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

Marks & Spencers Money offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car 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 Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately Marks & Spencers Money Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car 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 Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, 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 Car 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.

Besides Marks&Spencer Car Insurance, Marks & Spencers Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencers Money 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 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 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.

Sony DCR-SX30ES Camcorder, at Marks & Spenser
Pixels: 800k pixel CCD sensor Zoom: 60x optical zoom / 2000x digital zoom Screen: 2.7'' Wide LCD with easy to use touchscreen Dimensions: 59 x W57 x 107mm Weight: 240g (without batteries and card) Video: AVI (MJPEG) movie files. Size: 640x480, 320x240, Frame rate: 30 fps, 15 fps Memory 4 GB internal flash memory, HYBRID recording on optional Memory Stick™ Image Stabilization: SteadyShot image stabilization for clearer video and stills Indexes Face Index and Film Roll Index for quick, easy searches Sound Stereo sound recording with zoom mic for clearer dialogue and sound of foreground subjects BatteryUp to 13 hours STAMINA continuous shooting time (with optional battery) USBOne Touch Disc Burn and Easy PC back up via USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection (Output only) 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

Portfolio Sleeveless Leapord Print Dress, at Marks & Spensers
Chic and contemporary, this sleeveless dress features a leapord print. A fabulous fashionable look

Per Una Short Sleeve Cardigan with Stripe Top, at Marks and Spencers
A modern knitted cardigan in a soft wool blend featuring a tie waist belt and stripe knitted top

Per Una Face Palette, at Marks n Spencer
Hypoallergenic Includes: 18 eyeshadows, 12 lip colours, a bronzer and 3 cheek colours

Footglove™ Wide Fit Leather High Heel Court Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Step out in style in these wide fit Footglove™ shoes, made from soft leather. Comfortable, lightweight and flexible

Medium Spencer Bear, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 12 months + H36cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Assorted Cupcake Briefs, at Marks and Spencers
Cute and trendy, this 5 pack of cotton briefs feature assorted cupcake designs

Limited Collection Faux Snakeskin Tote Bag, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, this faux snakeskin print handbag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as a trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Satin Trim Camisole, at Marks n Spencer
A simple design provides the perfect finish to the snug, easy to care for fabric of this wardrobe staple. Ideal for sleeping, layering under your favourite tops or simply wearing on its own

Ingredients Lip Butter Trio, at Mark's & Spencer
Pack of 3 Fragrant Flavoured To help soften and smooth your lips Raspberry Lip Butter: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis Oil, Ricinus Communis Oil, Beeswax Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Aroma, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Limonene, CI 15850, CI 77891 Shea Nut Lip Butter: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis Oil Ricinus Communis Oil, Beeswax, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Aroma, Benzyl Benzoate, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Anise Alcohol, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI77499,CI77891 Passion Fruit Lip Butter: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis Oil, Ricinus Communis Oil, Beeswax, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Benzyl, Benzoate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Propylparaben, Linalool, Limonene, Aroma, Methylparaben,Tocopheryl Acetate, Geraniol, Citrus Medica Limonum Oil Citral, CI 42090, CI 45410

Samsung 40'' LE40B550 HD Ready LCD TV, at Mark & Spensers
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 40 inch LCD screen, 1920 x 1080 resolution Dynamic contrast ratio: High contrast Dimensions: W998 x D255 x H699 (with stand), W998 x D79.3 x H638 (without stand) Weight: 19.4 (with stand), 14.8 (without stand) SRS TruSurround HD: For enhanced surround sound effect Connectors: 3 x HDMI , 2 x scart, 1 x RF Input, 1 x component, 1 x PC input, 1 x digital audio (Optical) (all inputs at back of TV) 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 T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Spot Net Tights, at Marks & Spencer
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These spot print tights have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

The Floral Collection Magnolia Gift Set, at Marks & Spensers
Magnolia frangrance Presented in gift purse Moisturising Hand and Body Lotion 50ml Moisture Rich Foaming Bath Cream 50ml Moisture Rich Shower Cream 50ml

3 Authentic Woven Pure Cotton Stripe Assorted Boxers, at M&S
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy boxers are ideal for everyday wear

Pure Cotton Hooded Reversible Cardigan, at Marks & Spensers
Soft and comfy, this reversible cardigan is made from pure cotton and features a stripe design. A practical easycare style

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Chic and modern, this short sleeve t-shirt is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a graphic print

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Cerasuolo Rose 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks&Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Country of origin: Italy Closure: Synthetic closure 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

Aigle Noir Limoux Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 6, at M & S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork 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

Sequin Cushion, at M&S
Rectangular shape Sequin detail L30 x W40cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wide Knightsbridge Formal Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable wide leather belt

Portfolio Deep V-Neck Boyfriend Cardigan, at M&S
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

50/50 Bed Linen - Flat Sheet, at Marks and Spencers
Single: L260 x W178cm Double: L260 x W228cm King size (5ft): L275 x W275cm Super king size (6ft): L275 x W310cm Plain dye bed linen Easy to iron Plain fabric (no design) Care instructions: Machine washable, Tumble dry Composition:50% cotton, 50% polyester, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Photographic Champagne Bottle Bag, at M&S
1 bottle bag with tag Approx size: H370 x W120 x D80mm

Autograph Pure Wool Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at MarksandSpencer
Fashionable and contemporary, these stripe trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Embroidered Short Sleeve Kaftan, at Mark & Spensers
Fresh and feminine, this flattering kaftan is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Cashmilon™ Tassel Scarf, at Marks & Spenser
Keep warm and cosy in this stylish tasselled scarf made from supersoft cashmilon™. Perfect with the matching hat and gloves

Generic Pencil Case, at Mark's & Spencer
Circular design Zip fastening Oblong shape Circle tab feature Floral design

24 Mini Cheese & Tomato Frittatas, at Marks & Spencers
Contains 24 pieces Serves 6 Ready to eat 672g As featured on page 13 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Siemens Electric Double Oven, at M & S
H888 x W595 x D550 mm 58L capacity oven in stainless steel Cooking methods: conventional heat, half width variable grill, full width variable grill, hot air, defrosting Pull down glass door Maximum temp: 275C Energy efficiency class: B This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Made from soft cool cotton, this cute polo top will keep him feeling comfortable in hot weather

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