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 Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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, 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 M&S Financial Services 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 M&S Financial Services Home 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 & 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 M & S, through its M&S Financial Services 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.

When you're shopping at Marks & Spencer 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 Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at MarksandSpencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Financial Services. 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 Financial Services, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Financial Services 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."

Girl's Fashion Schoolwear - 2-Pack 3/4 Sleeve Blouses, at Marks & Spensers
Practical and easycare, this 2-pack of blouses makes an ideal choice for school and the fitted shape gives a fashionable twist. Taped reinforced seams give a smooth neat look

iPod Nano Leather Flip Case, at Marks&Spencer
Flip Case for iPod Nano, the stylish black leather case also features a handy popper fastening attachment allowing you to have easy access to your iPod. The leather case with its quality stitching protect your iPod in style. Compatible with all Apple iPod Nano's

Emergency Vehicles Sticker Book, at Marks & Spencers
Get ready to save the day with this Emergency Vehicles Sticker Book. Featuring 40 emergency vehicle themed stickers, this great set also includes a fact book, activity book and a colourful sceneboard

Damask Pure Cotton Leaf Pattern Tablecloth, at Marks and Spenser
Damask design Leaf pattern, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Formal Square Buckle Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather square buckle belt

Baby Brother Duo 2 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
3 Chardonnay VdP Cteaux de Tannay 2008: Showing all the crunchy green apple fruit, citric acidity and pebbly minerality youd expect of a decent Chablis, this is a vibrant and characterful Chardonnay 3 Ctes du Rhne Les Closiers 2007: This full-bodied yet elegant red has firm tannins, engaging flavours of ripe plum and cherry fruit, together with a gentle, spicy persistence You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Cotton Rich Velour Hooded Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Treat yourself to plush comfort with this super soft velour hooded jacket. Perfect for relaxing or exercising in style

Floral Print Dress & Bolero, at Marks & Spencers
Feminine and pretty, this 2 piece dress and bolero has a floral print and bow tie feature. A fabulous fashionable look to the contemporary woman

Ceiling - DROPLET CEILING, at Marks & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Cropped Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel.

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Oxford Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Stylishly smart casual, this Oxford stripe shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Crease Resistant Single Pleat Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers

Silver Plated Cutaway Cuff Bangle, at Marks & Spensers
Cuff style Cutaway design

Autograph Bling Cat Keyring, at Marks & Spensers
Link chain Cat shape Diamant detail

Gold Plated Filigree Stretch Bracelet, at Mark & Spencers
Diamant detail Filigree design Stretch style

Big & Tall Stormwear™ Single Pleat Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencers
Innovative and stylish, these single pleat trousers are made with Stormwear™ technology. The unique water and stain repellent finish keeps you feeling dry and comfortable. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Single Breasted 2 Button Blazer with Cashmere, at Marks and Spencers
The timeless elegance of this dashing blazer relies solely on a luxurious cashmere weave and Savile Row inspired detailing, making it an impeccable investment for the coming seasons

Maternity Stud Detail Leggings, at M & S
Relaxed and casual, these stud detail leggings are designed to flatter you and your bump. Added stretch and a clever cut give a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A practical, versatile choice

Self Stripe Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
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. A look that's always in style

5 Cotton Rich Plain Low Rise Bikini Knickers, at Marks and Spenser
These plain cotton rich bikini knickers are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention. Pack includes both black and white

Panasonic 37" TX-L37S10 Full HD LCD TV, at Marks and Spenser
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 37 inch plasma display, 2,073,600 (1,920 x 1,080) pixels Contrast (Dynamic): 50,000:1 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: W91.5 x H57.7 x D9.7cm (without stand) 91.5 x 62 x 28.7cm (with stand) Weight: 15.5 kg (with stand) V-Audio: Unique sound technology that delivers crystal-clear sound with superior bass performance Connectors: 3 x HDMI, 2 Scart, PC Input, S-Video Input, Headphone Jack, Composite Video Input VIERA Superior Picture Quality: The VIERA system provides richly expressed images with enhanced contrast SD Card Slot: View your treasured photos on the big screen by simply removing your camera's memory card and sliding it into the SD card slot 24p Playback: High speed playback of images to recreate the full cinematic experience VIERA Link: Enables you to control all your AV systems with only one remote 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 mountT042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

18 Oak Smoked Salmon Appetisers, at Marks&Spencer
18 pieces Serves 4 Ready to eat Suitable for freezing 180g As featured on page 10 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Flat Front Charcoal Stripe Trousers, at Marks&Spencer
Smart and stylish, this suit is outstanding value! It's made from comfortable hardwearing fabric, ideal for everyday wear

Sheriff Star Reversible Bedset, at MarksandSpencer
Sheriff star design Set includes single duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Pillowcase: L76 x W48cm Duvet cover: L198 x W137cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Soft Vanilla Infusion Sticks, at Marks and Spenser
Glass container Long lasting infusion sticks Vanilla scented, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ceriso Frill Fan Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Feminine and fashionable, this modern bra features a fan print and is finished with a frill trim. The padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fabulous fuller shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Older Boys' Rivet Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and practical, this leather rivet detail belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Nectarine and Orange Collection Scented Spheres, at Marks & Spencer
Nectarine and orange scent Pot pourri, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Floral Print Dressing Gown, at Mark & Spencers
Wrap up and relax in this soft dressing gown featuring floral print for a pretty look

Double Breasted Funnel Neck Jacket, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and stylish, this double breasted funnel neck jacket makes a comfortable and practical choice

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks n Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Financial Services 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 M&S Financial Services, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spenser, 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 M&S Money Direct, you get more, and you pay less.