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's & Spencer are so useful. M+S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & 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, Buildings Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 Money Buildings 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 Money Buildings 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 Mark & Spensers 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's & Spencer, through its M+S Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

M+S Money 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 Money 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 and Spencers 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, 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 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 Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Toshiba Satellite L300-1DI Laptop, at Marks and Spencer
Processor: Intel Core™2 Duo processor T6400, Intel GM45 Express chipset and Intel WiFi Link 5100, 2.00 GHz clock speed, 800 MHz front side bus, 2 MB 2nd level cache Memory: 3,072 (2,048 + 1,024) MB, 8,192 MB maximum expandability, DDR2 RAM (800 MHz) Hard Drive: 250 GB (S.M.A.R.T) Display: 15.4 '' Toshiba TruBrite WXGA TFT High Brightness display Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit Edition (pre-installed, Toshiba-HDD recovery) Graphics Card: Mobile Intel GMA 4500MHD, up to 1,340 MB total available graphics memory with 4 GB system memory DVD Super Multi Drive (Double Layer) : CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-R(DL), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R(DL), DVD+RW, DVD-RAM Expansion: 2 x memory slots (1 to configure), 1 x ExpressCard slot Interfaces: 1 x DC-in, 1 x external monitor, 1 x RJ-11, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x external microphone, 1 x headphone (stereo), 1 x integrated VGA Web Camera with built-in microphone USB Ports: 3 (Left 2, Right 1) x USB 2.0 Connectivity: Wi-Fi™, Wireless LAN (802.11a/g/Draft-N), Fast Ethernet LAN 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX international V.90 modem (V.92 ready) 56 Kbps data and 14.4 Kbps fax Bundled software: Toshiba Disc Creator, Toshiba User's Manual, Supervisor Password Utility, Toshiba Assist, Chicony Camera Assistant Software, Toshiba DVD Player, Ulead DVD MovieFactory for TOSHIBA, Toshiba Face Recognition, McAfee Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition (includes free Internet updates for 30 days), Toshiba Recovery Disc Creator, Toshiba Value Added Package (Toshiba Power Saver, Toshiba Zooming Utility, Toshiba PC Diagnostic Tool, Toshiba Flash Cards, Toshiba Components Common Driver, Toshiba Accessibility, Toshiba Button Support), Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 (free 60-day trial), Google Software (Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer, Google Desktop, Picasa), Connectivity Doctor, ConfigFree™, Toshiba utilities and drivers Toshiba EasyMedia : Toshiba TEMPRO Performance Tuning Service, Smart Display Support, Toshiba Flash Cards, Wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/ Draft-N), Built-in camera & microphone, Diversity Antenna, Toshiba ConfigFree™, Internal HD 720p support Security features : McAfee Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition (includes free Internet updates for 30 days), Toshiba Value Added Package (Toshiba Power Saver, Toshiba Zooming Utility, Toshiba PC Diagnostic Tool, Toshiba Flash Cards, Toshiba Components Common Driver, Toshiba Accessibility, Toshiba Button Support) Dimensions : W362 x D267 x H33 (front) / 37.7 (rear) mm Weight : starting at 2.49 kg 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

Footglove™ Leather Ankle Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Pointed toe Stitch detail Zip fastening Heel height 62mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Panasonic 42'' TX-P42G15 Full HD Plasma TV with freesat HD, at Marks n Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Ponte Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Everyone needs a great pair of bootleg trousers. Flaring gently from the knees to balance curves, they're universally flattering and go with everything. These are made of fashionable ponte fabric and are a true wardrobe must have

Autograph Leather Hip Coin Wallet, at Marks and Spencer
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

Autograph Cosmic Drop Earrings Made With CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements, at Marks and Spencers
Hook fastening Drop design Made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements

