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 Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & 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 M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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 M & S 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

When you're shopping at Marks and 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 Financial Services. 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 Spencers than you might imagine.

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

4 Pairs of Autograph Cotton Rich Multi Stripe Socks, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and fashionable, these multi stripe socks are part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Laus Flor de Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 6, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Dry, medium bodied, lightly oaked Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% 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

Classic Letters 40th Birthday Card, at Marks n Spencer
Approx. size: 230 x 114mm Cover text: On your 40th birthday Inside message: Have a very special day

T356953S, at Marks & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Floral & Feather Occasion Hat, at Marks & Spensers
Sophisticated and elegant, this occasion hat features a glamorous flower and feather trim. Sure to turn heads at stylish summer events!

125 Years Luxury Wool Rich 3 Button Stripe Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Fabulous vintage style inspired by our archives

Berry Crush Performance Vest, at Mark & Spencers
Ideal for active wear, this Performance top incorporates moisture management technology. The high-performance fabric draws moisture away from the skin to the surface, keeping you drier. Designed for a great fit and essential ease of movement

Per Una Bronzing Pearls, at Marks & Spensers
Soft smooth texture Hypo-allergenic Carmine free and GMO free Animal Free - No ingredients of animal origin

Short Sleeve Ruffle Scoop Neck Top, at Marks & Spencer
This fab short sleeve top features a stunning ruffle design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Limited Collection Border Studded Leggings, at Mark's & Spencer
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

Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Mixed Red Country of origin: Italy 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

Quick Iron Short Sleeve Pure Cotton Satin Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and innovative, this striped easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

Leather Flip Toe Lace-Up Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Square flip toe design Stitch detail Lace-up Block heel

Airflex™ Apron Derby Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Square shaped Lace-up 3 Eyelets Shallow block heel

2'' Longer Pure Cotton Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Woven in pure cotton fabric, long sleeves and double button cuffs add a smart focus to your office look. A practical and convenient choice for everyday wear

Portfolio Pure Silk Painted Floral Lightweight Scarf, at Marks & Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk painted floral print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

2 Pairs of Cotton Rich Plain Knee High Socks, at Marks and Spencer
These cotton rich 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

Blue Harbour Large Grid Short Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this comfortable shirt looks great dressed up or down

40 Denier Opaque Tights, at Marks and Spencers
Easy to wear, easy to wash, easy to choose. This great value pack of tights will make getting dressed in the morning easy as pie, time and time again

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Mock Layer Top, at Mark's & Spencer
It looks like a top and knitted tank top, but this striking contemporary mock layered design is just one piece. The stripe detail adds a special stylish touch

Older Girls' Pure Cotton Embroidered Canvas Trainers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Embroidered floral design Lace up fastening Stitch detail Flat sole

Kaituna Hills Reserve Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap 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

°Climate Control Long Sleeve High Zip Neck Thermal Top, at Mark's & 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

4 Windsor Tall Tumblers, at Marks & Spencers
Set of 4 Dishwasher safe 38cl H15cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop, at Marks and Spencers
Chunky handle Hanging loop, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Water Fade Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style Pear design

2 Autograph Positano Chairs, at Marks and Spencers
All-weather synthetic rattan Aluminium frame Sold as a pair Includes seat pads H83.5 x W58.5 x D58cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Giant Playing Cards, at Marks and Spencer
Contains: 54 playing cards, including 2 jokers, instruction leaflet Each card: 187 x 135 mm

4 Silver Plated Clip On Earrings, at Mark's & Spencer
Set of 4 Assorted designs Clip on style

Per Una Speziale Tartan Coat, at Marks & Spencer
A fabulous knee-length coat in a soft wool blend. Buckle fastening details give it the Per Una touch

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks & Spencer 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 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 Direct, you get more, and you pay less.