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 & Spencers Money 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, 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Shopping for financial products at Marks & Spencers Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark & Spencers online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the Marks & Spencers Money website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from Marks and Spencers, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting Marks & Spencers Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the Marks & Spencers Money website.

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

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

Perfect Autograph Essentials Sheer Lace Floral Shorts, at M&S
These pretty pieces are perfect for everyday wear, but so feminine that you'll always feel special

Portfolio Graphite Multi Strand Necklace, at M+S
Graphite multi strand design Clasp fastening Adjustable length Necklace length: 91cm, extendable by 8cm

Autograph Foundation Brush, at Marks and Spenser
Handmade Enables you to achieve a controlled light and even coverage

Older Boys' Permair™ Triple Strap Trainers, at Marks and Spencer
Scuff resistant Triple riptape straps Round toe Permair™ micro porous coating makes the shoes scuff- and water-resistant and easy to clean, while allowing feet to breathe Stitch detail Grip sole

Elasticated Check Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable check belt

Footglove™ Boat Shoe, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Stitched Bow feature Lace detail Flat sole Slip-on Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - Wide Leg Turn-Up Trousers with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable as well as practical, these wide leg turn-up trousers are treated with Stain Defence™ which repels everyday stains. They come with the belt shown

Sun Formula Airbrush Propellant, at Marks and Spenser
For use with airbrush self-tan 300ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Global Traveller Large Rollercase, at Marks & Spenser
Free 5 year guarantee Make transporting your belongings a hassle-free experience with the super lightweight and durable design of this hardwearing rollercase

°Climate Control Check Flat Cap, at Marks and Spencer
Climate control keeps you cool when you're hot and warms you up when you're cold so you're always at your optimum temperature. Exclusive to M&S, Climate control clothing is comfortable and breathable - ideal for sportswear. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology. Perfect!

Pure Cotton Straight Leg Trousers with Belt, at Marks & Spencers
A stylish smart-casual look, these straight leg flat front trousers are made from pure cotton. A comfortable, practical and easycare choice

Dinosaur Head Torch, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 3 - 6 years Wear it on your head, backpack, arm or leg Dinosaur design Adjustable strap Imaginative play 90 x 70 x 60mm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Pairs Sheer Fishnet Knee High Tights, at Marks & Spencer
Give those longer skirts, dresses and trousers a shimmering finish with the sleek design of these great knee highs. A reinforced toe and added stretch provide lasting comfort

Signature Green Fig Infusion Sticks, at Marks n Spencer
Scented infusion sticks Fragrance lasts up to 8 weeks Glass holder included, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Diamond Print Crinkled Scarf with Wool, at M & S
This sophisticated diamond print scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The crinkled finish adds a stylish finishing touch.

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Spot & Stripe Design Socks, at Marks & Spencer
These classic cotton rich socks are soft, breathable and comfortable. Added stretch gives a great fit

Autograph Cashmere Blend Pashmina Scarf, at Marks and Spenser
Vamp up any wardrobe basic with this on-trend pashmina

Pure Linen Short Sleeve Embroidered Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
This short sleeved shirt will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features pretty floral embroidered details for a stylish casual look

Sunny Town Shop Helpers Set, at Marks n Spencer
Shop keeper Delivery car Little girl Promotes hand eye co-ordination Suitable for ages 12 months + This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

PlayStation®2 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, at M&S
Single and multiplayer modes Unlock new moves and secret characters Play as Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner or Elizabeth Swann Combat, combos and looting challenge mode You must be 12 years of age or over to purchase this product 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Platforms: PlayStation2, ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+

Autograph Stainless Steel Turner, at Marks & Spencer
Hanging loop Approx size: 26.3 x 9 x 9cm Dishwasher safe, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Domaine des Serres du Colombier 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

Linen Blend Wide Leg Belted Trousers, at M & S
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to fit and flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. A look you can dress up or down

Portfolio Funnel Neck Belted Mac, at MarksandSpencer
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

Sony PRS-ACL1 Cover with Light for Reader, at Marks & Spencer
Compatible with PRS-505 Reader eBook Please be aware that the features/specifications can differ from country to country 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Plain Cosy Dressing Gown, at Marks & Spensers
Modern and feminine, this pretty plain dressing gown is made from soft fabric so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Green Glitter Butterfly Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Birthday wishes 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 114 mm

Gold Plated 3 Row Diamanté Ring, at M+S
3 row design Oval faceted diamant detail

Embossed Floral Flourish Your Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: On your anniversary Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Pure Linen Pull On Hat, at Marks and Spencer
Keep your cool in this linen sun hat, a summer and holiday essential

Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 and 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:

• 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 Marks & Spencers Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.