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 & Spencers are so useful. M&S Finance 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, 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 M&S Finance 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 M&S Finance Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

M&S Finance Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Finance Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

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

Also, on both M&S Finance Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents 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.

Girlie Dress Up A5 Notebook, at Marks & Spencer
1 x A5 notebook with perforated lined pages Approx size: 21cm x 15cm

Non-Iron Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™ Zip Pocket Bootleg Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Smart and modern, these easycare bootleg trousers are treated with our unique Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ finishes, making them resistant to water and stains

Autograph Floral Embroidered Combat Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
The pretty floral embroidery makes these fashionable combat trousers extra special. Soft cotton fabric and a waist tie will keep her feeling comfy. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Cotton Rich Cropped Denim Jeans, at Marks & Spensers
A wardrobe essential at a great price, these cropped jeans are outstanding value. Stock up on style!

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

Rococo Style Photo Frame 10.2 x 15.2cm (4 x 6''), at Mark's & Spencer
Rococo style design Aperture: 10.2 x 15.2cm (4 x 6''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cream Aluminium Collection Griddle Pan, at Marks and Spenser
Aluminium construction ensures pans are easy to use and durable Non-stick coating Riveted handles for safety and strength Suitable for use on all cookers and hobs except induction L26 x W26cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Essentials Ponte Scoop Neck Dress, at M&S
Luxurious and elegant, this smart style dress is part of our exclusive Autograph range

Baby Boy in Box Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text reads: Baby boy Inside message: Congratulations on your special delivery! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future 175 x 127 mm

Large Rose & Lily Bouquet with 50% Extra Roses Free, at MarksandSpencer
Receive 50% extra roses free on orders until 22nd August 2009 An elegant combination of oriental lilies and white and pink roses, complemented by lush tropical foliage with 50% more blooms than the standard Rose and Lily bouquet Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th June 2009

Cotton Rich Block Stripe Hooded Top, at M+S
Relaxed and casual, this comfortable hoodie is made from cotton and features a block stripe design. A great value easycare style

I Love You Mummy & Daddy Book, at Marks & Spencers
Little bear loves adventures and trying new things, but sometimes needs a helping hand. Find out how mummy and daddy bear come to the rescue in these two special stories, perfect for sharing together.

Monaco Beaded Jewellery Set, at Marks and Spenser
3 part set Hook fastening drop earrings Stretch bracelet Adjustable length, clasp fastening necklace Mixed bead design

Ceriso Styled French Maid Stripe Underwired Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
Feminine and fashionable, this modern bra is beautifully detailed with lace trim and rose feature. It's underwired for extra support and the padded plunge style gives a fabulous enhanced cleavage. Designed for women who want the latest look

Linen Blend Chambray Belted Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and modern, this linen blend skirt features a tie waist belt. A smart modern look

Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Cortese Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Textured Stripe Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this stylish bra is made from soft textured striped fabric and features a lace trim. Soft padding and underwiring give support and a flattering natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Waffle Shower Curtains, at Marks and Spencer
Waffle pattern L180 x W180cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Way Nail Buffer, at M & S
Rectangular 4 way buffer Creates a smooth high gloss shine finish

Support Pillows - BED WEDGE PILLOW, at MarksandSpencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Florentyna Eau De Toilette 100ml, at Marks & Spenser
100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Baroc Waistcoat, at Marks and Spencer
For a thoroughly smart appearance, the traditional lines of this waistcoat are handsomely complemented when paired with a silk cravat and formal shirt

Humax PVR-9150T Digital Television Recorder with 160GB HDD & Twin Tuner, at Marks & Spencer
Digital terrestrial set-top box Simultaneous viewing of one channel and recording another channel Access to Freeview+ channels Simultaneous playback of previous recording and recording of 2 channels Up to 100 hours of recording on an integrated 160GB HDD MPEG-2 Digital & Fully DVB-T Compliant Picture In Picture (PIP) for viewing 2 programs on 1 screen Pause & Play live TV (Time Shift Recording) One touch record scheduling in EPG Common Interface for Pay TV Software Upgrade via OTA & serial connection (RS-232C) Dimensions: W36 x H5 x D24.5cm Weight: 2.9kg

Ringed Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencers
Feminine and pretty, these fashionable bikini briefs features a side tie detail. A fabulous fashionable look

Nintendo Wii™ Tomb Raider: Underworld, at Marks & Spenser
Master your surroundings: Reach new heights with the broadest range of acrobatic abilities and utilize objects within the environment to uncover new paths to explore Explore epic and unknown worlds: Discover ancient mysteries of the underworld hidden within the coast of Thailand, frozen islands of the Arctic Sea, the jungles of Mexico, and more What Can Lara Do?: Lara's skill-set has been drastically expanded to incorporate actions you would expect of a fearless, athletic adventurer. Lara now performs 1700 moves and is a far more intuitive character to controlWhat Can Lara Do?: Lara's skill-set has been drastically expanded to incorporate actions you would expect of a fearless, athletic adventurer. Lara now performs 1700 moves and is a far more intuitive character to control Treacherous and unpredictable challenges: Each level is an elaborate multi-stage puzzle masked within an interactive environmental playground offering more flexibility over how the area is solved New range of combat options: Choose to pacify or kill, target multiple enemies at once with the new dual-target system, and shoot with one hand while suspended with the other New state-of-the-art gear: Utilize the latest technology in Lara's upgraded inventory to navigate the world including: Sonar map: A revolutionary new tool that emits an active sonar ping to create a 3D image of Lara's surroundings, perfect for uncovering hidden items and locations Multi-purpose grapple: A claw-like device with a high-tension cable designed for climbing, rappelling, performing wall runs and manipulating objects within the environment All-terrain motorbike: Built to handle everything from the jungles of Mexico to the icy glaciers of the Arctic 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 You must be 16 years of age or over to purchase this product *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, Platforms: Nintendo Wii, ESRB Rating: Mature

Lady Shaver with Pink Carry Case, at M&S
Pink drawstring carry case Miniature razor cleaning comb 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

Autograph Lace Multiway Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Luxurious and elegant, this elegant multiway bra is trimmed with fine lace. The flattering balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Autograph Essentials Satin Stripe Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
This fab short sleeve blouse features a stunning stripe design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Centre Crease Slim Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Slim and stylish, these trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Nature Beaded Napkin Ring, at Marks & Spencer
Mixed bead design Diam 5.5cm x W4cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 & Spensers 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 Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.