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 and Spencer 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.

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 Household 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 Household 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.

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 & Spensers 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 Finance 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.

Scottish Lochmuir™ Lightly Smoked Salmon, Smoked Haddock & Cod Roast, at Marks and Spencer
Serves 4-6 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 1kg total weight As featured on page 38 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Opaque Lace Trim Footless Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and comfortable, these stretchy footless tights feature lace trim

I Love You Mummy & Daddy Book, at Marks and Spencer
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.

Juliana Mixed Bead Necklace & Earrings Set, at M&S
2 part set Adjustable length mixed bead necklace with clasp fastening Hook fastening mixed bead in a drop style earrings Necklace lengths: 48cm, extendable by 7cm For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Dualit Dome Kettle - Cream, at Marks & Spencers
3000 watt rapid boil concealed element 1.7 litre capacity Water level viewing window High quality 18:8 grade stainless steel body Laser cut stainless steel water filter Boil dry safety feature Heatproof handle, knob and finger-guard Ergonomic handle for easy pouring Non-drip spout Cordless operation with axis rotary base and cord tidy Dimensions: H25cm 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Body Formula Replenishing Foot Salve, at Marks and Spencer
Replenishing foot salve with shea and illipe butters, and pro vitamin B5 to soften 125ml

The Floral Collection Mixed Talcs, at M+S
Pack of 4 4 x 50g Magnolia Talcum Powder Ingredients: Talc, Magnolia Liliflora (Magnolia), Parfum, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Citronellol, Aqua, Isoeugenol, Propylene Glycol, Eugenol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Sorbital, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben Rose Talcum Powder Ingredients: Talc, Parfum, Rosa Centifolia (Rose), Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Aqua, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben Lavender Talcum Powder Ingredients: Talc, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Parfum, Linalool, Aqua, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Geraniol, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben Iris talcum powder Ingredients: Talc, Iris Florentina (Iris) Flower Extract, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl, Ionone, Aqua, Propylene Glycol

Supima® Pure Cotton Non-Iron Housewife Pillowcase, at Marks & Spencers
Internationally recognised as the world's finest cotton High performance non iron finish offering the ultimate in easy care Supima is renowned for its superior strength, enhanced durability and sumptuous feel, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Mock Layer Stripe Tank Top, at M&S
Cute and comfy, this mock layered tank top is made from pure cotton and features a pirate and shark motif. A practical easycare style

Three Bean Salad, at Marks & Spencer
Serves 8 Ready to eat Suitable for vegetarians 800g As featured on page 29 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

Pure Cotton Ribbed Stripe Mitts, at Marks & Spencer
Hanging loop Stripe design Ribbed, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Pairs of Fine Cotton Multi Design Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Smart socks with a luxurious feel and appearance. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Toshiba Satellite L350-212 Laptop, at Marks & Spenser
Processor: Intel Celeron Processor T1600, 1.66 GHz clock speed, 667 MHz front side bus and 1 MB 2nd level cache Memory: 2,048 MB standard, 4,096 MB maximum expandability, DDR2 RAM (800 MHz) Hard Drive: 160 GB (S.M.A.R.T) Display: 17" Toshiba TruBrite WXGA+ TFT High Brightness display Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit Edition (pre-installed, Toshiba-HDD recovery) Graphics Card: Mobile Intel GMA 4500M, up to 1,340 MB total available graphics memory with 3 GB system memory DVD Super Multi Drive (Double Layer) : CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-R(DL), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R(DL), DVD+RW, DVD-RAM Expansion: 2 x memory slots (1 to configure), 1 x ExpressCard slot Interfaces: 1 x DC-in, 1 x external monitor, 1 x RJ-11, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x external microphone, 1 x headphone (stereo) USB Ports: 3 (Left 2, Right 1) x USB 2.0 Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) Wireless LAN, Fast Ethernet LAN, 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX international V.90 modem (V.92 ready), 56 Kbps data and 14.4 Kbps fax Bundled software: Toshiba Disc Creator, Toshiba User's Manual, Supervisor Password Utility, Toshiba Assist, Toshiba DVD Player, Ulead DVD MovieFactory for TOSHIBA, McAfee Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition (includes free Internet updates for 30 days), Toshiba Recovery Disc Creator, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 (free 60-day trial), Toshiba Value Added Package (Toshiba Power Saver, Toshiba Zooming Utility, Toshiba PC Diagnostic Tool, Toshiba Flash Cards, Toshiba Components Common Driver, Toshiba Accessibility, Toshiba Button Support), Google Software (Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer, Google Desktop, Picasa), Connectivity Doctor, ConfigFree™, Toshiba utilities and drivers Toshiba EasyMedia : Google Software (Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer, Google Desktop, Picasa), Toshiba TEMPRO Performance Tuning Service, McAfee Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition (includes free Internet updates for 30 days), Smart Display Support, Toshiba Flash Cards, Easy Keys, Diversity Antenna, Toshiba ConfigFree™, Internal HD 720p support Special features : SM BIOS compliant, Multimedia Bar with 6 touch Easy Keys (Mute, Rewind, Play, Stop, Forward, CD/DVD launcher), Standard numeric keypad, Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology, HD Audio support Dimensions : W398 x D292 x H35.3 (front) / 43.1 (rear) mm Weight : starting at 3.15 kg Battery : lithium-ion, up to 2h 30min (Mobile Mark™ 2007) 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

