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 & Spenser are so useful. Marks & Spencers Money 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Home 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 Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Besides M&S Motor Insurance, Marks & Spencers Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencers Money Home 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 Marks & Spencers 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 Marks and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both Marks & Spencers Money Premier Home Insurance and Standard Home 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 Marks & Spencers Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spensers 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."

Château de Saÿe 2006 - Case of 6, at M&S
Style: Full Bodied Grape variety: Merlot and Cabernet Franc Country of origin: France Closure: 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

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Palm Tree T-Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
A practical, casual top in pure cotton featuring palm tree silhouettes. A great value easycare style

Hannah Montana Range Set of 3 Pens, at Marks & Spensers
3 ballpoint pens Hannah Montana design 135 x 10mm Disney

Zinfandel Rosé Tarantino 2007 - Case of 12, at Mark's & 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

Cotton Rich Block Stripe Mock Layer T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Soft, snug and comfy, this cotton rich t-shirt is outstanding value. It features a mock layered sleeve and block stripe design. Fashionable and practical

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Vest & Shorts Set, at Marks & Spenser
Fabulous and modern, this vest and shorts set is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. Theyre made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. Casual, contemporary fashion

2 Pure Cotton STAIN-AWAY™ Polo Shirts, at Marks and Spencer
A great value 2-pack treated with STAIN-AWAY™, our unique high performance finish which helps prevent everyday stains, and makes them easy to wash out clean. It even works with ink blots!

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Short Sleeve T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Casual and relaxed, this short sleeve t-shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Mandorla Shiraz 2006 - Case of 12, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Shiraz Country of origin: Italy Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians 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

Heirloom Heart Drop Earrings, at MarksandSpencer
Hook fastening Drop style Heart design

Nectarine and Orange Collection Scented Spheres, at Marks and Spencers
Nectarine and orange scent Pot pourri, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Denim Skirt & Leggings, at Marks & Spencer
You will love this cotton rich denim skirt with a plain pair of leggings. A practical, easycare style

Crook Handle Umbrella, at Marks & Spencer
Lightweight and easy to carry, this umbrella provides you with effective protection from those sudden downpours

Charades Card Game, at Marks and Spencers
Number of players: 2+ Suitable for ages 8+ Contains: 90 large game cards, instruction card, card holder Approx. card size: 83 x 116mm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Linen Blend Crochet Bib Blouse, at Marks & Spencer
Chic and modern, this short sleeve blouse is made from a cool crisp linen blend and features a crochet bib detail

Philips FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush, at Marks & Spencer
Smartimer: 2-min. timer helps to ensure recommended brushing Speed: 31,000 brush strokes per minute Battery type: Lithium Ion rechargeable battery Operating time (full to empty): Fully charged should provide 20 2-min. brushings Designed for a better fit with your mouth 3 Flexible brushing modes, 2 Personalized cleaning routines All-in-one sanitizing, charging and storing solution 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

2 Mosaic Seat Pads, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 2 Seat pads for Mosaic stackable chairs Suitable for indoor and all-weather outdoor use This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Official England FA Woven Lined Jogging Bottoms, at Marks and Spencer
A must for footie fans! These official FA England joggers feature a tie waist and the three lions crest. A modern easycare style in soft comfortable cotton

Siemens HF26056GB 1000W Built-in Microwave Oven, at Marks and Spencers
27-litre capacity 5 microwave power levels, 3 defrost programs Max 1000W power output Electronic control with clear display H380 x W562 x D450mm (including casing) Stainless steel 34cm glass turntable Left-opening door Fits the top cupboard in the Sonoma Oven Unit. Click here to view the Sonoma Oven Unit

Grow Your Own Sprouting Seeds, at Marks & Spencers
This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Single Pleat Crease Resistant Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers

Classic Duckling Ceramic Breakfast Set, at Marks & Spenser
Pack Contains: 1 plate, 1 bowl, 1 cup Approx Size: Plate: 150 mm diameter. Bowl: 130 mm diameter. Bowl: 130 mm diameter

Contrast Cluster Ring, at Marks & Spencer
Cluster gems Diamant detail Chunky design

Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Thomas & Friends© Slippers, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe Riptape fastening Contrast trim Thomas motif 2007 Gullane (Thomas) Limited

Machine Washable Fine Stripe Tie, at Mark & Spensers
No more trips to the drycleaners! This striped tie is machine washable

Pink Butterfly and Dandelion Seed Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover Text: Blank Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Leather Bow Detail Medium Purse, at Mark & Spencers
This stylish purse is made from real leather with reinforced stitching and a secure zip fastening. A high quality and chic essential

2 Autograph Supima® Button Fastening Trunks, at Marks and Spencers
Made with soft, luxurious Supima cotton, these superior trunks are designed for exceptional comfort, a fashionable look and a flattering fit

Animal Print Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks&Spencer
Stylish and elegant, this fashionable bikini bottoms features a striking animal print. A fabulous fashionable look

M200 Mattress - Medium, at Mark's & Spencer
Single (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Soft pillowtop layer Spring Count: 522 Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning Manufactured in the UK 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

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 and 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 Motor Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.