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 MarksandSpencer 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, 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 Mark & Spencers, through its Marks & Spencers Money 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.

Besides Marks and Spencer Car Insurance, Marks & Spencers Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencers Money Home 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 and Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both Marks & Spencers Money Premier Home Insurance and Standard Home 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.

Autograph Merano 2-Seater Unit (Right-Hand Arm), at Marks n Spencer
H84 x W172 x D102cm Seat H47cm, arm H63cm, top back rail H63cm (all dimension are approximate) Seat cushions made from shape-retaining foam with extra-thick fibre wrap - 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 have 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 Glide feet with a dark finish 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pointelle Thermal Crochet Trim Vest, at M & S
Indulge in soft, warm comfort with this thermal easy to wear knitted vest. Perfect for adding a snug extra layer to your outfits during the winter months

Older Girls' Floral Stretch Waist Belt, at Mark & Spencers
Fun and fashionable, this elasticated belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Pure Cotton Canvas Holiday Shopper Bag, at M+S
Fashionable and practical, this shopper bag is a useful accessory with bags of style!

LED Light Collection Dragonfly, at Marks and Spencers
Ideal use for garden lighting Dragonfly design Batteries supplied H4 x W14cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Gold Plated Twist Pave Diamanté Earrings, at MarksandSpencer
Stud fastening Twist pave design Diamant detail For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Footglove™ Leather Ruched Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Pointed toe Ruched design Slip on Mid heel Heel height: 67mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Per Una Short Sleeve Sunset Stripe Blouse, at Marks & Spencer
A colourful short sleeve blouse in textured fabric featuring a bold sunset stripe print

Silver Plated Pear Pendant Necklace, at Marks n Spencer
Fine chain Pear design pendant Length: 41cm Extender: 8cm

Pacific 2 Seater Sofa, at Mark's & Spencer
H90 x W136 x D90cm Seat H50cm, arm H68cm, top back rail H67cm Seat cushions made from Quallofil Extralife filling. Click here for more information on Quallofil Extralife Other cushions made from polyester fibre All cushions are reversible Cushion covers can be removed Pine feet with a light finish This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Floral Print Empire Line Top, at Marks and 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

5 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Dog Embroidered Socks, at Marks n Spencer
Stock up on stylish essentials with this pack of 5 pairs of embroidered dog design socks

Classic Chaise Petite - Right-Hand, at Marks and Spencers
H86 x W151 x D73cm Seat H45cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Back cushion is fixed foam Right-hand chaise - the arm is on the right side when viewed from the end of the chaise, thus the left side when you're seated in the chaise 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 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 08457 624 624 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gathered Front Cover Up Beach Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Fabulously fashionable, this flattering cover up dress is designed in the latest shape. A stylish modern look

Total Support Non Wired Grascita Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Soft and comfortable, this non-wired bra gives all-round support and uplift with good coverage, extra wide straps and 3 hook-and-eye fasteners. It's secure but gentle and lightweight, an ideal choice for everyday wear

Footglove™ Wide Fit Stitch Shoes, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Buckle fastening Heel height 48mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

2 GG-J Plain Underwired Bras, at Marks & Spencers
Soft and comfortable, this pack of 2 plain bras is great value. They're designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

1 Pair of Gel Pads for Toe Posts, at Marks and Spencers
Ideal for use with flip flops and sandals with toe posts. These comfortable gel pads prevent painful rubbing between toes and on the balls of your feet. The non-slip design gives a secure grip

Black & Decker® DV9605TN Cyclonic Action Dustbuster® Vac, at Marks & Spensers
9.6V for powerful and effective pick-up Wet and dry Dustbowl Capacity - 700 ml Runtime - 13 minuttes Cordless for use anywhere Built-in crevice tool for greater accessibility and extra convenience Cyclonic Action spins dirt away from the filter maintaining optimum suction power New filter cleaning system to allow better dirt management Double action filtration allows the product to perform better and last longer Accessories are stored on board, always at hand for your cleaning jobs Multi-surface charging base, so it can be wall mounted or kept on the worktop Extra large bowl requires less emptying Window bowl so you know when to empty the Dustbuster Ergonomic design

Younger Boys' Football Boot Slippers, at Marks & Spenser
Round toe Embroidered detail Riptape fastening Flat sole

5 Pairs of Assorted Marl Stripe Ankle High Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Perfect for everyday wear, these great value socks feature added stretch to provide a long lasting fit and comfort

Thermal Performance Active Long Sleeve Top, at M+S
Innovative and high-performance, this top is made with moisture control and anti-odour technology. They're designed to keep you at a comfortable temperature so you feel warm, fresh and dry

Zip Folio Case, at MarksandSpencer
When you're on the move, make sure to keep your important documents in order with this smart looking folio

Mounted Lens Wraparound Sunglasses, at Marks & Spencer
Practical and fashionable, these wraparound sunglasses are designed in a flattering modern style

Autograph Weekend Cowl Neck Square Print Top with Camisole, at Marks&Spencer
Sophisticated and modern, this cowl neck top is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a stunning overlap square print

Bright Prints Lunch Bag, at Marks & Spencer
This bright green and blue bag is a great way to keep your sandwiches cool and fresh until lunchtime. The top of the bag rolls down and is secured with hook and loop fabric, and the bag is insulated to keep food cool

Letters on a String New Baby Girl Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Baby girl Inside Message: Congratulations Approx. size: 150 x 150mm

Older Girls' Snoopy™ Mule Slippers, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe Mule style Slip-on Snoopy™ motif PEANUTS United Feature Syndicate, Inc. Licensed By PSL

Blue Harbour Ultimate Linen Shirt, at M & S
This Ultimate Linen shirt has a unique added performance that helps keep you cool, dry and fresh by drawing moisture away from the skin and reducing odour, while also helping your linen to stay smart throughout the day. It's also easy to iron, so looking your best is now easier than ever

Batwing Hooded Button Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this hooded cardigan features a batwing design. A pretty, practical and easycare style

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 & 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 Tescos:

• 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.