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 & Spensers are so useful. M&S Finance 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, 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 Finance 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 Finance Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 Mark & Spencers 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:

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

When you're shopping at Mark's & 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencer than you might imagine.

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

Domaine Des Garennes Minervois 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Syrah, Grenache & Carignan Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Curved Seam Skater Skirt with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and flirty, this skater skirt is a stylish, versatile choice. A smart modern look

Blue Harbour Linen Blend Large Grid Shirt, at M & S
Stylishly smart casual, this large grid shirt is outstanding value!

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Multi Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and stylish, this multi stripe shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Pirque Estate Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: South America Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl Alcohol volume: 15% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 11.3 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pink Triangular Shaped Medium Gift Bag, at Mark & Spencers
1 gift bag Ribbon handles Gift tag Dimensions: Height 260 mm Base dimensions: 260 x 260 x 260mm

Christening Type Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Christening Inside message: Wishing you a wonderful day Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Embroidered Short Sleeve Kaftan, at M+S
Fresh and feminine, this flattering kaftan is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

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

Collezione Pure Cotton Sateen Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each Collezione piece is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this shirt to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Gold Plated Abalone Y Design Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks & Spencers
2 part set Hook fastening abalone drop earrings Y design necklace with intermittent beads

Autograph Veneto Dining Table & 4 Bonded Leather Dining Chairs Set, at Marks and Spencer
Glass dining table: H73 x D120cm Seats 4-6 people Toughened clear safety glass Chairs: H89 x W41 x D50cm Seat: H47cm 4 bonded leather chairs Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Made from soft cool cotton, this cute polo top will keep him feeling comfortable in hot weather

Domaine Jacky Marteau Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at M&S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol Units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol Units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Handcrafted Laser Cut Fairy Cakes Mother's Day Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: For my Gorgeous Mum Inside message: On Mother's Day Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Lichfield Media Unit, at M & S
H50 x W117 x D40cm Equipment space: H14 x W84 x D33.5cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Handles made from solid European hardwood Shelves made from White Oak veneer Side panels are veneered Top panel is veneered with solid oak edging for strength All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. 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 Slipper Boots, at MarksandSpencer
Round toe Suede-effect Faux fur lining and trim Side tie detail Flat sole

Château D'Argadens 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc 65%, Semillon 35% Country of Origin: France Closure: Bottle: 6 x 75cl Alcohol by Volume: 12.5% 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

Animal Alphabet Money Tin, at Marks & Spencer
1 money tin with padlock and 2 keys Animal print Dimensions: H11 x D8 cm

Mini Limited Floral Embroidered Velour Hooded Top, at Marks & Spencer
Mini Limited is a collection of cute fun styles designed in the latest looks. The casual, contemporary pieces are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for layering

Freshfeet Suede Driving Moccasins, at M&S
Round toe Stitch detail Flat sole Lined Slip-on With built in Freshtech™ technology for fresh, odour-free slippers Freshtech™ technology is permanently built in to the slipper and still performs after many washes Freshtech™ technology combats the bacteria that causes bad smells and odours

5 Pairs of Cotton Blend Sports Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Designed to cushion high impact areas, these comfortable cotton blend socks are an ideal choice for sports or PE

My 1st Wood House Shape Sorter, at Marks&Spencer
Suitable for ages 0-3yrs Includesd base of house, side panels, handle, roof panels, pegs, glue and blocks This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autoritas Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry, crisp and fresh Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Coloured Glass Collection - Cylinder Bullet Vase, at Marks and Spencers
H26cm Coloured glass Clear glass foot, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Hello Kitty Hooded Poncho, at Marks & Spensers
Fans of Hello Kitty will love this hooded cotton poncho featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

2" Longer Autograph Pure Cotton Textured Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Spinsanti Malbec 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Grape variety: 100% Malbec Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Natural Cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol Alcohol units per bottle:10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Cupcakes, at Marks and Spenser
You may remember the butterfly cakes we all had at parties all those years ago - but they are nothing at all like these cupcakes: simple little cakes to make and bake, but with over 50 fantastic ideas for decorating and personalising each batch of cakes. Just perfect to serve to friends, after dinner, or to keep in your cupboard for that sensational moment with tea and a chat

Autograph Pure Silk Stripe Tie, at M & S
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

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

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spencers, 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.