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 n Spencer are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spenser 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 Finance 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 Finance Household Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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

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

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencer 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 M&S Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Household Insurance and Motor 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 M&S Finance. 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 M&S Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance 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."

Sensuale Eau De Toilette, at Marks & Spencers
Floral fragrance 25ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Sequin Detail Knitted Beret Hat with Wool, at Marks and Spenser
Berets always look so chic making this knitted beret the perfect way to add a stylishly warm finishing touch

Gold Burst Spots Roll Wrap, at Marks & Spencers
Gold burst design 200 x 70cm

Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Mixed Red Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

The Floral Collection Magnolia Hand Wash, at Marks and Spencer
Magnolia fragrance Handwash Moisture rich 250ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Lauryl Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Magnolia Liliflora (Magnolia), PEG-70 Mango Glycerides, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-2, Imidazolidinyl Urea, BHT, Magnesium Nitrate, Propylene Glycol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Sorbitol, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Geraniol, Linalool Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, CI 15985, CI 14700

His & Hers Card Game, at M+S
Number of players: 2 teams, 2 female players, 2 male players Suitable for ages 14+ Pack contains: 60 male question cards, 60 female question cards, score pad, pencil, sand timer and instructions Approx. card size: 89 x 59mm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Blouse with Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
A colourful 3-piece combination in pure soft cotton featuring a 3/4 sleeve blouse and necklace with a matching camisole

ARCHOS Battery Dock for Internet Media Tablet, at MarksandSpencer
DVR battery dock Download pictures directly from most digital cameras Charge your ARCHOS more quickly Charges your battery Dock and your ARCHOS at the same time Playback videos on your TV in high quality Transfer media files from your computer Ultra-fast charge time 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

Mini Limited Pure Cotton Tulip Skirt with Leggings, at Marks and Spencers
Mini Limited is a collection of cute fun styles designed in the latest looks. The casual, contemporary pieces are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for layering

3 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Assorted Socks, at MarksandSpencer
Brighten up his underwear drawer with these fashionable assorted design socks made from soft breathable cotton rich fabric

Mâcon Trio - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
2 Mcon Villages 2008: A fresh and fruity white made from 100% Chardonnay, with a really appealing, lively scent of apples and lemons and a hint of ripe, rounded peach on the finish... 2 Mcon Ros 2008: A bright vivid ros with a bouquet of cherries and raspberries... 2 Mcon Rouge 2008: A soft, elegant and aromatic red wine from Burgundy with refreshing flavours of strawberries and cherries, and a smooth, ripe finish... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Cotton Rich Cropped Leggings, at Marks&Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these cotton rich leggings are outstanding value!

The Floral Collection Magnolia Moisturising Hand & Body Lotion, at Marks and Spencer
Hand and body moisturising lotion 250 ml

Autograph Leather Desert Boot, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Low heel Contrast sole

Faux Leopard Skin Waist Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable faux leopard skin waist belt

Limited Collection Bow Peep Toe Platform Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Peep toe Contrast strap detail Buckle fastening Platform style High heel Heel height 105 mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Embroidered Cropped Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
An ideal choice for casual everyday wear, these cropped trousers are finished with an embroidered hem. They look stylish worn with knitwear or casual tops in complementary colours

Domaine Grille-Midi Fleurie 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Light bodied Grape variety: Gamay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Lucky Wedding Horseshoe, at Marks & Spencer
1 x horseshoe Approx size: Diam 130mm

Memory Foam Pillow, at Marks & Spensers
Provides support and maximum comfort Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

V-Neck Plain Knitted Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfy, this v-neck plain jumper is outstanding value. A fashionable easycare style

3/4 Sleeve Snake Print Tunic, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this longline tunic features a stunning snake print. A vibrant new look, perfect for this season

Portfolio Cotton Rich Jersey Zip Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Fun Couple in Car Wedding Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Just Married Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Per Una Pure Cotton Floral Kimono, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and feminine, this pretty kimono is made from soft cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Pure Cotton Twill Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these pure cotton shorts make a practical, fashionable choice

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

Dan's Mouse Floral Mum Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: With love to you Mum, On your Birthday! Inside text: Have a great day! Size: 150 x 215mm

Police Vehicles Set, at Mark & Spencers
Suitable for ages 3-6 years 5 police vehicles Die cast police car, van, 4x4 vehicles and a helicopter Imaginative play This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Heart Pointelle Thermal Leggings, at Marks & Spenser
Keep warm and comfortable in these soft thermal leggings. Cosy without being bulky, they make the perfect extra layer for cold weather

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

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Household 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 Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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