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

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

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 Marks and Spencers 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 & 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 & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Stainless Steel Hand Grater, at Marks & Spencers
Loop in the handle for hanging Contemporary design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Heart Print First Bra & Knickers Set, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfortable, this bra and knickers set is ideal for everyday wear

Floral Gift Card, at Marks and Spencer
Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pheasant Gully Bin 492 Riesling Gewurztraminer 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Medium dry Grape variety: Riesling & Gewurztraminer Country of origin: Australia Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians 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

Newborn Pure Cotton Embroidered Jeans, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and practical, these cotton jeans are hardwearing and comfy. The embroidered design gives a cute look

Modern Squares Bathmats, at M & S
Square pattern Bathmat: L80 x W50cm Pedestal: L55 x W50cm Bathmat and pedestal mat must be purchased separately, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Circle Foil Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable high leg pair of bikini bottoms featuring a circle foil print design

Schoolwear Plus Fit 3 Easycare Long Sleeve Shirts, at Marks & Spensers
This 3 pack of larger sized easycare long sleeve shirts is outstanding value! A school essential View Plus Schoolwear Size Guide. Find out more

Multi Bead Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks & Spencer
2 part set Hook fastening drop earrings Clasp fastening multi strand necklace Assorted beads design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Per Una Linen Blend Connie Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
A feminine 3/4 sleeve linen blend jacket featuring an asymmetric hem and notch lapel makes this a versatile choice

Compaq Presario SR5707UK-M Desktop PC Bundle, at M+S
Operating system:Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit Processor:Intel Celeron Dual Core processor E1400, Intel G31 express chipset Memory:2GB DDR2-SDRAM, 2 DIMM sockets Storage:320GB SATA 3G Hard Disk Drive (7200 rpm), Up to 13GB partition for system recovery DVD writer SATA DVD RAM and Double Layer supporting LightScribe technology, Create silkscreen-quality disc labels direct from your PC with LightScribe: Just burn, flip, burn 15 in 1 memory card reader Communication:Ethernet 10/100BT integrated network interface Video:Intel Graphic Media Accelerator 3100, Integrated Graphics (VGA port) 128 MB dedicated memory, up to 287 MB total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista Sound:High Definition Audio 5.1 (2 front audio ports, 3 rear analog audio ports) Included accessories:PS/2 keyboard and optical mouse Optional accessories:LCD Monitors (buy separately): Compaq WF1907v 19-inch Wide Flat Panel Monitor, Compaq W220q 22-inch Wide Flat Panel Monitor Ports and Expandability: 2 external optical drive bays, 1 internal HDD bay, 1 PCI-Express 16x (free), 1 PCI (1 free) and 2 PCI-Express 1x (2 free), 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 in front) Software: Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 60-Day Trial Version, Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0, Windows Mail, Adobe Reader 8.0 HP MediaSmart Suite: Music, Video, DVD, Photo, HP Total Care Advisor, Photosmart Essential, Windows Photo Gallery, Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker, Windows DVD Maker, Cyberlink DVDSuite, Muvee AutoProducer, EasyBits Magic Desktop, HP Games Console with hours of free game play, featuring EA Spore Creature Creator, Windows Media Center Service and Support:Recovery partition (including possibility to recover system, applications and drivers separately) Optional re-allocation of recovery partition Recovery CD/DVD creation tool Symantec Norton Internet Security 2009 (60 days live update) Weight:9.53 kg, packed: 14 kg Dimensions:16.9 x 42.6 x 37.7cm Warranty: 1 year, pick-up and return, parts and labour You can expand the warranty coverage of your product up to 3 years

2 Piece Embroidered Dress & Leggings Outfit, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and pretty, this 2 piece dress and leggings outfit looks fabulously fashionable worn together or separately

Anthony the Bear Best Mummy Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: To the best Mummy in the world! Inside message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 215mm

Animal Print Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks n Spencer
Feminine and pretty, this stylish bikini top features a striking animal print. A fabulous fashionable look

Large Print Crossword Book, at Marks and Spencer
There are 160 straight forward crosswords in this brand new book. Whether you have only a few moments, or hours to devote to your favourite puzzles, these crosswords will challenge and entertain you

Autograph Pure Cotton Military Jacket, at Marks & Spensers
A smartly tailored military jacket in pure cotton rich fabric

Classic Collection Short Sleeve Nightdress, at Marks & Spencers
Fresh and feminine, this nightdress is made from a soft cotton blend so it feels comfortable to sleep in. The bow detail adds a pretty touch

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Frill Neck Jersey Top, at Marks & Spencer
A stylish 3/4 sleeve jersey top in textured fabric featuring frill neck detail

Short Sleeve Round Neck Spongebob T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Fans of Spongebob Absorb will love this crew neck cotton t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style.

Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Disc™ Player, at Marks & Spensers
Blu-ray Disc™ player Full HD 1080p resolution: Gives you the most outstanding HD image quality Playback Media: BD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, AVCHD, Audio CD Playback Formats: VC-1, MPEG2, H.264 Audio: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True-HD Connectivity: USB 2.0, HDMI CEC, Composite Video Outputs, Component Video Outputs, HDMI Outputs (Version 1.3), Optical Digital Audio Outputs, Analog Audio Outputs 2-channel HDMI-CEC (Anynet+): A true plug and play product, it comes with a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature that lets you operate multiple HDMI products with a single remote control Accessories: Remote control Dimensions: 43 x 5.9 x 27.1cm Other Features: Pop Up Menu, Advanced scene search, High Definition Bitmap Subtitle, 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

Plain Leather Gloves, at Mark & Spencers
Luxurious, fashionable and elegant, these plain leather gloves are fully lined. This season's style at your fingertips!

Blue Christening Cake (25 portions), at Mark's & Spencer
25 portions Fruit Cake: Made with vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Fruit cake is 20.5cm (diam) and weighs 3.12kg. Can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Sponge Cake: All-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Sponge cake is 20.5cm (diam) and weighs 1.86kg. Can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 69 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Mirror Console & Side Table Set, at Marks & Spenser
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

Bow Straw Shopping Bag, at Marks & Spensers
Stylish and useful, this bow straw shopping bag features a woven design. A practical and fashionable accessory

His and Hers Calendar, at Marks & Spensers
Approx. size: 225 x 390 mm

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

Portfolio Petite Basket Weave Dress with Belt, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and modern, this dress features a basket weave print. A flattering, stylish look.

2 Pure Cotton Assorted Joggers, at Mark & Spencers
These cute cotton bottoms are outstanding value. Hardwearing, practical and comfortable

Ashbourne Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spenser
H99 x W222 x D104cm Seat H49cm (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 with a dark finish 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

Autograph Two Tone Bracelet Watch, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and modern, this two tone bracelet watch gives a clean, smart look

Besides Marks and Spencer 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 Marks&Spencer 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.