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 Mark's & Spencer 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, 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks&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 Marks & Spencers Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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

3 Cotton Rich Transformers Trunks, at Mark's & Spencer
A must for fans of Transformers, this pack of 3 cotton rich trunks feature the popular characters

Autograph Acetate Aviator Sunglasses, at Marks & Spensers
Practical and fashionable, these aviator sunglasses are designed in a flattering modern style

Velvet Soft Bronzing Powder, at Marks & Spenser
Clear lid Compact design

Bubble Spot Print Swimdress, at Marks and Spencer
Chic and sophisticated, this flattering swimdress features a striking bubble spot print. A stylish, shapely look

Valentine's Day Tissue Pack with Stickers, at Marks and Spencers
Contains: 3 sheets tissue and 10 stickers Approx size: each sheet 500 x 700mm

Plain Dressing Gown, at Marks n Spencer
Wrap up and relax in this soft dressing gown, perfect after baths or at bedtime

Older Boys' Transformers Belt, at Mark & Spensers
Fashionable and practical, this square buckle transformer belt adds a stylish finishing touch

7 Pure Cotton Animal Stripe Bodysuits, at M&S
Cute and practical, this 7 pack of bodysuits features assorted animal designs. The soft cotton fabric will keep him comfy and the popper fastenings are great for fuss-free changes

16-Piece Angle Cutlery Set, at Marks and Spencer
16-piece set Includes 4 knives, 4 forks, 4 spoons and 4 teaspoons 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Flitter Heart Wedding Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: With love on your wedding day Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 178 x 126mm

Autograph Single Breasted 1 Button Jacket with Wool, at Marks & Spencers
Luxurious and elegant, this smartly tailored single breasted jacket is part of our exclusive Autograph range

Baby Bear Embroidered Hat & Mitts, at Mark's & Spencer
Keep little heads and hands warm with this embroidered babybear hat and mittens set in soft comfy cotton

Thermal Lace Trim Ribbed Camisole with Silk, at Mark & Spencers
Indulge in soft, warm comfort with this thermal easy to wear knitted camisole. Perfect for adding a snug extra layer to your outfits during the winter months

Apple Design Mug, at M+S
Apple design Slim handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dyson DC22 Allergy Vacuum Cleaner, at Mark & Spensers
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

Footglove™ Leather Wide Fit Dolly Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Slip on Whipstitch detail Single strap feature Low heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Per Una Ditsy Floral Print Dress, at Marks & Spenser
A fresh sleeveless dress featuring a floral print, finished with a frill neckline

Autograph Occasions Pure Silk Pleated Wedding Dress, at Marks & Spenser
Beautifully designed and luxurious, this elegant, empire line wedding dress features a pleated bodice and pretty crochet detailing. An exclusive, luxurious look from Autograph for your wedding day

Sonoma Nest of Tables, at Mark & Spensers
2 piece set H60 x W45 x D45cm (largest table) Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats durable, clear lacquer of low sheen 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

M&S 19'' HD Ready LCD TV with Built-in DVD Player - Black, at Marks and Spencers
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 19 inch flat screen, 1440 x 900 pixels Contrast Ratio: 500:1, Dynamic Contrast: 4000:1 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: H41 x W46 x D20.5cm Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x Scart socket DVD Player: Built-in DVD player 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: 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 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 Use wall mount T042100 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2'' Longer Pure Cotton Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
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

Pinot Grigio Pfalz Qualitätswein 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry, light to medium bodied Grape variety: Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) Country of origin: Germany Closure: Synthetic closure Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

Electronic Square Scales, at M & S
Digital display Dimensions:W28 x L31cm Maximum capacity: 152kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Tortoise Shawl, at Mark & Spencers
Perfect for snuggling up to at bedtime or wrapping up in during the day, this soft shawl will give your baby a little extra warmth

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

Suede Sprung-Edge Non-Storage Divan, at MarksandSpencer
Sprung edge Non-storage Solid pine frame All our mattresses and divans are anti-allergy, which means the provide effective protection against dust mite allergies, so you'll have a trouble free sleep H41.5cm Single: W90 x L190cm Double: W135 x L190cm King: W150 x L200cm Super King: W180 x L200cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Satin Rose Duvet Cover, at Marks & Spencers
Embroidered rose detail Slim pleat trim, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Broad Brim Summer Hat, at Marks&Spencer
Express your stylish side with this wide brim hat

Pure Cotton Tie Dye Beach Towel, at Marks and Spencer
Tie dye design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sun Formula Airbrush Propellant, at Marks & Spencers
For use with airbrush self-tan 300ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencers Money. Not least of these is Marks&Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With Marks & Spencers 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 Marks & Spencers 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 Spenser, 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 & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.