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 Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spenser 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 M&S Money Direct 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 M&S Money Direct Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spencer, 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 Marks & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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

Glitter Floral Luxury Wrap Pack, at Marks & Spensers
Contains: 1 x sheet wrapping paper, 1 x gift tag, 1 x length ribbon Approx size: Wrap: 685 x 98mm Tag: 115 x 65mm Ribbon: 2m

Collezione Leather Brogue Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Pointed toe Punch feature Stitch detail 5 eyelets Lace-up Block heel

Seville Antique Brass Wall Mirror, at Mark's & Spencer
Oval Shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Philips HX6311 Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush, at Marks & Spencer
KidTimer: Increases brushing time slowly over 90 days, building towards the dentist recommended 2 minutes Power modes: 2 Kid-friendly power modes adapt to different ages providing a gentle cleaning that's ideal for different ages. There is a low mode for ages 4 to 6 and a high mode for ages 7 and older Brush Heads: 2 brush head sizes that are specifically designed to gently clean and protect teeth at key developmental stages KidPacer: Fun sounds encourage kids to brush the front and back of both upper and lower teeth Fun interchangeable panels: Allows kids to customise their toothbrush Anti-roll shape: Sturdy handle design allows kids to store it upright as well as apply toothpaste while the toothbrush is laying flat Multi grip design: Ergonomically designed to enable parents and kids to brush together or on their own Battery type: Li-Ion Rechargeable battery Speed: 31,000 brush strokes per minute Operating time (full to empty): Fully charged should provide 42 2-minute brushings (3 weeks) Voltage: Multi-Voltage Charger 100-240 V 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

Formula Age Defence 4 in 1 Revitalising Cleansing Wipes, at Marks and Spencers
Contains 25 wipes Specially formulated for use in combination with the rest of the Age Defence range Skin appears revitalised and visibly brighter Formulated to cleanse, moisturise and refresh without irritating or drying your skin Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic

2 Limited Collection Cotton Rich Spot Print Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Fabulous and modern, these shorts are part of our Limited Collection lingerie. Theyre made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Heavy Sole Boat Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Lace-up Round toe Lace stitch design Contrast stitch detail Heavy cleated soles

Mini Check Tassel Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
Keep out the cold in style with this warm, soft check scarf

F100 Open Coil Memory Foam Coolmax° Mattress & Sprung Edge Non-Storage Divan, at M+S
No turn mattress Mattress and divan are anti-allergy Mattress: spring count 288, depth 23cm Divan height: 41.5cm Single 3ft: W90 x L190cm Double 4ft6: W135 x L190cm King size 5ft: W150 x L200cm Super king size 6ft: W180 x L200cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Multiway Underwired Lace Bra, at Marks&Spencer
Whether you wear it strapless, cross-over or conventional, this smart bra offers the best in versatile comfort thanks to a multiway design and non-padded. An essential addition to any wardrobe

Eyelash Curlers, at Marks & Spencer
Contains: 1 eyelash curler

Per Una Short Sleeve Ruffle Jersey Top, at Marks&Spencer
A feminine short sleeve top featuring a ruffle front design

M&S Scart Switcher, at Marks and Spencers
Plug 2 scart cables into TVs that have only 1 scart socket Button to switch between devices 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

3 Pack Pure Cotton V-Neck T-Shirts, at Marks & Spencers
A great value pack of t-shirts in comfortable cotton. Ideal as casualwear and for PE

GG-J Half Lace Underwired Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this bra is specially designed for fuller busts. It's underwired and structured to give great support and a flattering enhanced shape

PlayStation®3 Beijing 2008 Game, at Marks and Spencers
Experience the authentic look and feel of the Olympic Games with 38 official events Brand new control systems to give you the edge Global Online Competition: Choose your country and become a member of the Olympic team and face challenges from across all nations 1 - 8 players 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, ESRB Rating: Everyone

Extra Large Pillar Candle, at Marks & Spenser
Plain Pillar shape H22 x Diam 8cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited Diamanté Button Cropped Cargo Trousers, 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

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Snoopy Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fabulous, this 5 pack of cotton shorts feature assorted Snoopy designs

Light Control Low Leg Briefs, at Marks and Spenser
Look slimmer in seconds! These light control knickers gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

Bordeaux 2006 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Grape variety: Merlot 75%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Country of origin: France Closure: Natural Cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

1001 Little Beauty Miracles, at Marks & Spenser
Providing secrets and solutions from head to toe, Esme Floyd offers short, simple tips to enhance your natural good looks

Autograph Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks & Spensers
Aim for a must-have retro inspired look with the sandblasted wash and stylish whiskering of these contemporary five pocket jeans. Step out in style by teaming them with a slim cut blazer and pinstripe shirt

Twin Stitch Medium Purse, at Marks & Spencers
Practical and stylish, this purse features compartments for your cash and cards and a secure popper fastening, making it an ideal choice for everyday use

Domaine Joseph Garnier Chablis 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians 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

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Floral Tunic, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable floral print tunic in a soft cotton blend featuring tie waist detail, finished with a frill neckline

Classic Collection Floral Print Sleeveless Dress, at M&S
Pretty and feminine this lovely dress is made from soft floral print fabric. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Extra Large Outdoor Barrel, at Marks and Spencer
With a vibrant collection of conifer, geranium, lavender, primrose, osteospermum and hedera, this charming planter will brighten any courtyard or patio Available for delivery until 30th September 2009

Signature - GRN FIG REFIL, at M & S
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Sailor Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
A fabulous 3/4 sleeve shirt in pure soft cotton featuring a ruffle front and stripe design

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 M&S 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 Marks & Spensers, through its M&S Money Direct 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.