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 Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & 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, 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.

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 n 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 & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

M&S Financial Services 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 Car 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; Car Insurance and Buildings & Contents 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 & Contents 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 Financial Services Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Flower Branch Thank You Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Thank you Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Per Una Pure Cotton Star Print Dressing Gown, at MarksandSpencer
Modern and feminine, this pretty dressing gown features a star print. It's made from cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Sony Bravia RHT-G800 Home Cinema Surround Sound System, at MarksandSpencer
S-Force PRO Front Surround Technology: 5.1 channel virtual surround sound from just two front speakers and a subwoofe Controls: Touch sensor Vibration-cancelling subwoofer: For superb bass without disturbing the neighbours Connection: Inputs to connect DVD player, set-top box and games system BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button Connectors: 2 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 3 x Opt Digital In, 1 x Coax Digital In, 1 x Composite In Audio/Video Weight: 59kg Dimensions: W111.4 x H49.5 x D40 cm For televisions up to 52'' DVD player and TV not included 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

Contrast Stitch Cross-Body Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable, comfortable and secure, this cross-body bag features an adjustable strap and turn lock feature. A practical and stylish accessory

Pago Real Rioja 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
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

2 Underwired Plain DD-G Bras, at Marks and Spenser
Soft and comfortable, these bras are specially designed for fuller busts. It's underwired and structured to give great support and a flattering enhanced shape

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Cropped Jeans, 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

Hannah Montana Pencil Case, at Mark's & Spencer
Zip fastening Hannah Montana motif Comes with Star charm Approx size: 215 x 115mm Disney

Stripe Hipster Skirt Tankini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencers
Elegant and feminine, this flattering hipster skirt is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

LED Light Collection Floating Waterlily with Dragonfly, at Marks & Spenser
Decoarative outdoor lighting For indoor or outdoor use Colour changing Floating feature for table top water display 14 x 14 x 11 cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Luxury Mattress - Firm, at Marks & Spenser
Single (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Spring count: 2200 Independently pocketed springs in two layers Lambs wool, cotton and loose hair filling Cotton-felt provides a soft-surface with wool holds fillings in place Hand-stitched sides support mattress wall and extend sleeping area Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning Manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Loretto 2 Left-Hand Chaise & Coffee Table/Footstool Set, at Marks and Spencers
3 piece set - 2 chaise longue and 1 combination Coffee Table/Footstoolfootstool Coffee Table/Footstool has a removeable top cushion. Can be used as a footstool or a coffee table All-weather synthetic rattan Silver-effect rattan Quick drying foam seat pad in 100% polyester Chaise dimensions: H62 x W200 x D97.5cm, seat H30.5cm Coffee Table/Footstool dimensions: H30.5 x W80.5 x L80.5cm Suitable for indoor or outdoor use *Save 30% when you buy this set. Individually 2047. Save 648. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dhalia Stripe Mug, at MarksandSpencer
Floral stripe design Slim handle Height 9.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gold Plated Knot Stud Earrings, at Marks & Spencer
Butterfly stud fastening Knot design Diamant detail

Older Boys' Triple Riptape Strap Trainers, at M & S
Round toe Stitch detail Triple straps with riptape fastening Grip sole

Beaded Collection 4 Coasters, at Marks & Spensers
Pack of 4 Bead design Round shape Diameter: 10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Secret Support™ Floral Bow Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Luxurious and fashionable, these bow detail slippers are made from soft suede. Relax in style and comfort!

50/50 Bed Linen - Fitted Sheet, at M&S
Single: L190 x W91cm, depth 25cm Double: L190 x W137cm, depth 25cm King Size (5ft): L200 x W152cm, depth 25cm Super King Size (6ft): L200 x W183cm, depth 25cm Plain dye bed linen Plain fabric (no design) Easy to iron Care instructions: Machine washable, Tumble dry Composition:50% cotton, 50% polyester, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fairy Cakes Niece Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Fairy cake design Cover text: Sweet birthday wishes... To a wonderful Niece! Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Grazia - Magazine Gift Subscription, at Marks and Spencer
Grazia is a fabulous mix of front-page stories, stunning designer fashion, fabulous shopping and more

Autograph Contrast Block Court Shoes, at MarksandSpencer
Round toe Contrast toe and heel Slip on High heel Heel height: 8cm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Made with Insolia technology, an exclusive innovation that makes high heels more comfortable to wear and better for your body's alignment and balance. They work by taking the weight off your toes, so there's less pressure and more stability. Your legs, back and feet stay more comfy all day

Shape Sorter Ladybug, at Marks & Spencers
Pull-along cord Spot design Multicolour blocks Suitable for ages 0-3yrs This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Merino Wool Crew Neck Jumper, at Mark & Spensers
Modern and stylish, this long sleeve jumper is made from fine merino wool for luxurious warmth and softness

16-Piece Mellina Cutlery Set, at Marks and Spencer
16-piece set Includes 4 knives, 4 forks, 4 spoons and 4 teaspoons 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dan's Mouse Balloon Hearts Wedding Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Congratulations Inside message: With love on your wedding day

Blue Harbour Straight Leg Jeans, at MarksandSpencer
A fine and relaxed alternative to the usual blue jeans, you'll really enjoy the dark colour of these. Their cut is as flattering and relaxed as you'd expect from Blue Harbour, with a zip and button fastening and belt loops

Twin Buckle Tote Bag, at Mark & Spencers
Stylish and useful, this tote bag features twin buckles. A practical and fashionable accessory

Disney's Hannah Montana My Superstar Secrets, at Marks and Spencer
Are you a secret singing sensation like Hannah Montana? Embrace your star destiny with this fabulous pack. Check out Hannah's secrets in the Hannah Montana superstar book. Listen to the red-hot CD and sing along to the tracks. Wear the backstage pass to secure your star-like status. Hang out with the rich and famous to collect signatures for your awesome autograph book

2 Older Girls' Stripe and Heart Print Nightdresses, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and comfy, these stripe and heart print nightdresses are outstanding value

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

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 & Spencers 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 n Spencer, through its M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.