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

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 M&S 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 Marks and Spencers, 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.

When you're shopping at Marks & Spensers 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 and 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."

Big & Tall Blue Harbour Modal Blend Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Relaxed and casual, this stripe shirt is made from a modal blend, so it feels exceptionally comfortable to wear. Modal is a luxuriously soft fabric made from natural plant fibres. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men Only available in XXXL

Plain Lightweight Umbrella, at Marks&Spencer
Lightweight and easy to carry, this slimline umbrella provides you with effective protection from those sudden downpours

Classic Thomas & Friends© Bedset, at Marks & Spencers
Thomas & Friends print Includes single duvet cover, pillowase and printed bag 2007 Gullane (Thomas) Limited, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Plated Twisted Leaf Cluster Earrings, at Mark & Spencers
Hook fastening Drop style Twisted leaf detail

Polar Bear Uncle Birthday Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text reads: Chill out on your birthday uncle! Inside message: Have a cool day! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future 175 x 127 mm

Older Girls' Tatty Teddy Pure Cotton Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spensers
Mule style Round toe Slip on Flat sole Tatty Teddy motif Carte Blanche Greeting Ltd 2005

Roberts CRD-51 DAB Digital Clock Radio, at Marks & Spenser
FM/DAB wavebands Large easy to read LCD display for time and radio station Multi-stage dimmer and blue display backlight Two independent alarms wake to radio or buzzer 10 station presets Menu display/selection of all major functions Search /Manual tuning Headphone socket Dimensions: W166 x H60 x D150mm Weight: 450g 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

Pure Cotton Damask Bathmat, at Marks and Spencers
Damask design Bathmat: 50 x 80cm Pedestal mat: 50 x 55cm Bathmat and pedestal mat must be purchased separately, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Pure Cotton Corduroy Coat, at M & S
A smart single breasted coat in pure soft cotton featuring notch lapel

Short Sleeve Paisley Print Top, at Marks and Spencers
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features pretty lace trim for a stylish casual look

Push & Go Truck, at Marks & Spencers
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Press down, then let go and watch it speed away Encourages activity and develops interactive play This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Artemis Lightweight Soft Medium Rollercase, at Marks & Spencer
A smart option for travel, the wheeled design and retractable pull handle offer easy mobility no matter where you are in the world. A zip fastening helps keep your belongings secure

Tom Jones - The Legend CD, at Mark's & Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Perez Burton Rioja 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Tempranillo Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Suitable for vegetarians Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

4 Glass Floral Placemats, at Mark & Spencers
Pack of 4 Rectangle shape Floral design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mixed Bead Long Rope Necklace, at Marks&Spencer
Long length Mixed beads

Artificial Light-Up Mirror Cluster Ornament, at Mark & Spencers
Disc-shaped mirrors Lights Decorative wrapping Long stem Ready Made arrangement that needs no after care H43cm Weight: 65kg This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Floral Embroidered Lace Brazilian Knickers, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine, these stylish knickers are made from soft stretch lace. The modern Brazilian style gives a close fit and a flattering shapely look. Pretty everyday fashion

M&S 4GB SD Memory Card, at Marks and Spencer
Read (MB /s): 18MB Write (MB /s): 6MB Available capacity: 3890MB 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

Sleeveless Chevron Belted Dress, at Marks and Spencers
Sleek and chic, this sleeveless chevron detail dress is tailored to fit and flatter. A stylish choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

Classic Collection Cashmilon™ Cowl Neck Jumper, at M & S
Stylish and so comfortable, this jumper in softest cashmilon™ feels as good as it looks and the smart cowl neck adds the perfect finishing touch

Metallic Glaze Toilet Brush, at Mark's & Spencer
Mettalic glaze design Plain H20 x 11.2cm diam, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mini Limited Fleece Hat, Scarf & Mitten Set, at MarksandSpencer
Snug and cosy, this pretty fleece hat, scarf and mitten set is a fashionable choice for chilly weather

6 Button Pleated Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
An ideal choice for school, this easycare skirt gets top marks for its stretch fabric, drop waist, button detailing and smart pleats

Sonoma Kitchen Corner Unit & 100cm 3 Drawer Base Unit with Oak Tops Set, at Marks & Spencers
Corner Unit: H87.5 x W87 x D87cm Corner Worktop: H10.5 x W93 x D93cm 3-Drawer Base Unit: H87.5 x W100 x D52cm Base Unit Worktop: H10.5 x W100 x D60cm Corner unit includes 1 shelf and can be fitted left or right hand Worktop thickness: 3cm Made from solid oak and oak veneer Finished with a protective low-sheen lacquer for added durability Adjustable feet on base unit Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sunny Town Tractor Set, at Marks & Spensers
Farmer, horse and tractor Promotes imaginative play Suitable for ages 12 months + This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Swirl Wine Glass, at M&S
Conical shape Swirl design Handmade Height: 24.5 cm Capacity: 38 cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ataraxia Serenity 2006 - Case of 6, at Mark & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Shiraz based blend Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans 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

Per Una Face Palette, at Mark & Spensers
Hypoallergenic Includes: 18 eyeshadows, 12 lip colours, a bronzer and 3 cheek colours

Sweet Bergamot Diffuser Plug-In Refill, at Marks and Spencer
Plug-in design 15ml of fragranced liquid Lasts up to 75 days This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 Marks & Spencers 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.