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 and 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, House Insurance policies. Usually, UK House 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 House 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 House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S House 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 Marks and Spencers, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

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

Gold Plated Multi Strand Treasure Bead Necklace, at M & S
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Multi strand Mixed bead design Necklace length 41cm, extendable by 8cm

Maternity Bodysensor™ 40 Denier Appearance Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Our maternity tights have been made with special shaped panels, which gently cradle your bump as it gets bigger. Don't worry about sizing either - we've adjusted the tights to take your growth into account, so you can just buy your normal tight size

Per Una 3/4 Length Crochet Cardigan, at MarksandSpencer
A sophisticated crochet cardigan, featuring a scallop trim and hook fastening

2 Total Support Plain Full Cup Bras, at Mark & Spensers
Soft and comfortable, these non-wired bras give all-round support and uplift with good coverage, extra wide straps and 3 hook-and-eye fasteners. They are secure but gentle and lightweight, an ideal choice for everyday wear

Autograph Semi-Plain Collection Pure Cotton Towel, at Marks and Spencer
3 piece set Hand towel: L90 x W50cm Bath sheet: L120 x W70cm X Large bath towel: L140 x W100cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Edwardian Lady Calendar, at Marks & Spencers
Approx. size: 225 x 390mm The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady Rowena Scott (Designs) Ltd RW.UK. Ltd 2008. Licensed by opyrights Group

Older Boys' Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Ben 10™ Pyjamas, at Marks and Spencer
A must for fans of Ben 10, these pyjamas features the popular character

Two Dozen Metre-Long Premium FreedomŽ Roses, at M+S
The ultimate in romantic luxury, make an impression they'll never forget this Valentine's with two-dozen long-stem premium roses. In deep shades of vibrant red, these stunning Freedom roses are cut to approximately a metre in length to create a deluxe bouquet that's simply unforgettable

Gold Label Reserve Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians 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

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Flat Front Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on these trousers to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

18 Shoes Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: 18 Inside message: have a wonderful birthday Approx size: 126 x 174mm

Photographic Humour Calendar, at Marks & Spencers
Dimensions: 150 x 400mm

Pure Silk Ethnic Spot Print Tie with Stain Defence™, at M&S
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart ethnic spot print tie in pure silk

Dualit Hand Blender Gift Pack - Chrome, at Marks & Spenser
Variable speed control - 9000 to 16000rpm Pulse plus button - 17000rpm 500 watt motor Detachable blending stick for easy cleaning Stainless steel long-life blades Accessories pack include: Chrome plated beaters, stainless steel whisk, stainless steel 500ml capacity beaker with stay fresh lid, mini chopping bowl Dualit moulded plug Two gear boxes Dishwasher safe functional parts 500 ml capacity jug Dimensions: H38cm 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

Per Una Pure Linen Safari Shorts, at Marks and Spenser
Comes with belt shown in image Casual metallic shorts in pure cool linen featuring a turn up hem with side tab detail

Pure Silk Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart striped tie in pure silk

Autograph Pure Silk Long Sleeve Beaded Kaftan, at Mark & Spencers
Luxurious and exclusive, this sophisticated kaftan is beautifully designed in a flattering, fashionable silhouette for the ultimate in style. It's made from soft, comfortable fabric and finished with careful attention to detail

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Hello Kitty Briefs, at Marks & Spencer
A must for fans of Hello Kitty character, these briefs feature assorted designs

V-Neck Guipure Lace Plain Vest, at M&S
A pretty addition to any wardrobe. This beautiful vest matches lush guipure lace with the cosy, convenient qualities of a soft and easy to care for design

Oodles of Doodles Activity Book, at Marks & Spensers
Have fun completing this colourful, action-packed sticker book with 60 stickers. Fan-doodle-tastic fun!

2 Silicone and Wood spatulas, at M & S
These essential spatulas can be used for a multitude of culinary tasks. Incredibly practical the wooden handles ensure safe heat insulation

Classic Underwired Built-Up Shoulder Bra, at Marks and Spencer
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

Pure Cotton Transformers Pyjamas, at Marks & Spenser
A must for fans of Transformers these pyjamas feature Optimus Prime

Walnut Angled Photoframe 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), at Marks & Spencers
Wide border Angled frame Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mens Leather Casual Jeans Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and easy to wear, this casual belt is a fantastic partner for your favourite jeans and chinos

Autograph Leather Shopper Bag, at Marks n Spencer
Stylish and practical, this shopper bag is made from luxurious hardwearing leather and features useful zipped pockets. A useful and fashionable accessory

Kitchen Island & Granite Top Set, at Marks & Spensers
H90.5 x W100 x D80cm Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Girls' Soft Fluffy Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spenser
Perfect for bathtime, this cute dressing gown is made from soft, comfy towelling

Cat Print Umbrella, at Marks and Spencer
Brighten up rainy days with this stylish lightweight umbrella

WALL-E DVD, at Marks & Spensers
Rating Universal, suitable for all,

When you're shopping at M&S 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 House 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 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."