When you're shopping at Marks & Spencers 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 & Spenser 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."

Marks and Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Property Insurance or Car Insurance, but Mark & Spensers 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 Finance 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 Property 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 (Property Insurance, Car 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 & Spencers insurance products in document format too.

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

Champagne Oudinot Medium Dry - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium dry Grape variety: Mixed Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Faux Pearl Stud Earrings, at Marks & Spenser
Butterfly stud fastening Faux pearl design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - Stain Defence™ Tulip Skirt with Belt, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, this fashionable tulip skirt is treated with Stain Defence™ technology which helps repel everyday stains. It comes with the belt shown

Black & Cream Floral Large Gift Bag, at Marks and Spencer
1 gift bag Approx size: H350 x W350 x D100mm

Pink Foil Lines Mother Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: Mother with love... Inside message: ...on your birthday Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Spot & Stripe Design Socks, at Marks and Spencer
These classic cotton rich socks are soft, breathable and comfortable. Added stretch gives a great fit

1 Pair of Cotton Rich Socks, at MarksandSpencer
Soft and comfortable, these cotton rich socks are naturally breathable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Girls' Limited Ruffle Skirt & Leggings Set, at Marks & 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

5 Pairs of Older Boys' Cotton Rich Wide Stripe Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Brighten up his underwear drawer with these fashionable wide stripe socks made with soft breathable cotton

The Edwardian Lady Calendar, at M & S
Approx. size: 225 x 390mm The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady Rowena Scott (Designs) Ltd RW.UK. Ltd 2008. Licensed by opyrights Group

Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
A style classic at a great value price, updated with a modern cut and contemporary detailing

Detachable Clear Bra Straps, at Marks & Spencer
These clear straps attach to our multiway bras to give you a more discreet option

Classic Collection Straight Leg Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear

Maxim Casserole Dish, at Marks & Spencer
Removable lid with small handle Height 10cm Diameter 25.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lightweight Dressing Gown, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this cotton blend dressing gown makes the perfect lightweight cover up

Linen Blend Short Sleeve Pleated Bib Top, at M&S
This short sleeve top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features pretty pleated bib design for a stylish casual look

5 Cotton Rich Full Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
This pack of 5 full briefs contains the following colours: black, white and cream. To see all 5 pairs go to "click for zoom and other views" under the photo

T397706, at Marks and Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton 5 Pocket Denim Jeans, at Mark & Spensers
These straight leg jeans in pure cotton are great value. A practical, easycare style

Baby Boys' Warm Lined Pram Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Riptape fastening Embroidered bear detail

2 Pure Cotton Plain Knee Length Shorts, at Marks n Spencer
Casual and comfortable, these cotton shorts feature a drawstring waist and 2 side pockets. A great value pack

Non-Stick Wok, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3D Floral Cushion, at Marks & Spencer
Square shape 3D floral design Felted fabric Luxury feather inner Size: 43cm x 43cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Cotton Rich Zig Zag Stitch Jacket, at M & S
A smart single breasted jacket in soft cotton rich fabric. The zig zag stitch detail gives it the Per Una touch

Flat Top Brass Mantle Clock, at Marks & Spencers
Flat top Rectangular shape Inset dial Analog Glass and brushed metal design Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 5cm Weight: 0.45kg

Classic Collection Mini Check Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, these straight leg mini check trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear

Rose Guipure Non-Wired Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Offering the superior support and control you need for those high impact workouts. This sports bra sets the pace for essential comfort thanks to an easycare fabric and the shape retaining qualities of added stretch

Secret Support™ Cotton Rich V-Neck Lace Trim Vest, at Mark's & 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

Pure Silk Assorted Check Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary assorted check tie in pure silk

Bandeau Style Textured Swimsuit, at Marks n Spencer
Gorgeously feminine, this detachable strap swimsuit is designed to stay securely in place while you work on your tan. Designed to fit and flatter

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 & Spenser 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.