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&Spencer are so useful. M&S Finance 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Property 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 Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Besides Marks and Spencer Motor Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Property 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 Finance 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 & Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Finance Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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.

M&S Finance 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 M&S Finance 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 Marks & Spensers 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, Sainsburys, 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 M&S Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Jumper, at Mark's & Spencer
Contemporary and casual, this 3/4 sleeve jumper is made from pure natural cotton and features a v-neck for a fashionable look

Father's Day Port & Glass Set, at Mark's & Spencer
Is your dad a port fan? Then let him unwind on Father's Day with a delicous glass, or two, of his favourite tipple. This great gift set includes a 2003 bottle of L.B.V. port and two long stem crystal port glasses You must be 18 or over to purchase this product

Chandelier 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

Collezione Pure Silk Mixed Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

5 Pairs of Stitch Sole Trainer Liner Socks with Cool&Fresh, at Marks and Spencers
RealCool Cotton™ moves moisture to the surface of the fabric for rapid evaporation, helping your feet to stay cool, dry and comfortable all day long. Freshtech™ technology keeps them odour-free and a reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Lucy Mannequin Jewellery Holder, at Marks and Spenser
Mannequin design Multiple hooks Height 18"

6 Stainless Steel Teaspoons, at Marks and Spencer
6-piece set 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck Stripe Top, at Mark & Spensers
For casual elegance, you can't beat this stripe boat neck top. A great value cotton essential

Siemens HF26056GB 1000W Built-in Microwave Oven, at Marks & Spencers
27-litre capacity 5 microwave power levels, 3 defrost programs Max 1000W power output Electronic control with clear display H380 x W562 x D450mm (including casing) Stainless steel 34cm glass turntable Left-opening door Fits the top cupboard in the Sonoma Oven Unit. Click here to view the Sonoma Oven Unit

Girls' Limited Star Print Vest Top with Shrug & Leggings, at Marks and 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

Baby Boy in Box Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover text reads: Baby boy Inside message: Congratulations on your special delivery! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future 175 x 127 mm

3 Pairs of Sheer Assorted Net Design Knee High Socks, at Marks & Spencer
These assorted net design knee high socks make a comfy and warm way to add a touch of style to this season's outfits. Added stretch and a reinforced toe gives durability and comfort

Autograph Pure Cotton Bold Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
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

Burn After Reading Blu-ray DVD, at Marks & Spencer
Rating Suitable for 15 years and over,

Easycare Satin Check Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This easycare shirt is perfect for value, comfort and style

Blue Harbour Funnel Neck Fleece Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and cosy, this long sleeve fleece jacket makes a warm and comfortable extra layer

Kitchens Shopping List, at M & S
1 magnetic shopping list (approx. 30 sheets of paper) 1 black ink pen (non refillable) Approx. size: 135 x 255mm

Limited Collection Paisley Print Dress, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Limited Collection's LA Love trend. Feminine, soft and laid back, this is a fashionable LA look with a boho vibe. Beautiful fabrics and playful prints are key

50s Style Dress Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: With Love on your Special Day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 11mm

Classic FM: Dinner Parties CD, at Marks & Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Los Nucos Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Chile Closure: Synthetic closure Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol volume: 13.3% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Charlotte Large 2-Seater Occasional Sofa Bed, at Marks & Spencers
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

5 Luxury Multi Stripe Handkerchiefs, at Marks & Spencer
Luxuriously soft handkerchiefs in pure cotton

Stain Defence™ Buckle Detail Pleated Skirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this fashionable skirt is treated with Stain Defence™ technology which helps repel everyday stains. The adjustable waist gives a perfectly comfortable fit. It's non-iron and easycare for convenience

2 Newborn Pure Cotton Eskimo T-Shirts, at M+S
Cute and practical, this pack of 2 pure cotton eskimo t-shirts are outstanding value. The soft pure cotton fabric will keep her happy and comfy

White Spiky Flower Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 x 125mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Multi-Storage Bag Set, at Marks and Spencers
Clear plastic Pack of 3 Double handle Zip fastening

Lightweight Slash End Stripe Print Scarf, at M&S
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your look with this elegant slash end stripe print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Pure Cotton Denim Shorts, at Mark & Spencers
Practical and fashionable, these relaxed denim shorts make a great choice for warmer weather

Faux Pearl Gatsby Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencers
Large beads Elasticated Faux pearl design

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Finance. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Finance 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 Finance, 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 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 Motor Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.