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. Marks & Spencer Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Marks & Spencer Money Home 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 Marks & Spencer Money Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 MarksandSpencer 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, Sainsbury's, 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 Marks & Spencer Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Mark & Spensers Standard Motor Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money you can keep the cost of your Motor Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Motor Insurance cover from Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Mark & Spensers, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Motor Insurance from Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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

Handcrafted Paris Hands Valentine Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover Text: With all my Love this Valentine's Day x 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: 178 x 127mm

Per Una Pure Cotton Stripe Kaftan, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable stripe kaftan in pure soft cotton. The corsage design on the neckline makes it extra stylish

Gone Fishing Keyring, at Marks & Spencer
You'll never lose your keys again with this eye-catching keyring and it's cricket design

Ultimate Non Iron Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Embroidered Turtle Swimshorts, at Marks & Spensers
Fun and fashionable, these lined shorts fit comfortably and securely. A turtle embroidered design adds a fab finishing touch

15 Denier Ladder Resist Sheer Shine Hold Ups, at MarksandSpencer
An M&S exclusive. Extra stretch is added to every stitch of these sheer shine hold ups to stop ladders from forming

Limited Collection Stud Stripe Underwired Bra, at M&S
Fun and fabulous, this stud stripe design bra is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Fuji FinePix A100 Silver Digital Camera, at M&S
Pixels: 10.0 Megapixels Zoom: 3x optical zoom, 5.7x digital zoom Screen: 2.7" TFT LCD Display ISO: Auto / Equivalent to ISO100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / (Standard Output Sensitivity) Dimensions: W91.5 x H60.5 x D21.7mm / W3.6 x H2.4 x D0.85in. (excluding accessories and attachments) Weight: Approx. 124g (excluding accessories, batteries and memory card) Face Detection: Face Detection technology with automatic red-eye removal Movie recording: AVI (Motion JPEG ) with sound

Coupe Cup & Saucer, at Marks & Spencer
Suitable for everyday use Versatile fine dining range Makes an ideal gift Pure white porcelain Cup height: 7cm Saucer diameter: 16cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Signature Grapefruit & Ginger Burner & Refresher Oil, at Marks n Spencer
Grapefruit and ginger fragrance 15ml, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Abbey Armchair, at M & S
H95 x W95 x D95cm Seat H54cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 samples: 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Paint Splash Tunic, at Mark & Spensers
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Body Tape, at MarksandSpencer
Body tape is ideal for securing very low cut garments, attaching bra straps to cloths and holding your clothes in place just where you want them

Pure Cotton Shirt & Stripe T-Shirt Set, at Marks and Spencer
This fashionable layered look is a 2 piece set - a short sleeve shirt and a long sleeve stripe t-shirt both in soft comfortable cotton fabric. Stylish, practical and easycare

Ceriso Lace Trim Animal Print Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Sassy and glamorous, this modern bra is beautifully detailed with an animal print and lace trim. Soft padding and underwiring give great support and a flattering enhanced flattering shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

125 Years Luxury Pure Wool Single Breasted 3 Button Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

40 Denier Opaque Hold Ups, at Marks and Spencer
These comfy hold ups won't let you down. Their reinforced design gives long-lasting wear

Autograph Pure Cashmere V-Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Sophisticated and modern, this v-neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxurious softness.

Autograph Blush Bath Cream, at Marks and Spencer
Bath cream 200ml

Oliveira Lecestre Vieilles Vignes Chablis 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Schoolwear Boutique Twin Pack 3/4 Sleeve Blouses, at Marks and Spencers
This 2-pack of 3/4 sleeve blouses makes a fashionable choice for school. Hardwearing and easycare

Adored Jacquard Lace Trim High Leg Knickers, at Mark's & Spencer
Elegant and stylish, these briefs are made from the softest fabric and trims, so they feel blissfully comfortable to wear

High Waist Bootleg Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit and a look that's always in style

Painterly Floral Mum 70th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy 70th Birthday Mum, Life's a little happier, A little sweeter, too, A little more delightful, All because of you! Inside message: Have a lovely day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Classic Collection Cotton Rich Pull On Corduroy Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Effortlessly stylish, these easycare pull on casual trousers are finished with a smart decorative fob at the waist. They're designed to give a comfortable, flattering fit and make a perfect match for fashionable tops and t-shirts.

Animal Print Longline Tunic, at M+S
Fresh and feminine, this longline tunic features a stunning animal print. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

V-Shaped Wine Glass, at Marks&Spencer
H21.5cm 32cl capacity Coloured glass Handmade V shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Samsung 32'' LE32B650 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks&Spencer
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 32 inch Widescreen LCD TV, 1920 X 1080 resolution Contrast Ratios: Ultra Contrast Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W802.9 x D77.1 x D544.9mm (without stand) W802.9 x D239.0 x H601.0mm (with stand) Weight: 13.3kg (with stand), 10.0kg (without stand) SRS TruSurround XT: For enhanced surround sound effect Connectors: 2 x Scart, 3 x HDMI, Headphone socket, RF input, S-Video connection, Composite(AV), PCMCIA Card Slot, PC input (D-sub) DNIe+ Technology: The Digital Natural Image Engine produces images with incredible depth and density. Advanced contrast and detail enhancers combine to produce deeper richer lifelike colours Wide Colour Enhancer 2: Primary colours are strengthened to increase depth and intensity to show pictures in all their natural beauty 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 Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band Aerial. Suitable portable TV Aerials can be used to receive freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Use wall mount

Short Sleeve Mimosa Leaf Print Top, at M+S
Smart and stylish, this scoop neck top features a stunning mimosa leaf print. A vibrant new look, perfect for this season

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 Spencer 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 Spenser, through its Marks & Spencer Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.