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 & 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 & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents 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 & Contents 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 & Contents 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 Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Direct Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor 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 Spencer 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, or Tesco:

• 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 Motor 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.

Besides Marks & Spencers Motor Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Buildings & Contents 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 & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents 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.

Ingredients Top To Toe Regime, at Marks & Spensers
Pack of 7 Assorted fragrance Shea Nut Bath Cream Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Parfum, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Sheabutteramphoacetate, Polyquaternium-39, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Citric Acid, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylparaben, Magnesium Chloride, Caramel, M Pomegranate Bath Essence Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Chloride, Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Limonene, Parfum, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Propylene Glycol, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate Extract), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 15985, CI 17200, CI 42090 Lemon Shower Cream Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Chloride, Laureth-4, Parfum, Benzophenone-3, Limonene, Citral, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Polyquaternium-39, Benzyl Alcohol, Triethylene Glycol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Alcohol Denat., Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon Oil), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Propylparaben, CI 15985, CI 19140 Coconut Body Polish Ingredients: Aqua, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Phenoxyethanol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Shell), Parfum, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Carbomer, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Coumarin, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben Almond Hand & Body Cream Ingredients: Ingredients: Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Prunus Dulcis (Almond Oil), Phenoxyethanol, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Carbomer, Parfum, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alcohol Denat., Limonene, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Caramel, CI 15985, CI 19140 Fig Bath Tablet Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Sucrose, Tapioca Starch, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, CI73360, CI 42090 Lime & Bergamot Shower Cream Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Chloride, Laureth-4, Parfum, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linalool, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Polyquaternium-39, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Oil (Bergamot Oil), Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Citric Acid, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Litsea Cubeba Berry Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil (Lime Oil), Magnesium Nitrate, Methylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Propylparaben, CI 19140, CI 42090

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Top, at M+S
Smart and stylish, this long sleeve top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a stripe design

Mirrored Collection Console Table, at Marks and Spencer
H77 x W102 x D35 cm 2 drawers Mirrored finish with clear knobs Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item 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

Autograph Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Car T-Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
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

Animal Print Marl Tights, at M & S
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These animal print tights have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

Cherry Mobile Phone Charm Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: A special birthday treat! Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Per Una Pure Cotton Polka Dot Revere Pyjamas, at Mark & Spensers
Modern and feminine, these pretty polka dot revere pyjamas are made from pure cotton. So you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Medium Wine Glass, at Marks & Spencers
32cl H21.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

LED Light Collection Paper Lantern, at Mark & Spensers
Laminated paper Floral design Requires batteries 13 x 5 x 16cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Sleeveless Crochet Top, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Limited Collection's LA Love trend. Feminine, soft and laid back, this is a fashionable LA look with a boho vibe. Beautiful fabrics and playful prints are key

Body Formula All Day Long Hand Cream with SPF15, at Marks and Spencers
Liquorice to reduce the appearance of age spots Vitamin complex to strengthen and protect UVA and UVB filters shield the hand 75ml

Adored Half Lace Underwired Bra, at Marks & Spenser
Delicate and pretty, this non-padded bra is made from the softest fabric, embroidery and lace, so it's blissfully comfortable to wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

Once Upon A Bedtime Book, at Marks and Spenser
The perfect bedtime companion.With charming illustrations this book is sure to be a hit with your little toddler

Pure Cotton Woven Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spencers
Woven detailing makes this soft cotton top fabulously fashionable

Soft Grip Pasta Server, at Mark & Spencers
Hole in handle for hanging storage Soft grip handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Pure Cotton Spot Print Pyjamas, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and feminine, these pretty pyjamas are made from soft cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

5 Pairs of Younger Girls' Assorted Design Socks, at Mark & Spencers
Stock up on stylish essentials with this pack of 5 heart and stripe argyle socks

furn_del_rep, at Mark's & Spencer
This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Foil and Floral Large Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 140 x 340mm

Per Una Pure Cotton Double Breasted Corduroy Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
A smart double breasted jacket in pure soft cotton, featuring long sleeves and side pockets

Gold Plated Multi Strand Necklace, at M+S
Adjustable length Clasp fastening Multi strand design Necklace lengths: 1st strand 39cm, 2nd strand 42cm, 3rd strand 44cm, extendable by 8cm

My Friend's Handbag Heaven, at Mark's & Spencer
Suitable for ages 3+ Contains a handbag, cell phone, cards and instructions Comes with felt decorations Develops creativity This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Suede Nubuck Belt, at Marks and Spencer
This sueded leather belt will add that essential finishing touch to your trousers or shorts. Completed with a brass-effect buckle, this is an enduring and versatile choice for your casual outfits

Stone Embellishment Belt, at M & S
Define your waistline with this fashionable stone embellishment belt

Per Una Cotton Rich Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable pair of straight leg jeans in stretch cotton. Matt button feature gives it the Per Una touch

Secret Support™ Sports Mules, at Marks and Spenser
The ultimate in comfort, these sport slippers are made with hidden support that moulds to the natural contours of your feet. They are machine washable for added convenience

Château Gasparets Corbières 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Full Bodied Grape variety: Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Cashmilon™ 3/4 Sleeve Slash Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and flattering, this 3/4 sleeve slash neck jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features a ruched front detail

Pure Cotton Eskimo All-In-One & Hat Set, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and practical, this 2 piece suit features eskimo motif and matching hat. The soft cotton will keep him comfy and the popper fastenings are great for fuss-free changes

Interlocking Oval Drop Earrings, at Marks & Spencers
Interlocking oval design Drop style Butterfly fastening Gold plated For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

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 & Contents 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 & Contents 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.