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.

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

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

Also, on both Marks & Spencers Money Premier House Insurance and Standard House 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.

Limited Collection Bow Detail Court Shoes, at MarksandSpencer
Pointed toe Bow detail Slip on Court style High heel Heel hieght: 104mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Autograph Plain Tie, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

15 Denier Medium Support Shine Tights, at M+S
Flatter those legs with the medium support of these terrific tights. Their comfortable fabric is strong enough to wear over and over again. Support tights have been clinically proven to keep your legs feeling energised, younger and healthier. Circulation is improved, ankle swelling is reduced and legs feel less tired so they're ideal for travelling

Per Una Scallop Buckle Shoes, at Mark & Spensers
Round toe Buckle fastening Scallop detail Mid heel Heel height: 80mms Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Bikini Fit Book, at Marks & Spenser
A guide to becoming beach gorgeous in four weeks!

Leather ID Hip Wallet, at Marks and Spencer
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins features multiple comparments

Older Girls' Floral Stretch Waist Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this elasticated belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Per Una Linen Pintuck 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, at MarksandSpencer
A fabulous 3/4 sleeve blouse in pure cool linen featuring pintuck front detail

In Bloom Lime Blossom & Bergamot Eau de Toilette, at Marks & Spencers
Eau de Toilette 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Luxury Down & Feather Mattress Topper, at Mark's & Spencer
Padded Goose down and feather filled Double layer Down is a good insulator and copes well with temperature variation Feather and Down combine to reduce weight and improve softness Comes in single, double, king size and super king, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Multifaceted Pebble Necklace, Earrings & Bracelet Set, at Marks & Spenser
3 part set Multifaceted pebble design Hook fastening drop earrings Clasp fastening necklace with adjustable length Stretch bracelet Necklace length: 46cm, extendable by 8cm Bracelet length: 19cm For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Autograph Diagonal Stripe Tie, at MarksandSpencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Younger Boys' Thomas & Friends© Trolley Bag, at Marks&Spencer
A must-have for fans of Thomas & Friends, this extendable grip handle trolley bag features Thomas, the tank engine

Pheasant Gully Bin 312 Shiraz Merlot 2008 - Case of 12, at M & S
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Shiraz, Merlot Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Print Your Own Wedding Stationery: White Pearl Damask Menu/Order of Service, at Marks & Spencer
Contains: 10 x order of the day/service or menu cards, 12 x folded insert sheets, 10 decorative ties, 1 x instruction leaflet It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Follow the easy steps on the CD-ROM to create your personalised invitations. Print the insert sheets 2. Use the glue dots to secure the inserts inside the cards 3. Glue on the ribbon and tie in a bow to secure N.B. The CD-ROM is not included in the pack and is available separately Spend 10 on 'print your own' stationery and receive the CD-ROM FREE Please note: As this stationery is not intended for use as invitations, envelopes are not supplied in this pack Approx size: 218 x 154mm

2 Cotton Rich °Climate Control Short Sleeve Vests, at Marks & Spensers
Climate control keeps you cool when you're hot and warms you up when you're cold so you're always at your optimum temperature. Exclusive to M&S, Climate control clothing is comfortable and breathable - ideal for sportswear. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology

New Dad Type Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover text: Dad Inside message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 50 mm x 150 mm

Cotton Rich Stitch Detail Bootleg Jeans, at Marks and Spenser
Flattering and fabulous, bootcuts make legs look longer and are kind to curves. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Perfect Fit Memory Foam Padded Balcony Bra, at M & S
The amazing memory foam in this bra moulds to your shape to give the perfect fit, wash after wash. It's like having a bra made just for you

5 Cotton Rich Big Spot Print Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
These big spot low rise cotton rich shorts are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

Detroit Dining Table & 6 Alton Damask Chairs Set, at Marks and Spencers
7 piece set Table: H75 x W90 x D150cm Chair: H99 x W46 x D54cm Table seats 6 Damask print upholstery on chairs Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Table top panel made from oak veneer with a solid oak edging for strength 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Central Coast Syrah 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Syrah Country of origin: USA Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Single Sprung-Edge 2 Drawer Divan & Autograph M500 Mattress - Medium, at Marks and Spencer
No turn mattress Mattress and divan are anti-allergy Mattress: spring count 1225, depth 27.5cm Divan height: 41.5cm Single 3ft: W90 x L190cm 2 large right- or left-hand drawers Divan drawer size: H15 x W78.4 x D53cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Stretch Denim Jeans, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and casual, these straight leg jeans are made with stretch for comfort and ease of movement

Older Girls' Metallic Footbed Sandals, at Marks&Spencer
Buckle fastening Metallic design Multi shapes detail Flat grip sole Contrast comfort lining

Flat Front Wool Blend Pinstripe Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and contemporary, these trousers are made from a special wool blend fabric for extra strength, comfort and durability

Elephant & Cat Multipack of 8 Cards, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: All designs - blank Inside Message: All designs - blank for your own message Pack Contains: 8 cards, 3 designs Approx. Size (folded): 95 x 80 mm Approx. Size (unfolded): 200 x 80 mm

Per Una Modal Padded Plunge Bra, at M&S
Fresh and feminine, this stylish bra features lace detail. It's underwired for extra support and the padded plunge style gives an enhanced shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Mitchelton Crescent Mourvèdre Shiraz Grenache 2005 - Case of 6, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Mourvdre, Shiraz, Grenache Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Nail Care French Manicure Set, at Marks & Spencer
11ml bright white tip 11ml french pink 11ml top shine Easy to use glide-on white tip

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 and 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 Tescos 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.