When you're shopping at Marks n Spencer 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 & Spensers 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."

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&Spencer are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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.

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 and 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.

Sprung Edge Non-Storage Divan & Autograph M500 Zip & Link Mattress, at Marks&Spencer
No turn mattress: medium / firm tension Mattress and divan are anti-allergy Mattress: spring count 1225, depth 27.5cm Divan height: 41.5cm Single 3ft: W90 x L190cm Double 4ft6: W135 x L190cm King size 5ft: W150 x L200cm Super king size 6ft: W180 x L200cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Burra Brook Shiraz Grenache Rosé 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Shiraz & Grenache Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol.x Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Easycare Long Sleeve Fine Hairline Stripe Shirt, at M&S
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

Paradiso Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Leather Laced Desert Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Lace-up Stitch detail Block heel Contrast sole

Pure Cotton Broad Brim Summer Hat, at Marks & Spenser
Express your stylish side with this wide brim hat

Stripe & Ring Waist Tankini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencer
Gorgeous and glamorous, these stylish tankini bottoms feature stripe waist band with ring detail. Designed to fit and flatter

The Belted Peplum Pencil Skirt, at M&S
This flirty skirt flatters your curves and features a fashionable pleated peplum at the hem. It was made for wearing with heels and a pretty blouse. This one comes with a fashionable patent belt to define your waistline

Sonoma Extending Dining Table & 6 Alton Damask Chairs Set, at Marks & Spenser
7 piece set Table: H75 x L180 x W100cm Extends to L230cm Seats 6-8 people, comes with extension leaf to seat 8 Chair: H99 x W46 x D56cm Made from solid ash and fabric seat Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Neutral Dot Stacking Mugs, at Marks n Spencer
Pack of 4 mugs Includes stacker Dot design Contrast trim and handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Stripe Thomas The Tank Engine Polo Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Fans of Thomas the tank engine will love this cotton polo shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Cut Flowers Room Spray, at Marks & Spencer
Floral scent 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Baby Bunny Sleeping Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Popper button fastening Embroidered bunny design Stripe design Tog rating 2 0-6 months: L68 x W47cm 6-12 months: L68 x W54cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Essentials Seersucker High Leg Knickers, at M&S
Fresh and feminine, these stylish knickers are made from soft stretch lace. The high leg style gives a flattering long-legged look. Pretty everyday fashion

Stain Defence™ Belted Bootleg Turn-Up Trousers, at M & S
Smart and modern, these easycare bootleg trousers make a practical choice for school. They're treated with our unique Stain Defence™ finish which repels stains

M&S 4 in 1 Remote Control, at Marks and Spencers
Controls up to 4 devices Programmable to control most major brands Batteries included 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Big & Tall Autograph Mini Rib Hipsters, at Marks and Spencer
Featuring the best in modern fabric and contemporary design, these luxurious hipsters feel exceptionally comfortable and give a superior fashionable fit

La Basca Uvas Blancas 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Verdejo and Viura Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Collezione Pure Silk Diamond Pattern Tie, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

Autograph Flat Front Black Stripe Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Our Autograph suits are made from finer fabrics with superior attention to detail, giving you the ultimate in sharp, sophisticated style

Nail Care Miracle Buffers, at Marks and Spencers
Pack of 2 Buff and smooth your nails using the coloured side of the buffer Use the white side of the buffer to achieve the high gloss finish Two-toned colours

High Impact Level 3 Smooth Non-Wired Sports Bra, at MarksandSpencer
Comfortable and secure, this level 3 sports bra gives firm, gentle support during high impact activity

Floral Lace Underwired Minimiser Bra, at Marks & Spencers
This gorgeous bra provides essential support for the fuller bust with a full cup and underwiring, while the minimiser design helps create a smoother, shapelier silhouette

Ben 10 Wrap Pack, at Marks & Spencer
2 sheets, 2 tags Each sheet: 495 x 695mm Tags: 80 x 55mm (folded) TM & 2008 Cartoon Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved

Pastel Rose Duo Multipack of Cards, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Blank Inside message: All designs: blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 138 x 138mm

Easy Iron Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Gingham Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Stylish and innovative, this gingham easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

The Mail Trivia Quiz Book, at Marks & Spencer
The Daily Mail Trivia Quiz Book - hundreds of stimulating Q&As on every conceivable subject

Abstract Print Tie Waist Mesh Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Pretty and feminine, this skirt makes a fashionable, flattering choice. A smart modern look

Imagine I'm a Fairy - Magic Wishing Wand, at Mark & Spencers
Every fairy's dream wand! With pretty ribbon tassles, this wand makes a magical sound when 'swished'

Cuddle Bear Cot Bed Bumper, at Mark & Spencers
Embroidered bear detail L155 x W35cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

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