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. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Home 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 Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

M&S Financial Services 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 M&S Financial Services 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 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 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 M&S Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks&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 M+S, 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.

2 Autograph Puccini Benches, at Marks and Spencer
H43 x W150 x D43cm 2 benches Frame made from aluminium covered with synthetic rattan Includes plain cushions in 100% polyester This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lacqured Wood Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), at Marks and Spencer
Narrow border Removeable mount card Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7'') Dimensions: W24.5 x H29.5 x D2.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pretty Pink Bouquet with 50% More Roses, at Mark & Spensers
50% more roses when ordering this bouquet for delivery between 21st August to 5th September 2009 Sophisticated and elegant, this array of roses and alstroemeria blooms perfectly captures the freshness of a crisp summer morning Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Older Boys' Short Sleeve Paradise T-shirt, at Marks and Spencer
A practical, casual top in pure cotton featuring a fun paradise slogan and motif. A great value easycare style

2 Older Boys' Cotton Rich Drawstring Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these pack of 2 cotton rich pyjama bottoms can be mixed and matched with different tops to suit his individual style

V-Neck Short Sleeve Dress with Chain Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Sophisticated and elegant, this dress features a V-neck with button detail and short gathered sleeves. A flattering, stylish look Comes with belt shown in image

Pure Cotton Skater Skirt with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and modern, this cotton A-line skirt features stripe design. A contemporary style choice that will take you through the season in style

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Spot Print Pyjamas, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these spot print pyjamas are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Linen Blend Pintuck Short Sleeve Shirt, at M+S
Comfortable and versatile, this linen blend short sleeve shirt is a classic style, perfect for smart dressing

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Jacquard Cardigan, at Mark's & Spencer
A casual 3/4 sleeve cardigan in textured fabric. Button details give it the Per Una touch

Ashbourne Recliner, at Mark & Spensers
H99 x W112 x D105cm (Reclines to L173cm) Seat H49cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions Manual recline model Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a dark finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Stripe Print Chiffon Dress, at Marks & Spencer
An elegant sleeveless chiffon dress, featuring empire line and stripe design

Autograph Noire Eau De Toilette Purse Spray 25ml, at Marks and Spenser
25ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Portfolio Long Sleeve Belted Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Mimosa trend. A beautifully elegant look featuring chic, muted tones such as cocoa, mink, saffron and purple. Striking prints are key to this feminine trend

Bamboo Soap Dispenser, at Marks & Spenser
Approx size: H7 x W7 x L16cm Pump action Bamboo design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Office Suite and Internet Security with Back-up Software, at Marks and Spencer
Home Office Suite: Complete office - word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, database, draw, photo album Internet Security: A comprehensive security, anti-virus and backup suite. Protects identity, latest generation anti-virus, award-winning spyware, online fraud protection, anti-spam, parental control, automatic daily updates, backup locally online This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

Outdoor Rose Square Basket, at Marks and Spencer
Planted in an attractive, white-washed woven basket, these roses make a great garden decoration Available for delivery until 30th September 2009

Floral Earrings Set, at Marks & Spencer
3 part set Butterfly fastening floral earrings Stud earrings Hook fastening, drop style earrings

Mixed Bead Necklace & Earrings Set, at M & S
2 part set Adjustable length mixed bead necklace with clasp fastening Hook fastening drop earrings with mixed bead design

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Tokyo Mock Layer Pyjamas, at Marks and Spenser
Made from comfortable breathable pure cotton, these pyjamas are outstanding value

Limited Collection Sequin Sleeve Tunic, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

DeLonghi Icona Toaster - Stainless Steel, at Marks n Spencer
Power 1.8kW 4 slice toaster Electronic controls: reheat, defrost, bagel and cancel 2 toasting slots operate independently All functions with neon indicator Hi-rise facility - extra 20mm lift for removing toast Variable browning controls Extra deep crumb tray Non-slip feet This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Lace Low Rise Lace Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart, snug and easy to care for, these cosy shorts combine a flattering fit with a lace trim design and stretchy fabric to create the perfect knickers for day to day wear

Stripe Egg Cup, at Marks & Spencers
Stripe design Hand painted Height: 10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dyson DC14 All Floors Vacuum Cleaner, at Marks and Spencer
Bin capacity: 2.7 litres Suction power: 280 airwatts (constant) Dimensions: H1101 x W339 x D345 mm Weight: 8.42 kg Root Cyclone™ technology: Patented technology that doesn't lose suction power as you vacuum Telescope Reach™ wand: Wand and hose extend for high reach and stair cleaning while the vacuum remains upright and stable Hygienic and quick to empty: Dyson design minimises risk of contact with dirt Max reach: 14.5 metres Cord length: 9.3 metres Included: Brush tool, stair tool, crevice tool, operations manual, quick start guide, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cross Panel Knee Length Skater Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Pretty and feminine, this panelled skirt makes a fashionable, flattering choice. A great work-to-evening style

Just For You Hedgehog Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Just for you... Inside message: blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Performance Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Scallop Trim Stripe Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
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

Signature Ginger Lily Pot Pourri Box, at M & S
Ginger lily fragrance Presented in a box, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

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