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 Mark's & Spencer are so useful. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spensers 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Financial Services you can keep the cost of your Car 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 Car Insurance cover from M&S Financial Services, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Mark's & Spencer, 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 Car Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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 & 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 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 Car 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.

White Pearl Damask Large Wedding Photograph Album, at Marks&Spencer
Pack contains: 1 album, 500 glue dots, Gift box, 700Mb CD-R Approx size: Album: H290 x W290 x D45mm, Box: H295 x W295 x D55mm

Sleeveless Burn Out Floral Rib Vest, at Mark & Spensers
This fashionable soft top features stylish burnout rib design for a fresh modern look

Pure Cotton Plaid Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfortable, these cotton shorts can be worn alone or with a number of our pyjama tops and t-shirts to create your own style

2 Older Boys' Pure Cotton Assorted Baseball Caps, at Marks & Spensers
Casual and fashionable, these baseball caps feature a stunning floral print design

Per Una Pure Cotton Jacquard Spot Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and feminine, this pretty jacquard spot dressing gown is made from soft pure cotton. So you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Low Rise Stripe Lace Trim Thong, at Marks and Spencer
Perfect for wearing under tight-fitting clothing, this lacy thong won't give you any visible panty lines. It's comfortable and flattering, and the low rise style is ideal for wearing under hipsters

Cotton Blend Fairy Print Bedset, at Mark & Spensers
3 part set Set includes single duvet cover, pillowcase and printed bag Fairy print, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Ruby Mugs - Red, at Marks and Spencer
Set of 4 Stripe design H9cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Secret Support™ Floral Print Ballet Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
The ultimate in comfort, these floral print ballet slippers are made with hidden support that moulds to the natural contours of your feet. They are machine washable for added convenience

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ Pure Cotton Classic Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable favourite, the classic jacket is given a modern update with contemporary styling

Pavilion Cup & Saucer, at M+S
2 part set Platinum detail Saucer diameter: 16cm Cup height: 6cm Not suitable for use in microwaves, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited Cotton Rich Stirrup Denim Leggings, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Girls Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Knitted Top, at Marks & Spencers
Comes with the necklece shown A fashionable 3/4 sleeve knitted top featuring lace trim

The Top 100 Diet Secrets: 100 Ways to Lose Weight and Stay Slim Book, at Mark & Spensers
Have you struggled for years without managing to lose those all-important last few pounds? Do you ever look at a slim woman and wonder what her secret is? Have you ever thought that slim women might know something you don't...? Well, help is at hand, in the form of this pocket-sized book full of 100 diet secrets - packed with real info on the diets that actually work, and on specific foods, culinary herbs and supplements that will help you lose weight. "The Top 100 Diet Secrets" offers you a straightforward guide to the most effective ways of losing weight, from the importance of a low-carb, high-protein diet that is low in saturated fat, to explanations of nutritional concepts such as the Glycaemic Index and Glycaemic Load. Along the way are simple, helpful tips on every aspect of losing weight - from the truth about food combining, to useful exercise techniques, to why you should eat breakfast

Charlotte Large 2-Seater Occasional Sofa Bed, at Marks and Spencer
H94 x W184 x D96cm (extends to L242cm) Seat H50cm (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 Feet are castors Mattress: L180 x W112 x D6cm Foam mattress rests on polypropylene base Mattress recommended for occasional use Sofa Bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg 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 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mummy and Me Teapot Tea Set, at M&S
Contains 1 milk jug, kettle, 4 x cups and saucers, 4 x knives, spoons and forks, cake and 4 x plates Promotes imaginative play Pieces pack away inside the teapot Suitable for ages 3+ This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Large Diamanté Platinum-Plated Square Stud Earrings, at Marks & Spencers
Stud earrings Diamant design Butterfly fastening Platinum-plated For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

The Cotton Collection Cotton Bud, Bath and Body Duo, at Marks & Spencer
Bath foam: 160ml Body cream: 75ml Drift away with our PH balanced bath foam to cleanse and soften your skin Smooth away your day with our moisturising body cream to soften and nourish your skin

M400 Zip & Link Mattress - Combination Support, at Marks and Spencers
Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Zip & Link allows you to combine different levels of firmness on the left and right sides of the mattress. The two sides of the mattress zip together, so you and your partner can choose between medium or firm support Mattress unzips into 2 easier to fit into your home Filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs Spring Count: 1054 Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning Manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Blend 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Longline Top, at Marks and Spencers
This fashionable top is made from super soft fabric that looks and feels great. Modern styling details give it a cool contemporary edge

Brass & Damask Collection - Floor Lamp, at Mark's & Spencer
Antique brass effect Damask shade H175 X Diam 41cm Bulb: 60W GLS or 11W CFL This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Wool Pique Rug, at Marks&Spencer
Rectangular shape Pique design Small: L140 x W80cm Medium: L180 x W120cm Large: L230 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

First Reader Cinderella Book, at Marks & Spenser
Cinderella, the well-loved fairytale, written with vocabulary following the National Literacy Strategy

1001 Things To Spot In Fairyland Activity Book, at Marks & Spencers
Fun and stimulting, this puzzle will keep them entertained and help develop hand-eye coordination

2 Padded Non-Wired Plain Bras, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these plain bras are structured for secure support and an enhanced natural shape. Ideal for everyday wear

High Impact Crop Top, at Marks & Spencer
Ideal for active wear, this quick drying crop top is made from high-performance breathable stretch fabric and is designed in the latest style for a great fit and freedom to move. Moisture wicking ensures dampness is drawn away from the body

Capstan Stud Waist Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable capstan stud waist belt

Clear Mantlepiece Clock, at Marks and Spencer
Clear body Brass effect finish Dimensions: L12 x W12cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Highlight Stripe Polo shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Autograph Long Sleeve Tie Fastening Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in smart styles and high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

M&S Financial Services offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

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

• 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 Car 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.