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

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 & Spensers, through its M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Household Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services, which also has other features.

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

Cotton Blend Funnel Neck Zip-Up Tracksuit Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and practical, this fashionable zip-up tracksuit jacket is ideal for workouts or relaxed casualwear

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 1 Small + 1 Large Drawers & M300 Mattress, at Marks & Spencer
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190 cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan Height: 41cm Large Drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Small Drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Smaller drawers at the head end are designed to open without moving your bedside table Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Mattress has reinforced side stitching giving greater edge support Individually pocketed springs Spring count: 896 Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are 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

Limited Edition Rio Pointed Bangle, at M&S
Chunky style Rio pointed design This item has no metal components

No VPL Low Rise Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
These No VPL low rise shorts are laser cut to give a smooth, seam-free outline and stretch in all directions for the ultimate in comfort

Per Una Lash Extension Mascara, at Marks and Spencers
Lash lengthening mascara Hypo-allergenic

Bingley Bear Flower Sister Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: To a lovely Sister Inside message: Have a wonderful birthday Approx size: 175 x 125mm

Pile Of Presents Thank You Card, at M+S
Cover text: Thank you Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Hanging Bag & Cosmetic Purse Set, at Marks and Spencer
2 piece set Hanging bag with multi compartments Cosmetic purse with zip fastening Plain

Pure Cotton V-Neck Jumper and Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
This fashionable layered look is a 2 piece set, a polo shirt and jumper both in soft comfortable cotton. Stylish, practical and easycare

Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Top, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this long sleeve top is made from stretch cotton for a flattering and fashionable fit

Samsung 19'' LE19B450 HD Ready LCD TV, at Mark & 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" Widescreen LCD TV, 1366 x 768 resolution Contrast Ratios: 5000:1 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: W477.1 x H65.5 x D326.9mm (without stand) W477.1 x D180.2 x H374mm (with stand) Weight: 4.8kg (with stand), 4.2kg (without stand) SRS TruSurround HD: For enhanced surround sound effect Connectors: 1 x HDMI, 1 x composite (AV), 1 x PC input (D-sub), 1 x RF input, 1x headphone, 1x scart DNIe+ Technology: The Digital Natural Image Engine produces images with incredible depth and density. Advanced contrast and detail enhancers combine to produce deeper richer lifelike colours Wide Colour Enhancer 2: Primary colours are strengthened to increase depth and intensity to show pictures in all their natural beauty Clear Panel Prevents glare to keep images clean and clear 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Use wall mount

Embroidered Tiger Knit Shawl, at Marks & Spencers
Soft and comforting, this snuggly shawl features a cute embroidered tiger design and scalloped edge. Perfect for bedtime, or as a light layer during the day

Adored Jacquard Lace Shorts, at Marks & Spenser
Delicate and pretty, these briefs are made from the softest fabric and trims, so they feel blissfully comfortable to wear. The modern shorts style gives a flattering shapely fit. Feminine everyday lingerie

Shorts with Tie Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Cute and sassy, these east fit shorts are relaxed and casual. The tie belt adds a stylish finish

3 Cotton Rich Short Sleeve Vests, at MarksandSpencer
A great value wardrobe essential, these durable cotton rich vests will keep him comfy thank to an easy to wear pure cotton weave

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Assorted Ankle Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and comfy, these soft cotton rich socks feature assorted designs

Embroidered Hippo Booties, at Marks and Spencer
Embroidered hippo design Turn-over cuff Added stretch

XBOX 360® Viva Piñata: Party Animals Game, at M&S
Includes more than 40 mini games and a dozen foot races for players to compete against one another to collect candy and bonuses in exotic and hazard-filled locations Appealing to kids or those just young-at-heart, this unique social party game rewards and challenges all players regardless of their skill level Up to four players can play simultaneously 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

Silver Plated Pear Pendant Necklace, at Marks and Spenser
Fine chain Pear design pendant Length: 41cm Extender: 8cm

Scallop Trim Stripe Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these pretty stripe shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

Blue Harbour Numbered Rugby Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Casual and relaxed, this short sleeve rugby polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Dora the Explorer Puzzle, at Marks and Spencer
Kids will love to spot the adorable Dora and her friends as they complete this colourful arrow shaped puzzle

Older Girls' Canvas Trainers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Lace up Metallic finish Canvas design Flat sole

Ceriso Essentials Spot Embroidered Non Padded Bra, at Marks&Spencer
Feminine and fashionable, this bra is beautifully detailed with a embroidered spot design and multiple bows. The non padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fabulous shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Travel Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Whether you're travelling the world or staying closer to home, our travel shirts are specially designed to keep you looking and feeling your best. Crease resistant to maintain a smart appearance, a special finish draws moisture away from the body to keep you cool while the incredibly breathable shirt fabric is woven to maximise the flow of air between the yarns

Stain Defence™ Buckle Detail Pleated Skirt, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and stylish, this fashionable skirt is treated with Stain Defence™ technology which helps repel everyday stains. The adjustable waist gives a perfectly comfortable fit. It's non-iron and easycare for convenience

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Floral Print Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Relaxed and stylish, this floral print shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Die Cut Shoe Print 18th Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Approx. size: 215 x 150mm Cover text: 18 Inside message: Blank for your own message

Artificial Organic Orchid with Bowl, at Marks and Spenser
Artificial orchid Ribbed bowl No watering required therefore easy care Fresh looking throughout the year Diameter: 48cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Unforgettable Things to Do Before You Die, at Marks & Spencers
Following the success of "Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die", this is the second title in an exciting new series of books that will help you search out essential sights and experiences around the world. In "Unforgettable Things to Do Before You Die", international travel writers and photographers Steve Watkins and Clare Jones draw on their years of experience to select forty of their favourite trips of a lifetime. This book isn't a travel guide, nor is it definitive, but it will introduce you to a host of unusual and amazing activities to be done in fabulous destinations during a break of two weeks or less.

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

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier Household Insurance and Standard Household 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.