designed in the latest looks. The casual, contemporary pieces are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for layering.

Pure Wool Pebble Rug, at Marks and Spencer
Rectangle shape Textured design Small: L140 x W80cm Medium: L170x W120cm Large: L230 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Collegiate Baseball Cap, at Marks and 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

Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck Stripe Cardigan, at M&S
Fashionable and flattering, this cardigan features two front pockets. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Secret Support™ Cotton Rich V-Neck Lace Trim Vest, at Marks & Spencer
Flattering and feminine, this v-neck lace trim vest is made with Secret Support™ which gives gentle support and a flattering, defined shape. A soft, comfortable style

Ingredients Cocoa Bean Shower Gel, at Marks and Spencer
Cocoa bean fragrance 200ml

Jewelled Collection - Floor Lamp, at M&S
Cyclinder shade Tall stem Chrome plated Facetted faux jewel design H153 x Diam 40cm Bulb: ES 100W GLS or 21W CFL, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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