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 M&S 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, Buildings & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents 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 Buildings & Contents 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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

Also, on both M&S Finance Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spencers 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 Buildings & Contents 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.

Petite Funnel Neck Water Repellent Belted Mac, at Marks & Spencer
Practical and fashionable, this water resistant mac is perfect for drizzly days. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

High Impact Underwired Sports Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Comfortable and secure, this high impact sports bra gives firm, gentle support for active wear

Autograph Round Face Analogue Watch, at Marks&Spencer
Round face Chain link bracelet Date indicator Analogue display

Medium Value Hard Rollercase, at Marks and Spenser
Free 3 year guarantee on Value Luggage Built for durable practicality, this rollercase features a robust ABS outer shell and locking trolley system to ensure your belongings are safely secure and easy to transport

Vintage Style Car Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Birthday wishes, Excellent quality guaranteed, Extra Special Message: Have a great day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Kapersky Internet Security 2009 1 User 1 Year License, at Marks and Spenser
Extended Protection: Two-way personal firewall; secure Wi-Fi and VPN connections, Application rules configured automatically, Security rating assigned to unknown applications, Access to users resources and data is restricted for unknown applications, Improved antispam protection Content Filtering: Parental control Data & Identity Theft Protection: Virtual keyboard for safe entry of logins and passwords, Prevents theft of data exchanged via secure connections (HTTPS / SSL), Disables links to phishing websites Essential Protection: Protects from viruses, Trojans and worms, Protects from spyware and adware, Scans files, email messages and Internet traffic, Protects instant messengers (ICQ, MSN), Proactive protection from unknown threats Preventive Protection: Scans operating system and installed applications for vulnerabilities, Disables links to malware sites Usability: Automatic configuration, Wizards for common tasks, Automatic or interactive mode, Round-the-clock technical support, Automatic database updates, Global threat monitoring (Kaspersky Security Network) Advanced Protection & Recovery: Program can be installed on infected computers, Self-protection from malware, Restores correct system settings after removing malicious software Suitable for 1 user for 1 year

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Pique Stripe Polo Shirt, at M&S
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton, so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Diagonal Cut Cufflinks, at Marks & Spenser
Add a smart finishing touch with these diagonal cut cufflinks

Oval Face Bracelet Watch, at Marks and Spencers
Oval face Analogue

Pure Cotton Beach Cover Up Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Delicate and pretty, this flattering cover up dress is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

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

Per Una Pure Cotton Cropped Pyjamas, at M&S
Modern and feminine, these pretty cropped pyjamas are made from pure cotton, so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Dusk Sparkle Earrings, at M & S
Hook fastening Diamant cluster Drop style Silver plated For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Autograph Pure Cashmere Windowpane Scarf, at Marks and Spencers
Indulge in a touch of stylish luxury! This beautiful scarf is woven from pure cashmere and feels wonderfully soft and warm

Pure Woven Silk Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart stripe tie in pure silk

Pearl Effect Waterfall Necklace, at M&S
Pearl effect beads Multi strand design Adjustable length with clasp fastening Length: 41cm

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
Whether you're active or relaxing, do it in style and comfort in these cotton rich shorts

Angel Spot Print First Bra & Knickers Set, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this spot print bra and knickers set is made from stretch cotton. It's designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

1 Pair of Cotton Rich Socks, at Marks and Spenser
Soft and comfortable, these cotton rich socks are naturally breathable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

16-Piece Brushed Aurora Cutlery Set, at Marks & Spencer
16-piece set Includes 4 forks, 4 knives, 4 spoons and 4 teaspoons Brushed stainless steel finish 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Detroit Slat-Back Dining Chairs, at Mark's & Spencer
H100 x W44 x D54cm Seat H48cm Sold as a pair Leather seat Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings 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. SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy these chairs as part of a set. Click here to view the Detroit Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gold Plated Mini Floral Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks and Spencer
Butterfly stud fastening earrings Clasp fastening necklace with adjustable length Mini floral design

Autograph Straight Leg Jeans, at Mark & Spensers
Aim for a must-have retro inspired look with the sandblasted wash and stylish whiskering of these contemporary five pocket jeans. Step out in style by teaming them with a slim cut blazer and pinstripe shirt

Black & DeckerĀ® V6090CN 6V Chrome Dustbuster® Hand Vac, at MarksandSpencer
Rechargeable handheld vacuum cleaner 6v power volts Weight 0.95kg Wall mountable Includes crevice tool and upholstery brush For dry spills 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

Classic Collection Floral Embroidered Slippers, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe Embroidered floral detail Pump style Flat sole Slip on

Autograph Double Buckle Mid Heel Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Double buckle feature Zebra print Mid heel Lined

Pure Cotton Tatty Teddy Vest, at M&S
Fans of Tatty Teddy will love this pure cotton vest featuring a studded slogan. A practical, easycare style

Per Una Short Sleeve Belted Cardigan with Wool, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable short sleeve knitted cardigan featuring a waist tie belt

Per Una Short Sleeve Cornelli Tab Cardigan, at Marks n Spencer
A casual short sleeve cardigan in a soft knitted fabric featuring an embroidered design and scoop neck

Detachable Bra Straps, at Marks and Spenser
These clear bra straps can be attached to your multiway bras

When you're shopping at M+S 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 Buildings & Contents 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."