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

Marks & Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents Insurance or Car Insurance, but M & S do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the M+S Money website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Financial Services products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M+S Money loans, credit cards or Buildings & Contents Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M+S Money can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M+S Money insurance products (Buildings & Contents Insurance, Car Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks & Spencers insurance products in document format too.

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

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

Autograph Pure Linen Suit Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
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

Flexilite Paisley Print Umbrella, at Marks and Spencer
Brighten up rainy days with this stylish lightweight umbrella

Double Buckle Snake Print Handbag, at Marks & Spencer
Get bags of style! This snake print handbag is a fabulous fashionable accessory. Handy compartments make it useful and practical too

Ultimate Non-Iron Fine Herringbone Short Sleeve Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Daughter Sequin Shoes Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: Birthday Wishes to a Wonderful Daughter Inside message: With lots of love on your birthday Approx size: 175 x 125mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Freshfeet Faux Fur Warmlined Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Slip-on Round toe Contrast stitch design Flat sole Sanitised Silver technology effectively reduces bacteria that cause odours

Cotton Rich Hooded Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
A practical choice for school, this hooded cardigan is made from soft cotton rich fabric with stretch. It's easycare for convenience

Pleated Bedset, at Marks and Spencer
Pleated design Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cupcake Bedset, at Marks & Spencer
Set includes single duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Cupcake design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wave Thermosoft Throw, at Marks & Spencer
Small: W150 x L200cm Large: W230 x L240cm Wave design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Wide Leg Tab Detail Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
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

Wentworth 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencer
H96 x W146 x D100cm 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 Feet are castors 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Woven Silk Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary stripe tie in pure silk

Pure Cotton Transformers Pyjamas, at Marks & Spencers
A must for fans of Transformers these pyjamas feature Optimus Prime

4 Sennen Mugs - Blue, at Marks and Spencer
4 piece set Contrast design H11 x Diam 9cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Black Gloss Pepper Mill, at M+S
Fitted with a durable stainless steel mechanism Screw top design Adjustable for fine or coarse grind Used for peppercorns Lifetime guarantee Approx size: L4.5 x W4.5 x H19.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Spot Design Travel Ballet Slippers, at Marks & Spenser
Round toe Spot design Bow detail Slip-on Flat sole Ballet style

Per Una 2 Tone Floral Lace Shorts, at M & S
Fresh and feminine, these stylish knickers feature floral design and a lace trim. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Autograph Merano Chaise (Right-Hand Arm), at Mark's & Spencer
H84 x W176 x D100cm Seat H47cm (all dimensions 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 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 This product is not available for international delivery, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Luxury Pure Wool Pinstripe Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Get 30% off price shown. Discount applies at checkout Hours of handcrafting have gone into this superior quality suit for authentic tailored style. Every detail has been carefully considered to give a luxurious look and feel

Cotton Rich Plain Hooded Top, at Marks & Spensers
This sporty hooded top is made from comfortable cotton rich fabric with stretch, giving you that extra bit of freedom to move. The ideal choice for workouts or relaxing afternoons

Hand Crafted Stitched Guitar Son Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover Text: Happy birthday son Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Pure Cotton Cropped Cargo Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Fresh and fashionable, these cotton trousers look chic with wedges, sandals or flat pumps. Multiple pockets add an extra touch of style

Big & Tall Single Pleat Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
No more trips to the drycleaners! These smart, fashionable trousers can be machine washed and tumble dried. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Spider-man 3™ Blu-ray DVD, at Marks & Spencer
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Twin Front Pocket Rucksack, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and practical, this nylon rucksack is ideal for business or weekend travel

Oval Nugget Drop Earrings, at M&S
Hook fastening Drop style earrings For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Ultimate Pure Wool 2 Button Stripe Jacket, at MarksandSpencer
This high performance suit is made to work as hard as you do. It's extra durable and added stretch keeps it in great shape while giving you enhanced comfort and ease of movement

Oscar Wardrobe, at Marks & Spenser
H180 x W96 x D55cm 1 drawer Hanging rail and 2 shelves Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Leather Pleat Dolly Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Single strap with buckle fastening Pleat detail Mid heel Heel height: 43mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

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