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

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 Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spensers than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M+S Money. 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 Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M+S Money 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."

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 & 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 MarksandSpencer, through its M+S 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 Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Autograph Pure Cashmere Bold Stripe Hooded Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and snuggly, this practical cashmere cardigan will keep her feeling warm and comfortable. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Sleeveless Open Neck Leaf Print Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This fab sleeveless shirt features a stunning leaf print. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

3 Pack Easycare White Long Sleeve Shirts, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this pack of 3 easycare shirts is great value. An ideal choice for everyday wear

High Impact Non-Wired Sports Bra, at M&S
Offering the superior support and control you need for those high energy workouts. This high impact sports bra sets the pace for essential comfort, thanks to an easycare fabric and the shape retaining qualities of added stretch.

Anthony Bear and Heart Mum Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: With love To a very special Mum x Inside message: Happy birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Blue Harbour Pure Lambswool Zip Neck Argyle Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
An extremely comfortable zip neck argyle jumper. It's made from extra fine lambswool which is spun for the softest feel. Conveniently, it can be machine washed and tumble dried and it resists bobbling

Autograph Pure Cotton Tile Print Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
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

Single Breasted 2 Button Plain Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
A style classic at a great value price, updated with a modern cut and contemporary detailing

Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Floral Print Top, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, this scoop neck top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a floral print neckline

Pop-Up Alarm Clock, at M&S
Compact design Digital display, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Styled Floral Embroidered Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Feminine and delicate, these feminine shorts feature a floral embroidered design. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Ultimate Pure Wool Single Pleat Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
This high performance suit is made to work as hard as you do. It's extra durable and added stretch keeps it in great shape while giving you enhanced comfort and ease of movement

Signature Pot Pourri Box, at Mark & Spensers
Beautifully presented in a box, this sweet scented pot pourri selection will instantly freshen any room in your home

Neutrals Giraffe Nursery Blocks, at Marks & Spenser
An exciting introduction to the world of playtime, this activity toy will have them entertained for hours of fun

Per Una Pure Cotton Spot Print Kimono, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and feminine, this pretty kimono is made from soft cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Single Dendrobium Orchid, at Marks & Spencers
This exotic, majestic orchid - beautifully enhanced by its understated white glass pot - will make a really unforgettable present Available for delivery from 1st July to 30th September 2009

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Tile Print Dress with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
A pretty 3/4 sleeve dress featuring a tile print and back tie feature

Apple 60W MagSafe Power Adapter for MacBook, at Marks & Spencer
Compatible with MacBook Recharges the lithium polymer battery while the system is off, on, or in sleep mode Clever design allows the DC cable to be wound neatly around itself for easy cable storage When the connection is secure, an LED located at the head of the DC connector will light; an amber light lets you know that your portable is charging, while a green light tells you that you have a full charge AC cord included for maximum cord length British plug 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

Thanks Teacher Gift Card, at Marks and Spencer
Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Elasticated Weave Waist Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable weave waist belt.

Cross Dye Stitch Detail Cushion, at M & S
Square shape Stitch detail Interlined Dimension: L45 x W45cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

125 Years Small Henry Bear, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 12 months and over This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Lichfield Vertical Slat-Back Chairs, at Marks and Spenser
H102 x W46 x D60cm Seat: H50cm Leather seat pad Sold as a pair Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Chair frames made from solid European hardwood 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 this table as part of a set. Click here to view the Lichfield Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Little Sweetheart Cushion, at Marks and Spencer
Square shape Check design Heart motif, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Faux Silk Ceiling Light Shade, at Marks and Spencer
Faux silk fabric Plain H22 x Diam 30cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pacific Large 2 Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spencer
H92 x W195 x D91cm Seat H50cm, arm H68cm, top back rail H67cm Seat cushions made from Quallofil Extralife filling. Click here for more information on Quallofil Extralife Other cushions made from polyester fibre All cushions are reversible Cushion covers are removeable Pine feet with a light finish This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Philips HX6311 Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush, at Marks and Spencer
KidTimer: Increases brushing time slowly over 90 days, building towards the dentist recommended 2 minutes Power modes: 2 Kid-friendly power modes adapt to different ages providing a gentle cleaning that's ideal for different ages. There is a low mode for ages 4 to 6 and a high mode for ages 7 and older Brush Heads: 2 brush head sizes that are specifically designed to gently clean and protect teeth at key developmental stages KidPacer: Fun sounds encourage kids to brush the front and back of both upper and lower teeth Fun interchangeable panels: Allows kids to customise their toothbrush Anti-roll shape: Sturdy handle design allows kids to store it upright as well as apply toothpaste while the toothbrush is laying flat Multi grip design: Ergonomically designed to enable parents and kids to brush together or on their own Battery type: Li-Ion Rechargeable battery Speed: 31,000 brush strokes per minute Operating time (full to empty): Fully charged should provide 42 2-minute brushings (3 weeks) Voltage: Multi-Voltage Charger 100-240 V 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

5 Pairs of Younger Girls' Cotton Rich Assorted Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this pack of 5 pairs of cotton rich socks features assorted designs

Per Una Pure Cotton Double Breasted Funnel Neck Coat, at Marks and Spenser
A fashionable double breasted coat in pure soft cotton featuring a funnel neck

Per Una Pleated Handbag with Charm, at Marks and Spencers
A heart shaped charm makes this fashionable bag even more special. Give your look the Per Una twist!

There are lots of ways to save money using M+S Money. Not least of these is Marks & Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M+S Money 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 Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Mark & Spencers, 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 Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.