Double-Sided Round Cosmetic Mirror, at Marks and Spenser
Freestanding Round design Double-sided Ideal for shaving, precision tweezing or make-up application H21 x Diam 20cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Print Your Own Graphic Heart Order Of Service or Menu Cards, at Marks&Spencer
Pack Contains: 10 x order of the day/service or menu cards, 12 x folded insert sheets, 10 ribbons, 1 sheet of glue dots, 1 x instruction leaflet, N.B. The CD-ROM is not included in the pack and is available separately. Approx size: 218 x 154mm As this stationery is not intended for use as invitations, envelopes are not supplied in this pack. The cards in this pack are made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests Use the print your own CD-ROM or download the free version. Download free software to personalise the stationery

Pago Real Rioja 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Tempranillo and Garnacha Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per 125ml: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

Girls' Limited Denim 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

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Wooden Bead Cardigan, at Marks&Spencer
A cosy 3/4 sleeve cardigan featuring wooden beads

Sprung Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers, at Mark & Spencers
Layer of springs to provide comfort and support while prolonging the life of your mattress Solid pine frame Sprung edge 4 x large drawers All our mattresses and divans are anti-allergy, which means the provide effective protection against dust mite allergies, so you'll have a trouble free sleep H41cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Eterno Müller Thurgau 2007 - Case of 12, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Dry, light to medium bodied Grape variety: Mller Thurgau Country of origin: Italy Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Grandad Text Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: To a special Grandad Grandfather Papa Pop Grandpa Gramps Inside Message: Wishing you a very happy birthday This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future 175 x 126mm

Tonal Floral Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
These pretty floral print shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

Girls' Limited Cotton Rich Stirrup Leggings, at Marks & Spencers
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

Collezione Luxury Wool Single Pleat Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Add a smart dimension to your formal wardrobe with these single pleat trousers. Allowing for more hip room, they provide a clean, crisp and well turned out look

Scottish Lochmuir™ Lightly Smoked Salmon, Smoked Haddock & Cod Roast, at Marks & Spenser
Serves 4-6 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 1kg total weight As featured on page 38 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Gardening Collection Books, at Marks and Spencers
This collection includes three great gardening books (Small Gardens, Pots & Containers, A Year in your Garden), a Planning your Gardening Year poster and a handy notebook

Firm Control Lace Knickers, at Mark's & Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds! These firm control knickers gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

Wool Blend Single Breasted 2 Button Fine Stripe Jacket, at Mark & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this suit is outstanding value! It's made from comfortable hardwearing fabric, ideal for everyday wear

Lemon Soufflé, at Marks & Spencer
Serves 6-8 Ready to eat Comes in a table-presentable ceramic dish Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers 700g total weight As featured on page 51 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Pure Cotton Contrast Trim Pyjama Top, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this short sleeve pyjama top is made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Autograph Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Polo Shirt, at M&S
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Cube Stool, at Mark & Spensers
H40 x W47 x D47cm (all dimensions are approximate) Top cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Cushion covers are not removeable 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 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

Strappy Lace Empire Vest, at Marks & Spencers
A pretty addition to any wardrobe and a great piece for layering. This beautiful vest matches lush lace with the cosy, convenient qualities of a soft and easy to care for design. It has handy adjustable straps for a perfect fit

Adored Pansy Lace Non-Padded Bra, at Mark & Spencers
Soft and stylish, this gently supportive bra is made from the softest fabric and lace, so it's blissfully comfortable to wear. It's structured for secure support and a natural uplifted shape. Feminine everyday lingerie

Cracked Shell Heart Necklace, at Mark & Spencers
Multi-strand design Cracked shell heart design Adjustable length Clasp fastening Necklace length 43cm, extendable by 7cm

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly, at Marks & Spencer
First published thirty years ago, the Classic Books-with-Holes have become known and loved world-wide, ingenious die-cut holes bring the old Lady who swallowed a fly to life, and Pam Adams's illustrations are beautifully funny and charming

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at M+S
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione jacket 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 garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

M+S Money Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Buildings Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M+S Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.