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

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 Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings 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 & 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.

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 Buildings Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at M+S 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."

10 Denier Matt Ladder Resist Sheer Hold-Ups, at Marks and Spencers
An M&S exclusive. Extra stretch is added to every stitch of these sheer matt hold ups to stop ladders from forming

Hamilton Love Seat, at Marks & Spensers
50% reduction on Dakota Leather Espresso applied 21 May - 1 June 2009. 30% reduction on all fabrics applied 9 April - 20 May 2009. Higher prices applied between at least 25 February - 8 April 2009. H95 x W137 x D99cm Seat H49cm, arm H66cm, top back rail 73cm (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 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

Leather Chino Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather belt

Baking Day, at Marks and Spencer
Rejuvenate the art of baking with this useful book, create delicious home baked food for your family to enjoy

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Drawstring Tunic, at Marks & Spenser
A stylish longline tunic featuring floral and sequin design, finished with a drawstring waist

Autograph Body Spray, at Marks & Spencer
Spray deodorant 150ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph 3 Piece Pure Cotton Jeans Outfit, at Marks and Spencers
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

Centre Crease Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Comes with belt shown in image These wide leg trousers have a stylish coordinating enamel belt and they create a chic, fluid silhouette

Per Una Pure Cotton Floral Print Nightdress, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and feminine, this pretty nightdress is made from soft cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Leather Hip Wallet, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and practical, this leather wallet is outstanding value

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Denim Mini Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Get casual cool in this stretch denim mini skirt by Limited Collection. A stylish choice for this season's looks

Perfect Stormwear™ Single Pleat Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
The perfect go-anywhere trousers, with a water repellent Stormwear finish and Lycra for added stretch and comfort

Long Sleeve 'Cymru' Zip Fastening Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Sports fans will love this Wales jacket featuring the team motif. A practical, easycare style

Large Floral Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: Daughter Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 220 x 220mm

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - City Turn-Up Shorts with Stain Defence™, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable as well as practical, these city shorts make a stylish alternative to skirts or trousers for school. Stretch fabric gives a comfortable and shapely fit. Our unique Stain Defence™ finish repels everyday stains

Pink Glitter Spot Luxury Wrap Pack, at Marks&Spencer
1 x sheet wrapping paper 1 x gift tag 1 x length ribbon Wrap: 685 mm x 98 mm Tag: 115 mm x 65 mm Ribbon: 2m

Flora Sunglasses, at Marks & Spenser
Bold, dark and oversized, these stunning shades make a fabulous way of wearing this seasons hot trend for classic glamour

Large Lines Flared Vase, at M&S
Large opening Cut circular design Broad base W16.8 x D16.8 x H35cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fresh Rose Scented Candle, at Marks & Spenser
Fresh rose scent Burns upto 45 hours Tinted glass holder, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Rive Barbera d'Asti 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Full Bodied Grape variety: Barbera Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Formal Square Buckle Leather Belt, at Mark's & Spencer
With a versatile design perfectly suited for special occasions and everyday office wear, this sleek belt is sure to become a staple part of your formal wardrobe

Firm Control Chevron Stripe High Waist Thong, at Marks and Spenser
This firm control thong shapes you where you need it most, flattening your tummy and nipping in your waist. The thong back is ideal under trousers and close-fitting clothes. The chevron stripe design gives a modern look

5 Pairs of Older Girls' Spot & Stripe Trainer Liners, at M&S
The spot and stripe design adds a stylish, fun touch to these comfortable cotton rich trainer liners

5 Pairs of Older Boys' Cotton Rich Assorted Socks, at Mark & Spencers
The plain and stripe design adds a stylish touch to these comfortable cotton rich socks

5 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Assorted Design Socks, at Marks & Spencers
Brighten up his underwear drawer with these fashionable assorted design socks made from soft breathable cotton rich fabric

Big & Tall Cotton Rich Joggers, at Marks & Spencers
Whether you're active or relaxing, do it in style and comfort in these cotton rich joggers. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Cut Flowers Scented Filled Candle, at Marks & Spensers
Cut flowers scented Glass holder Frosted glass design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure Wool Single Pleat Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Photo Hands Scrapbook Wedding Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover message: Wedding Day Inside message: Wishing you a wonderful day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx. size: 150 x 150mm

Whats My Word Card Game, at M & S
Number of players: 2+ teams, 6+ players Suitable for age 8+ Contains: 90 large game cards, instruction card, card holder Approx. card size: 83 x 116mm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 Motor 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; Motor Insurance and Buildings 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 Buildings 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.