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 & 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, 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.

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

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

Ultimate Non Iron Pure Cotton Royal Oxford Shirt, at M&S
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

M&S Create Your Own Greeting Card Software, at Mark's & Spencer
Includes 10,000 pieces of clipart Full scaleable images 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

Artemis Small Lightweight Rollercase, at MarksandSpencer
A smart option for travel, the wheeled design and retractable pull handle offer easy mobility no matter where you are in the world. A zip fastening helps keep your belongings secure

Pure Cotton Ditsy Print Mock Layer Top, at Marks and Spencer
Chic and modern, this mock layer top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a ditsy print

M&S Flush Wall Mount for 22-32'' TV, at Mark's & Spencer
Fits LCD screens from 22-32 inches Flush to wall mount VESA compliant for 22-32in screens No assembly required 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cross Over Stripe Tankini, at Mark's & Spencer
Modern and stylish, this comfortable tankini is sure to make a splash!

Younger Girls' Walkmates Assorted Strap Sandals, at Marks and Spencer
Open-toe Buckle fastening Contrast stitching Flat sole

Sister Foil Presents Birthday Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text: To my sister Happy birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Black & Decker PV100K-XJ Extension Kit, at Marks & Spensers
Extension kit for Dustbuster hand vacs to enable effective cleaning of floor surfaces without bending your back Easy to assemble and attach or detach from the hand vac Can be used on hard floors and carpets Compatible with PV9605N, PV1205BN, PV1405N, PV1805N

3 White Rattan Storage Baskets, at Marks and Spencer
Set of 3 Cut out side handles Rattan design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Hepworth Upholstered Dining Chairs, at Marks & Spenser
H97 x W46 x D62cm Seat H48cm Neutral-coloured stripe fabric Sold as a pair Made from European Birch solids and veneers Treated with a rich stain and aged with dark patina known as a 'housemaid's rub' Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Chairs made from solid wood for strength Solid European Birch legs All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings 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

Autograph Wool Rich 5 Button Stripe Waistcoat, at Marks and Spencer
This finely tailored waistcoat adds a touch of refinement to your formal wear

Ingredients Coconut Body Butter, at Marks and Spencer
Body butter Coconut scent 200ml

La Croix d'Austéran Bordeaux 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork 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

M&S 15'' Flat Screen LCD TV - Silver, at Marks & Spencers
Display: 15 inch flat screen, 1280 x 800 pixels Contrast Ratio: 400:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: H34.5 x W38 x D17.5cm Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x Scart socket Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 Use wall mount

Bright Teardrops Large Gift Bag, at Mark's & Spencer
1 gift bag Approx size: H270 x W360 x D100 mm

Playmobil Patrol Car Toy, at Marks&Spencer
Suitable for ages 4+ Flash light Hinged back seat Includes car, policemen, storage box with accesories This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Velour Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Mule style Round toe Flat sole Embroidered 3 hearts logo Contrast lining

JBL Creature II 3-Piece Desktop Speaker System, at Mark's & Spencer
Input Impedance: >5K Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB Frequency Response: 50 - 20kHz Input Sensitivity: 400 mv rms for rated power output Voltage Input: 120 VAC Satellite Drivers: One Odyssey Plus transducer Satellite Power Rating: 8 watts per satellite at 10% (THD+N) Satellite Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 x 7.5cm Subwoofer Drivers: One 4.00 inch Magnum transducer Subwoofer Power Rating: 24 watts at 10% (THD+N) Subwoofer Crossover Frequency: 180Hz Subwoofer Dimensions: 22.5 x 22.5 x 22.5cm The JBL CREATURE speaker system includes a touch volume control The CREATURE II audio system utilizes a straight forward interconnect technology The powerful subwoofer provides clean low bass The mini-stereo jack connection allows enjoyment of high quality audio from a variety of devices Ideal for connecting to computers, boomboxes, digital music players, and portable audio 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

Post Surgery Embroidered Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this embroidered bra is made from soft microfibre fabric and gives a gently supportive fit and a flattering shape. It features 2 secure prosthesis pockets

Small Chopping Board, at Marks and Spencer
With handle L27.5 x W17.5 cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Shirt & Stripe T-Shirt Set, at Marks & Spenser
This fashionable layered look is a 2 piece set - a short sleeve shirt and a long sleeve stripe t-shirt both in soft comfortable cotton fabric. Stylish, practical and easycare

M&S Stick Blender, at Marks n Spencer
200 watt 2 speeds Stainless steel chopping blade Easy clean Dimensions: H34cm 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

Wide Band Sandals, at Marks and Spencer
Open toe Wide band Flat sole

Pure Cotton Multiple Pocket Cargo Trousers with Belt, at Marks & Spensers
Sporty and stylish, these pure cotton cargos feature multiple pockets. A practical easycare style

Lichfield Dining Table & 6 Slat-Back Chairs Set, at Marks and Spenser
Rectangular dining table Table: H75 x L145 x W95.5cm Extends to: L195cm (extension leaf also available) Seats 6, can be extended to seat 8 Set of 6 slat-back dining chairs Chair: H102 x W46 x D60cm Seat: H50cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Chair frames made from solid European hardwood All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings 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

Collezione Luxury Flat Front Micro Stripe Trousers, at Marks n Spencer
Add a smart dimension to your formal wardrobe with these single pleat trousers. Allowing for more hip room, they provide a clean, crisp and well turned out look

Embroidered Tiger Knit Shawl, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft and comforting, this snuggly shawl features a cute embroidered tiger design and scalloped edge. Perfect for bedtime, or as a light layer during the day

Silver Triple Twist Necklace, at Marks & Spenser
Triple strand twist design Adjustable length Clasp fastening Length: 41cm Extender: 8cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Silk Woven Square Grid Dot Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary square grid dot tie in pure silk

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