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

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

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 Spencers are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make M+S 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.

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 Marks & Spencers 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."

Official ECB Pure Cotton T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Young cricket fans can show their support in this t-shirt featuring an Ashes design and the official logo. An easycare style in soft comfortable cotton

Kitchen Classic Tap, at Marks & Spencer
H35 x W27.5cm Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Earth Sign Bracelet, at M+S
Stretch style Beaded design Earth charms Diamant detail

Autograph Twin Pleat Stripe Morning Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
The tailored cut of these smart trousers reveals a timeless style perfectly suited for refined formality, while twin pleats and stripes add a dash of debonair charm

Rosina Footstool, at Marks & Spencers
H41 x W56 x D56cm Seat: H45cm (all dimensions are approximate) Cushion filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 with a medium finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - 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

Chunky Marble Necklace & Bracelet Set, at Mark's & Spencer
2 part set Stretch bracelet Clasp fastening necklace Adjustable necklace length Marble design Chunky style Necklace length 48cm, extendable by 8cm

Craft Text Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: happy birthday Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Mareante Hill Organic Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Fruity and dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Click Blu-ray DVD, at Marks and Spenser
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Smithbrook The Yilgarn Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screwcap Suitable for Vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™ Centre Crease Cargo Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
These modern cargo style trousers are treated with Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ technologies, so they repel water and stains. An adjustable waist gives a perfectly comforatable fit for longer. They're non-iron for convenience - for best results, machine wash, tumble dry and hang straight away

Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Button Stripe Top, at Marks and Spenser
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features smart stripe details for a stylish casual look

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Little Miss Super Girls Top, at Marks & Spencer
Fans of Mr Men will love this short sleeve cotton t-shirt featuring Little Miss Super Girls. A practical, easycare style

Blue Harbour Block Stripe Rugby Top with Lambswool, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and comfortable, this block stripe rugby top is made from a soft lambswool blend

Ceriso French Maid Stripe Bikini Briefs, at Marks & Spencer
Fab and funky, these modern bikinis feature stripe print and a rose detail and lace trim. The low rise style gives a flattering, shapely fit, perfect for wearing with hipsters. Designed for women who want the latest look

Criss Cross Body Shaper Tights, at Marks & Spencer
Look your best in that special outfit! These diamond design bodyshaper tights lift and shape your curves to give a more defined silhouette.

Per Una Short Sleeve Mandie Lace Blouse, at Marks n Spencer
A feminine floral print blouse featuring a frill placket

Flock Letters Son Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Happy birthday son Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150mm x 150mm

The Floral Collection Lavender Soap, at Mark & Spencers
3 x 75g Lavender scented Added moisturisers

His & Hers Card Game, at Marks n Spencer
Number of players: 2 teams, 2 female players, 2 male players Suitable for ages 14+ Pack contains: 60 male question cards, 60 female question cards, score pad, pencil, sand timer and instructions Approx. card size: 89 x 59mm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Silk Assorted Squares Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart assorted square tie in pure silk

Pixel Detail Sunglasses, at Marks & Spencers
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

M&S Wi-Fi Portable Splashproof Internet Radio, at Mark & Spensers
Easy access to over 1100 internet radio stations from around the globe Rechargeable NiMH battery pack Media streaming of MP3/WMA/Real Audio files from mac or PC Podcast and 'listen again' service compatible Connect to internet via built-in Wi-Fi Splashproof for bathroom and garden use Mains or 6 hour internal battery power Firmware upgrades via internet AUX-IN for MP3 player connection Compact remote control Frequency ranges: 802.11b/g. Band III 174-240 Mhz FM 87.5-108.5 Wi-Fi audio files format support: MP3, WMA, Real Audio, WAV, AIFF, AU and AAC-MPEG 4 Speaker: full range 2'' neodymium drive unit, 6 watt class D amplifier Connectors: 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm AUX IN Presets: 5 internet radio, 10 FM radio presets LCD display: 2 x 16 character LCD display Power supply: 240V AC to 12V DC external power adaptor Dimensions: H167 x W103 x 97mm 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

Rollover Band Joggers, at Marks and Spencers
With added stretch for essential ease of movement, these comfy and practical rollover band joggers are great for active workouts or relaxing in style

Post Surgery Textured Band Swimsuit, at Marks n Spencer
Feminine and flattering, this swimsuit has been especially designed for a perfect fit and great support after surgery. Every element has been considered for maximum comfort against delicate scar tissue and it's been extensively tested so every part stays in place

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Shimmer Dolly Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
A shimmering 3/4 sleeve cardigan in a soft knitted fabric featuring a decorative button

MoDA Flower Bamboo Paper Blank Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Blank Inside message: Blank for your own message Dimensions: 150 x 150mm Our MoDA range has been screen printed onto paper made from bamboo. Bamboo is a truly sustainable and renewable resource as it's the fastest growing plant on the planet!

Per Una Pure Cotton Crinkle Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
A stylish cap sleeve blouse in pure soft cotton. Lace details give it the Per Una touch

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

Active Urban Leisure Roll Up Sleeve Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and practical, this fashionable jecket is ideal for workouts or relaxed casualwear.

Not so long ago, only banks and traditional insurance companies offered financial or insurance products, yet today it may often seem as if even the local corner shop is offering financial products. That's not quite true, of course, but many more companies do offer financial products than used to be the case, and it can sometimes be difficult to decide who is offering the best deal.

And, while MarksandSpencer once offered mostly fashion products, with the only hint of a credit card being when you paid for your shopping at the checkout, today you'll find as good a deal on M&S credit cards as you will with the latest range of M&S fashion.

In fact, these days M&S, through its M&S Money Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.