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 Spenser are so useful. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spensers 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Property 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 Property 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 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 Tescos:

• 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.

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

5 Shrug Style Short Sleeve Plain Bodysuits, at Marks & Spensers
Soft, plain and machine washable, these bodysuits are a perfect buy for your newborn

3 Cosmetic Sponges, at M & S
Pack of 3 Butterfly design Contains latex

5 Lace Thongs, at Marks & Spencer
Providing the ultimate in comfort and fit. A consistently flattering cut and easy to care for fabric makes these great value thongs a superb solution for stocking up your day to day underwear drawer

5 Pairs of Cotton Rich Week Days Trainer Liner Socks, at MarksandSpencer
Comfy and practical, these soft cotton rich socks are designed to hide neatly inside trainers

Skintex® Anti-Cellulite Thigh Slimmer Spray, at Marks and Spencer
50ml Light control For use on tummy, hips and thighs

Harvard Anti-Perspirant Roll-On Deodorant, at Marks & Spencer
Roll-on 50ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

5 Newborn Pure Cotton Sleeveless Animal Bodysuits, at Marks and Spenser
Cute and practical, this pack of 5 bodysuits is great value. Popper fastenings makes quick changes easy and the soft cotton fabric will keep him feeling comfy and happy

M&S Broadband ADSL Filter, at Marks & Spencer
Connection of an ADSL and telephone line to a single UK socket Must have for all broadband users 2 year guarantee This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

21 Blu-ray DVD, at Marks & Spenser
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Collezione Pure New Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks&Spencer
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

Linen Blend Cargo Trousers with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these linen blend cargos are a practical easycare choice

Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chalumeaux 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Country of origin: France 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

Collezione Exclusive Pure Cashmere Single Breasted 3 Button Jacket, at Mark's & Spencer
Superior fabric, exceptional tailoring and careful attention to detail make this single breasted jacket stand out as a stylish modern classic. It's made from luxurious cashmere. This exclusive product is only available in 10 stores and online

Welcome Reds & Whites - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
1 Domaine Cambos Gros Manseng 2008 1 Miradou, Ctes de Provence Ros 2008 1 Domaine Lafage VdP des Ctes Catalanes 2007 1 Campo Bravo Rioja Vendimia Seleccionada 2007 2 Santa Gloria Chardonnay 2008 2 Ponticello, Pinot Grigio di Sicilia 2008 2 Santa Gloria Merlot 2008 2 Villagio, Negroamaro Puglia 2008 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Cotton Rich Sweat Pants, at M & S
Offering fantastic value for money, these comfy joggers are great for relaxing in. Twin pockets and an elasticated waistband are useful design details

Large Blonde Rag Doll, at Mark & Spensers
Not recommended for babies under 12 months Hair ribbon detail Apple print design Suitable for ages 1-3yrs This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Luxury Pure Cotton Long Sleeve E-Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
The superior quality, cut and detailing on this luxurious pure cotton shirt are inspired by Jermyn Street tailors. A sophisticated style with a great fit

The Floral Collection Lavender Drawer Spray, at Mark & Spencers
3 in 1 body, room and linen spray 25ml 20 drawer scenter cards This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 2 Large + 2 Small Drawers & M400 - Medium Mattress, at Marks and Spencers
Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190 cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Small drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give the mattress edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel Mattress spring count: 1054 Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are 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

XBOX 360® - Forza Motorsport 2 Game, at Marks and Spenser
300 of the world's hottest cars for you to collect, personalise and race Lap the competition with true next-generation features made possible by power of the Xbox 360 Experience uncompromising physics Race real world traks such as Silverstone, Tsukuba and Laguna Seca Collect, upgrade and tune hundreds of cars including Ferrari, Porsche, Nissan, VW, GM and Lamborghini Compete online by taking your personalised car onto Xbox Live for some intense online wheel-to-wheel racing 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 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, Platforms: Xbox 360, ESRB Rating: Everyone

Small Brunette Rag Doll, at Marks & Spencers
Not recommended for babies under 12 months Hair ribbon detail Frill dress Apple print design This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Stainless Steel Charger Plate, at Marks and Spencer
Round shape Stainless steel for maximum durability and shine, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Mini Bag, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this mini bag features a secure zip fastening

Mixed Bead Long Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Mixed bead design Long length Necklace length: 92.5cm, extendable by 8cm

Check Design Waterfall Pencil Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
This chic pencil skirt flatters your curves and is a feminine wardrobe essential. With a ruffled front and a fashionable dogtooth print, this is a striking look for day or night

Limited Collection Double T-Bar Shoes, at M&S
Almond toe Double t-bar Buckle fastening Faux crocodile skin design Mid heel Heel heignt: 70mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Blazer, at MarksandSpencer
The urge to look corporate, sleek and commanding has given way to the revival of the classic single breasted jacket. Complemented by a two button front and tailored cut, the clean lines of this sharp piece transmits a sense of style and understated elegance

Magic Shaper 40 Denier Shine Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
These tights work like magic to make the most of your figure. Special support zones shape hips, thighs and bums and a clever front panel flattens tummies

Autograph Straight Leg Jeans with Belt, at Mark's & Spencer
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

Floral Bursa throw, at Marks & Spencer
Floral design Fringed edges, 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 and Spencer 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 MarksandSpencer, 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 Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.