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 & Spensers are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark & 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 M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct Property 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 Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spenser Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct 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 Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from MarksandSpencer, 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 Direct, you get more, and you pay less.

M&S Money Direct offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Direct Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with Mark's & Spencer 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, or Tesco 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 Motor 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 Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Portfolio Speckled Bangle, at Marks and Spenser
Chunky style Speckled design

Sony Bravia 40'' KDL-40E4000 HD Ready Picture Frame LCD TV, at Marks & Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 40 inch LCD with 6.2 megapixel resolution Contrast Ratio: Dynamic contrest 33,000:1 Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W100.6 x 69.5 x 28.3cm (with stand), 100.6 x 64.5 x 11.4cm (without stand Weight: 22kg (with stand), 19kg (without stand) Surround Sound Effect: BBE ViVA high quality sound and built-in Virtual Dolby creating the effect of full surround sound from only 2 front speakers Connectors: 3 x HDMI, 2 x scart (RGB), 1 x component, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, PCMCIA Card Slot, Digital Audio Output (optical), 3.5mm MiniJack (Head/Earphone), RCA Audio Out, USB 2.0 Input, Composite RCA AV Input, RF In (HDMI and Scart cables sold separately) BRAVIA Engine 2: Experience incredibly clear and defined images with BRAVIA ENGINE 2 picture enhancement technology and Advanced Contrast Enhancer Live Colour Creation with x.v.Colour: Uses a larger colour palette to produce vibrant colour like nature intended it to be seen 24p True Cinema: Shows films at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema Xross Media Bar: A new Sony interface that's easier to operate Picture Frame Mode: When you are not watching TV, display one of the 6 pre-installed masterpieces or show one of your own photos uploaded via the USB input BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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 Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Straw Trilby, at M & S
A great looking straw fedora for M&S, this lightweight straw trilby is made from natural straw featuring a center pinch crown with a wide brim and comes complete with a stripe band

Autograph Monroe Reclining Bedstead with TV Option, at Marks and Spencer
Headboard: H102cm Endboard: H96cm Underbed: H13cm Double: L246 x W144cm King size 5ft: L256 x W159cm Super king size 6ft: L256 x W189cm Mattress and TV sold separately Electronic motion bed with head and foot rest lifting at the touch of a button A sleek 32in flatscreen TV can appear and disappear from the foot of the bed M&S recommends a 32in Sony Bravia TV or a 32in M&S TV If the TV is purchased from M&S at the same time as this bed, your TV will be installed with the bed at the time of delivery Please note, additional connectivity cabling may be required Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Non-Wired Plain Nursing Bras with Larger Back Size, at Marks & Spencer
With drop down cups perfectly designed to see you through the nursing period, this supportive bra offers lasting comfort thanks to the soft, breathable qualities of a cotton blend weave. Pack contains 1 black and 1 white bra

Per Una Pintuck Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
A casual knee length skirt in a soft cotton blend featuring a pintuck design

Plain Summer Joggers, at Marks & Spencer
Relaxed and comfy, these casual joggers are made from soft cotton rich fabric. A practical easycare choice

Stainless Steel Sieve, at Marks and Spencers
Hook attachment for hanging Diam: 20cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Lightweight Brush Stroke Scarf, at Marks & Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant brush stroke print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

3 Pure Cotton Assorted Sleepsuits, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft fabrics, fashionable designs and cute finishing touches make our babywear range outstanding. These high quality, great value body suits are designed to keep baby looking adorable and feeling comfy and happy

Limited Collection Single Breasted Shoulder Detail Jacket, at MarksandSpencer
Chic and stylish, this shoulder detail jacket makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Sonoma 3-Drawer Sideboard, at Marks & Spenser
H88 x W179 x D50cm 3 drawers 3 cupboards, each with 1 adjustable shelf Made from solid oak and oak veneer Solid oak end grain detail This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid Oak. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength Shelves made from White Oak veneer 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 Leather Hip Wallet, at Marks and Spencer
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

50/50 Embroidered Silver Ribbons Bedset, at M+S
Embroidered silver ribbon design Single set includes duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcase King size set includes duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcase, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2" Longer Classic Pleat Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Keeping the taller man specifically in mind, this smart shirt features an extra 2" of fabric in the sleeve and body to provide a perfect formal fit

Classic Lila Lace Trim Full Briefs, at Mark & Spencers
Stylish and flattering, these full briefs give complete coverage at the front and back and are extremely comfortable to wear

F100 Open Coil Memory Foam Coolmax° Mattress & Sprung Edge 2 Small & 2 Large Drawer Divan, at M&S
No turn mattress Mattress and divan are anti-allergy Mattress: spring count 288, depth 23cm Divan height: 41.5cm Divan drawer sizes: 2 x small H15 x W40.5 x D53cm, 2 x large H15 x W78.4 x D53cm Double 4ft6: W135 x L190cm King size 5ft: W150 x L200cm Super king size 6ft: W180 x L200cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Birthday Text Roll Wrap, at M & S
Pack contains: 1 roll wrap 'Happy birthday to you' text Approx size: 150 x 70cm

Autograph Round Face Link Strap Watch, at Marks and Spencer
Round face Analogue display Link strap

Single Hard-Top Divan with 1 Small + 1 Large Drawer & M200 Mattress, at Marks & Spencer
Single (3ft): W90 x L190 Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Divan drawer sizes: Large - H14 x W78 x D52cm, Small - H14 x W40 x D52cm Smaller drawers at the head end are designed to open without moving your bedside table All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning Mattress has a soft pillowtop layer 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

Monkey Bedset, at Marks & Spencer
3 part set Assorted monkey motif Set includes single duvet cover, 1 pillowcase and a printed bag, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ceriso Jacquard Lace Shorts, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and flirty, these modern shorts feature floral embroidery and ribbon trim. The low rise style gives a flattering, shapely fit, perfect for wearing with hipsters. Designed for women who want the latest look

Corkscrew, at Marks & Spencers
Ergonomic grip handle This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Drawstring Joggers, at Mark's & Spencer
Comfy and practical, these pure cotton drawstring joggers are ideal for active workouts or stylish relaxation

3 Cool & Fresh Pure Cotton Assorted Hipsters, at Marks and Spencer
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy hipsters are ideal for everyday wear

Lichfield 5-Drawer Tall Chest, at Marks & Spenser
H119 x W66 x D50cm 5 drawers Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Handles made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered Top panel is veneered with solid oak edging for strength 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. SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this chest as part of a set. Click here to view the Lichfield Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Domaine Bunan 2004 - Case of 6, at M & S
Style: Dry Country of origin: France 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 Underwired Non Padded Lace Bra, at Marks and Spenser
A lovely addition to your day to day underwear drawer. This versatile bra combines the shaping and support of underwiring and adjustable straps with the convenient comfort of an easy to care for design

Aguasanta Carmènere 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Carmnere Country of origin: Chile Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 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

2 Pairs of Performance Quick Dry Sports Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Specially contoured left and right socks follow the shape of the toes to give a perfect, comfortable fit. Shock absorbent micro cushioning helps protect high-impact areas and gives stability while extra heel support helps reduce pressure that can lead to injury. Dry fit yarn lets feet breathe

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 & 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 Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor 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.