3/4 Sleeve Button Detail Mock Layer Jersey Top, at MarksandSpencer
Pretty and feminine, this 3/4 sleeve mock layer jersey top is made from stretch viscose for a fluid look. The stripe print adds a fashionable finishing touch

Blue Harbour Pure Linen 3/4 Length Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Relaxed and casual, these fashionable3/4 length shorts are made from cool soft linen and feature side pockets

Per Una Cotton Rich Bootleg Denim Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable pair of bootleg jeans in stretch cotton featuring belt loops with contrast trim

Double Breasted Funnel Neck Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this double breasted funnel neck jacket makes a comfortable and practical choice

Gold Label Pinot Noir 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Classic Collection Long Sleeve Plain Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
Stylish and so comfortable, this cardigan in softest cashmilon™ feels as good as it looks and the smart button fastening adds the perfect finishing touch

Stripe Halterneck Bikini Top, at M&S
Fabulously fashionable, this bikini top is outstanding value. Style and quality at a great price

Gothic 5 Arm Chandelier, at Mark & Spencers
Candle effect shades 5 arm Hand finished H50 x D54cm Bulbs: 5 x 60W SES This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Flock Stripe Non-Padded Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
Glamorous and sophisticated, this lace detail bra looks and feels luxurious. Stretch fabric and underwiring give a great fit and flattering uplifted shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2006, Central Otago - Case of 6, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Dry and full bodied Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap 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

Angel Sleeve Tie Front Cardigan, at M+S
Modern and stylish, this cardigan features a tie fastening. A great work-to-evening style

Sonoma Display Shelving Unit, at Marks&Spencer
H160 x W147 x D40cm 4 shelf design Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid Oak. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Side and back made from white Oak veneer Delivered flatpack due to size. 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Pairs of Rib Socks with ProModal, at Marks and Spencers
Designed for exceptional comfort everyday, these socks are made of natural modal for softness and durability

Autograph Compact Foundation, at Mark's & Spencer
Compact foundation Matte finish SPF 15 Hypoallergenic Compact mirror on lid 8g

Pure Cotton Waffle Dressing Gown, at Marks & Spensers
Pretty and feminine, this dressing gown is made from pure cotton. Relax in style and comfort

Classic Collection Sleeveless Scallop Trim Nightdress, at Marks & Spencer
Fresh and feminine, this nightdress is comfortable to sleep in and features pretty floral embroidered details

Per Una Speziale Moisture Rich Lipstick, at Marks & Spencer
Moisture rich Hypo-allergenic

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

Also, on both M&S Finance 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.