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 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 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.

Besides Marks & Spencer Motor Insurance, M&S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Buildings Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Money Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Mark's & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Premier Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

When you're shopping at Marks & Spenser 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 Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencer 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."

Blue Harbour Hibiscus Board Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and fashionable, these floral print board shorts offer a comfortable, flattering and secure fit

Pure Cotton Camouflage Shorts with Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and comfortable, these 3/4 length cotton shorts make a practical, fashionable choice

Silver Plated Multi Strand Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks and Spencer
2 part set Butterfly stud fastening earrings Clasp fastening multi strand necklace with mixed bead design

Linen Blend Single Breasted Blazer, at Marks and Spencers
This flattering single breasted blazer looks great worn over casuals for a relaxed look. Finished with a contemporary 2 button fastening, this easycare jacket will see you through the season in style

White Rattan Laundry Basket, at Marks and Spencers
Lid with handle Removable lining H58cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Flat Front Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. A stylish, fashionable look

4 Disney Princess Books, at Marks&Spencer
These enchanting Disney Princess board books bring all the magic of the classic Princess stories to young children. Including interactive questions about the story and beautiful illustrations, these books are sure to become favourites for parents and children alike.

Stripe Bodyshaper Bandeau Swimsuit, at Marks and Spencers
This innovative swimsuit is made from Sensitive Fabric which helps to prolong the life of your swimsuit by resisting the damaging effects of chlorine and the sun. As well as being chlorine and UV resistant, it's stretchy, lightweight and quick-drying. A tummy control panel makes you look slimmer in seconds and enhances your bust to give a natural shapely look with gentle support

Older Girls' Triple Bow Shoes, at Marks n Spencer
Round toe Triple bow feature Slip on Contrast trim Flat sole

Portfolio Overlapped Disc Collar Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Adjustable length Clasp fastening Overlapped disc design Necklace length 45cm

2 Piece Pure Cotton Dungaree Outfit, at MarksandSpencer
Cute and casual, these ribbed dungaree and frill trim top looks fabulously fashionable worn together or separately

Melamine Collection Leaf Placemat, at Mark's & Spencer
Fabric placemat Leaf design Rectangle shape L45 x W35cm

Pink Gerbera Flower Pot Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Happy Birthday...This comes with many special thoughts and warmest wishes too, It really means so much to know someone as lovely as you Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Secret Support™ Check Moccasin Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Check design Flat sole Comes in sizes 3-8

Boy Shorts Tankini Bottoms, at Marks n Spencer
Fresh and pretty these flattering tankinis bottoms are designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

St Gall Brut - Case of 6, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Pure Cotton Thomas Hooded T-Shirt & Shorts Outfit, at Mark & Spencers
Fans of Thomas The Tank Engine will love this pure cotton 3 part set featuring Thomas the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Big & Tall Crease Resistant Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

DeLonghi PAC A95 Air-to-Air Portable Air Conditioner, at Marks and Spencer
Maximum cooling capacity: 9,500 Btu/h Energy efficiency class A Recommended for rooms up to 95m3 Fan function Dehumidifying function - Dehumidifies while conditioning, removing up to 40 l/d of excess moisture Wide LCD control panel display Exclusive condensate recirculation system 2 fan speeds + Quiet to ensure the maximum quietness Autofan function: the unit automatically chooses the most suitable fan speed in th actual room 24hr electronic timer SLEEP and SMART functions for use during the night and to let the unit automatically choose the best operation mode 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

Domaine de L'Arbre Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans 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

In Bloom Rose & Amber Eau De Toilette, at Marks and Spencer
Rose and amber fragrance 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Light Up Mirror Compartment, at Marks & Spencers
Prop up compartment Internal double mirror Square shape

Stainless Steel Potato Ricer, at Marks and Spencers
Stainless steel, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Australian Rivers & Valleys - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
2 Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2006: Australia's warm, sunny Hunter Valley is world famous for its ripe, generously fruity Chardonnays... 2 Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007: The Margaret River region, on the coast of Western Australia, is world-renowned for its fine, elegant white wines... 2 Barossa Chardonnay 2006: South Australia's historic Barossa Valley is considered one of the most important wine regions in the country... 2 Hunter Valley Shiraz 2005: Australia's warm, sunny Hunter Valley is world famous for its ripe, generously fruity Shiraz... 2 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2004: This is a fine example of a premium Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Australia's most famous red wine regions... 2 Dorrien Estate Bin 442 Shiraz 2006: This Australian red has ripe cassis and red plum fruit with a twist of peppery spice... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Penny Sweet Row Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Clasp fastening Mixed bead design Link chain Necklace length: 41cm, extendable by 8cm

Villa Dei Lecci Brunello Di Montalcino 2003 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Medium-bodied Grape variety: Sangiovese Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians 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

Classic FM: Dinner Parties CD, at Mark's & Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

4 Ruby Mugs - Red, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 4 Stripe design H9cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hooded Knee Length Anorak, at Marks & Spencer
The classic anorak has been given a contemporary twist with a button cuff detail. Designed in an easycare water resistant fabric with a hood, this practical and stylish jacket will keep you dry on rainy days

Pure Cotton Transformers Hooded T-Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
A must for fans of Transformers this hooded t-shirt feature the popular character Optimus Prime

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money you can keep the cost of your Motor 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 Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor 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 Motor Insurance from M+S Money, you get more, and you pay less.