When you're shopping at M+S 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 House Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencer 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."

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

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 Spencers 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 and Spencer, 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.

Blue Harbour Heritage Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and stylish, this long sleeve stripe shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Noisy Fire Engine, at Mark & Spencers
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Fire engine design This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Peter Rabbit Soft Toy, at Mark & Spensers
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Plain shirt and carrot feature Approx 28cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Linen Suit Trousers, at MarksandSpencer
Made from pure linen, these smart suit trousers are part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details

Firm Control Magic Low Leg Lace Panel Full Briefs, at M&S
As if by magic, these knickers control and shape you where you need it most, flattening tummies and lifting bottoms. They're comfortable, breathable and easy to move in and a special finish keeps you cool and dry

2 Easycare Long Sleeve Assorted Shirts & Tie Set, at Marks and Spencers
Smart style for less! This pack of 2 assorted shirts and tie set is outstanding value

Centre Crease Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers make a great choice for work or formal occasions and they're machine washable for added convenience

Embroidered Wing Underwired Multiway Bra, at MarksandSpencer
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a flattering fit, secure support and comfort

Embroidered Wing Underwired Multiway Bra, at Marks & Spencer
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a flattering fit, secure support and comfort

3 Cotton Rich Short Sleeve Polo Shirts, at M&S
This pack of 3 easycare polo shirts is outstanding value. They're made from a soft cotton rich mix, ideal for everyday wear

Antares Luggage Small Rollercase, at Mark & Spencers
Free 5 year guarantee Ideal for longhaul travel, this small rollercase features: solid ABS shell with high impact protection, internal pockets, fully lined interior, 4 wheels and durable retractable carry handles. See Product Details below for full list of features

Twin Pleat Crease Resistant Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Adopt a fuss-free approach to formal dressing with the crease resistant fabric of these sharp trousers, allowing you to stay looking smarter for longer

5 Pairs of Younger Boys' Cotton Rich Assorted Socks, at Marks & Spensers
Brighten up his underwear drawer with these fashionable assorted design socks made with soft breathable cotton

Collezione Classic Trim Leather Moccasin Shoes, at Mark & Spencers
Slip on Round toe Small square block heel Stitch detail

Single Breasted Wool Blend 3 Button Slim Fit Pinstripe Jacket, at M & S
Slim fit suits are cut closer for a cleaner sharper silhouette. Designed in a contemporary style, they give a longer, leaner appearance and a flattering fit

Almond Toe Elastic Panel Knee High Boots, at Mark & Spencers
Almond toe Stitch detail Zip fastening Gusset feature Knee high Mid heel Heel height: 56mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half size

Halterneck Spot Print Swimsuit, at Marks and Spencer
Fabulously fashionable, this flattering swimsuit features a striking spot print. Designed to fit and flatter

Per Una Pure Linen Button Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Casual bootleg trousers in pure cool linen. Button details give it the Per Una touch

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Floral Print Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Relaxed and stylish, this floral print shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Autograph Platform Peep Toe Shoes, at MarksandSpencer
Peep Toe Platform style High heel Slip on Available in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Collezione Leather Square Toe Monk Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail Buckle fastening Block heel

The Kingdom Blu-ray DVD, at Marks & Spensers
Rating Suitable for 15 years and over,

Bubble Base Wine Glass, at Marks & Spencers
Bubble base design Hand made glass with heavy base Height: 19.5cm Capacity: 250ml (25cl), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Reversible Leather Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Define your waistline with this fashionable leather belt

Hellboy 2 Blu-ray DVD, at Marks and Spencer
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Autograph Leather Centre Seam Slip-On Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Square toe Center seam feature Slip-on Low block heel Comes in sizes 6-12, including half sizes

Metal Visor Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencers
Providing essential protection for the eyes, these stylish and wearable shades will flatter most face shapes

Thermal Wide Ribbed Leggings, at Marks and Spencer
Keep warm and comfortable in these soft thermal leggings. Cosy without being bulky, they make the perfect extra layer for cold weather

Diamanté Square Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at Marks and Spencer
Rectanglular Aperture 5 x 7in H13 x 18cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ring Trim Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these flattering bikini bottoms are designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

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.