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 Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & Spencer 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 Finance 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 Finance Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spenser online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Finance website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from M & S, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Finance in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Finance website.

When you're shopping at Marks & 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Finance. 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 Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance 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."

3 Easycare Short Sleeve Patch Pocket Shirts, at M & S
These easycare short sleeve shirts are outstanding value! A school essential

Secret Support™ Cotton Rich Lace Trim Camisole, at Mark & Spencers
Flattering and feminine, this soft camisole is made with Secret Support™ which gives gentle support and a flattering, defined shape. Relax in style and comfort

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Cap Sleeve Top, at M+S
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Indian Summer Pure Cotton Embroidered Runner, at Marks & Spencers
Dimensions: L230 x W33cm Leaf embroidered design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bright Letters Godson Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: To the greatest Godson Inside Message: Happy birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

5 No VPL Thongs, at Marks n Spencer
For the ultimate no-show look, these stretchy thongs are perfectly smooth with bonded edges. They won't dig in and there are no irritating labels, so they feel incredibly comfortable to wear

New Dad Type Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Dad Inside message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 50 mm x 150 mm

Autograph Pure Silk Donatello Stripe Tie, at M&S
Crafted from pure silk for a truly elegant look and feel, this stylish tie adds a dash of colour to your smart boardroom look

3 Cool & Fresh Pure Cotton Assorted Boxers, at Marks & Spensers
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy boxers are ideal for everyday wear

Plain Low Rise Bikini Bottoms, at MarksandSpencer
Sleek and stylish, these flattering tankini bottoms are designed in the latest shape.

2 Pairs of Plain & Stripe Ankle High Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Designed for essential comfort and breathability, these ankle high socks are outstanding value

Per Una Essentials Clover Embroidered DD-G Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and elegant, this stylish bra features stretch lace fabric and a clover embroidered design. It's underwired and structured to give great support and a natural uplifted shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Florentyna Handmade Flower Candle, at Marks & Spensers
Handmade flower candle Burns up to 15 hours, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Wool Animal Trim Bow Detail Cloche Hat, at Mark & Spensers
Keep ahead of the trends with this glamorous animal trim bow detail cloche hat. The perfect finishing touch to stylish winter outfits

De Saint Gall Rosé Brut - Case of 6, at M+S
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 Easy Iron Fine Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt, at M & S
Woven in pure cotton fabric, long sleeves and double button cuffs add a smart focus to your office look. A practical and convenient choice for everyday wear

Perfect Single Breasted City Coat with Cashmere, at MarksandSpencer
City chic gets a softer feminine touch with this smart wool coat. The bold colour and a touch of cashmere both add real warmth

Age Defence Hydrating Day Cream, at Marks and Spencers
Especially formulated to help delay the first signs of ageing Triple action complex to trap essential moisture and hydrate Creatine, Orange extract and Vitamin C brightens your complexion Replenishes your skin with vitamins, and essential moisture Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic 50ml

Tiga Dining Table, at Mark's & Spencer
H76 x L180 x W90cm Seats 6 people Made from sheesam wood Finished with a protective matt lacquer for added durability Delivered flatpack due to size 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

New Active Thermal Leggings, at Marks and Spencer
Innovative and high-performance, these leggings are made with moisture control and anti-odour technology. They're designed to keep you at a comfortable temperature so you feel warm, fresh and dry

Double Strap Plain Tankini Top, at Marks & Spencers
Gorgeous and glamorous, this tankini is designed to fit and flatter. Fashionable, practical and comfortable

Mirror Squares Photo Frame 20 x 25cm (8 x 10"), at Marks & Spensers
Rectangular frame Mirror square design Aperture: 20 x 25cm (8 x 10"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Laundry Basket, at Marks and Spenser
Ideal for laundry Circular design Plain Comes with lid H60.2 x Diam42cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Styled Modal Rich Floral Print Shorts, at Marks n Spencer
Fresh and feminine, these stylish shorts feature a floral print and are finished with lace and a bow. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Autograph Pure Cotton Stripe Satin Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

2 Cotton Rich Lace Trim Vests, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and practical, this pack of 2 vests makes a great value way to stock up your underwear drawer. The stretch cotton fabric is the ideal choice for everyday wear and gives a comfortable flattering fit

Artificial Orchid in Crackle Vase, at Marks and Spencer
Artificial orchid Ceramic crackle vase Height: 78cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Short Sleeve Abstract Print Top, at Marks & Spencer
This fab short sleeve top features a stunning abstract print design. A vibrant new look, perfect for this season

Prints - BRIGH S/SUCKER BS, at Mark & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Surat Slat-Back Chairs, at Marks and Spencer
H106 x W56 x D45cm Seat: H47cm Sold as a pair This product features irregularities characteristic of Sheesham timber. Thin white lines may appear to be cracks but are natural mineral deposits in the wood. Small tooling marks are typical of authentic handmade products This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 Direct:

• 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 Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.