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. Marks & Spencers Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spencers 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

When you're shopping at Mark's & 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 Marks & Spencers Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property Insurance and Car 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 Marks & Spencers 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 Marks & Spencers Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the Marks & Spencers 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."

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencers Money. Not least of these is MarksandSpencer Standard Car Insurance. With Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Mark's & 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 & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Ribbed Collar Wrap, at Mark & Spencers
Add some sparkling style with this generously sized wrap. It's lightweight but warm, making it a practical and stylish extra layer

Jacquard Lace DD-G Minimiser Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this minimiser bra de-emphasises your bust with gentle shaping. A flattering, supportive style

Autograph New York Body Spray, at M&S
100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Zinfandel Rosé Tarantino 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Zinfandel (Primitivo) Country: Italy Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Hat Box, at Marks & Spencers
A smart and useful hat box from Autograph. Perfect for storing your hats when they're not needed, or carrying them in style

Autograph 3 Piece Floral Embroidered Dress Outfit, at Marks & Spencers
Practical and pretty, this cute long sleeve top, dress and tights 3-piece outfit is made from soft fabric to keep her feeling comfy and happy. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Dyson DC22 Allergy Vacuum Cleaner, at Mark's & Spencer
Suction power: 200 airwatts (constant) Bin capacity: 1.2 litres Root Cyclone™ technology: Dyson vacuum cleaners separate dirt from the air by centrifugal force. It spins the air incredibly fast and the dust and dirt is flung out into the clear bin™. Suction is maintained as there is no bag to become clogged No bags or filters: No extra costs and your vacuum doesn't lose power as you clean Hygienic and quick to empty: Dyson design minimises risk of contact with dirt Included in the box: Mini Flat Out™ tool, combination tool, stair tool, operations manual, quick start guide Dimensions: H291 x W402 x D263mm Weight: 7.1 kg Cord length: 5 metres Max reach: 8.6 metres 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

Cosmetic Pencil Sharpener, at MarksandSpencer
Cylindrical shape Compact design

Per Una Scoop Neck Frill Front Top, at M&S
An elegant 3/4 sleeve top in textured fabric featuring a frill front and stripe design

Pure Cotton Spot Beach Towel, at Marks & Spencers
Spot design L90 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Linen Bead Hem Detail Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this linen skirt is a look you'll love. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Lyon Pasta Bowl, at Mark's & Spencer
Rib detail Diam 22.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lichfield Slat-Back Fabric Chair, at Marks & Spensers
H102 x W46 x D60cm Single chair 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

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Slogan T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
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

Petite Stitch Detail A-Line Skirt, at Marks & Spenser
Chic and stylish, this A-line skirt makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Pure Cotton Shirt & Stripe T-Shirt Set, at Marks and Spencers
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

4 Wood Veneer Placemats, at Marks and Spenser
Pack of 4 Curved edges L29.5 x W20.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Stainless Steel Turner, at MarksandSpencer
Hanging loop Approx size: 26.3 x 9 x 9cm Dishwasher safe, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Griffin 6293-ITWAVBG AeroSport for iPod Nano 4G, at Marks and Spencers
Griffin's AeroSport Armband is the ideal (quite possibly perfect) combination of wear-all-day comfort and features that runners, walkers and athletes of every stripe demand. We start with a light, silky, flexible armband of super-wicking stretch fabric, cut wide so it stays put comfortably. Adjust to fit your arm, then clip the iPod case itself on to the band. Full screen protection for your iPod also allows you complete control

Oval Beads Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Chunky style Oval beads

Autograph Double Buckle Mid Heel Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Double buckle feature Zebra print Mid heel Lined

Per Una Empire Line Check Blouse, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable 3/4 sleeve blouse featuring a check print and empire line

Autograph Light Control Lace Body, at Marks and Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds! This light control body gently shapes your figure all over for a smoother, sleeker silhouette. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Rome (Eyewitness Travel Guides), at Marks and Spenser
From gorgeous piazzas and stunning fountains to incredible ancient history, discover Rome with the "Eyewitness Travel Guide". This expanded and fully revised edition includes 3-D aerial views of Rome's most interesting districts and cutaways and floor plans of all the major sights. Using the detailed maps and colour Street Finder, explore the Coliseum, Pantheon and Roman ruins armed with vivid reconstructions

Damask Cylinder Shade, at Mark's & Spencer
Cylinder shape Floral design Contrast trim Dimensions: H 280mm x Diam 410mm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Plain Lace Trim Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart, snug and easy to care for, these cosy shorts combine a flattering fit with a plain design and stretchy fabric to create the perfect knickers for day to day wear

Heat Proof Travel Mat, at Marks & Spencers
Haircare motifs Riptape fastening Once you have finished using heating appliances, unplug and pack away in your heat proof travel mat

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Floral Print Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this short sleeve shirt is made from pure soft cotton. The floral print adds a fashionable finishing touch

Château D'Argadens 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc 65%, Semillon 35% Country of Origin: France Closure: Bottle: 6 x 75cl Alcohol by Volume: 12.5% Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Pure Marble Square Tumbler, at Marks and Spencer
Plain Textured finish H10 x W6 x L6cm, 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 Marks n Spencer, through its Marks & Spencers Money 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.