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 and Spenser are so useful. M&S Financial Services 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, House Insurance policies. Usually, UK House 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 House 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 House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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 M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S House Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Financial Services UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the M&S online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Financial Services website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S House 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 & Spenser, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Financial Services in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Financial Services website.

Pure Cotton Edged Gingham Shirt, at M & S
Smart and stylish, this edged gingham shirt is made from pure cotton

Funnel Neck Mid Length Coat, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this wool blend coat makes a fashionable and practical choice

Ivory Leather Large Wedding Photograph Album, at Marks and Spencer
Contains: 1 album, 500 glue dots, Gift box, 700Mb CD-R Album: H290 x W290 x D45mm Box: H295 x W295 x D55mm

3 Cool & Fresh Pure Cotton Assorted Colour Trunks, at MarksandSpencer
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

Compact Umbrella, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and easy to carry, the practical design of this handy umbrella is the perfect solution for dealing with sudden downpours

Edmonton Large 2-Seater Occasional Sofa Bed, at Marks and Spencers
H92 x W183 x D98cm Seat: H48cm (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 cushio 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 Mattress: L180 x W112 x D6cm Foam mattress rests on polypropylene base Mattress recommended for occasional use Sofa Bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Multi Floral Padded Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spenser
Sleek and stylish, this bra is perfectly smooth so there are no visible outlines under clothing. Light padding and underwiring give an enhanced natural shape. Designed for women who want a streamlined silhouette

Earth Spa Sea Mineral Body Wash, at Marks and Spencers
200ml To replenish and pamper Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Alcohol Denat. Sodium Chloride, Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Parfum, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Benzophenone-3, Benzyl Salicylate, Disodium EDTA, Laminaria Digitata, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Ferula Galbaniflua Oil, Magnesium Nitrate, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Methylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Sorbic Acid, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 42090, CI 19140

Limited Collection Pure Cotton Frill Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's Club Rio trend - get tropical in a heady mix of hot, sun-drenched hues and modern graphic prints with fresh white accents. A fashion-conscious holiday look

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and relaxed, this long sleeve polo shirt is made from pure cotton it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Woodland Interactive Snail, at Marks and Spencer
Contains a small oval plastic mirror under the flap on the shell A pocket on the reverse of the shell which contains 3 coloured, embroidered leaves which can be removed from the pocket Two softened plastic teethers attached to the tail of the snail by a satin ribbon loop Includes a blue and green butterfly attached via a cord to the top of the shell. When pulled, the cord will extend to a maximum length of 115mm before being automatically retracted into a mechanism in the top of the shell. This mechanism vibrates Double lined for safety Suitable from birth Approximate overall dimensions W325 H230 D120mm This product conforms to EN71 toy safety regulation, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Maxim Large Jug, at Marks & Spencers
Plain Nibbed Single handle 1.5 litre capacity H14.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited Denim Leggings, at Marks and Spenser
Part of Girls' Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Simply Gorgeous Gift Bag, at Marks & Spencer
There's no better way to show your love and appreciation than with this show-stopping bag of soft pink roses and burgundy carnations Available for delivery 1st April to 30th September 2009

Autograph Pure Cotton Paisley Print Scarf, at Marks and Spencers
This sophisticated paisley print scarf is the perfect accessory for this season's fashions

Pure Cotton Roll Up Pyjama Bottoms, at MarksandSpencer
Pretty and feminine, these roll up pyjamas are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Per Una Short Sleeve Sparkle Top, at Marks and Spencers
A fabulous scoop neck top in pure soft cotton embellished with sparkling sequins

Older Boys' Bart Simpson Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Slip on Bart Simpson motif 'Bad boy' slogan THE SIMPSONS ™ & 2006 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved

Baby Text Thank You Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover Text: Thankyou Inside Message: Blank for your own message Pack Contains: 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: 120 x 120mm

4 Grace Mugs, at MarksandSpencer
Set of 4 Fine China Leaf print Height: 10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Autograph Double Tramline Slip-On Shoes, at Mark's & Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail Slip-on Block heel

M&S Breadmaker, at Marks & Spenser
Loaf size 500 - 750g 600 watt Large LCD display with backlight Adjustable crust control: light, medium and dark 13 hour programmable delay timer 60 minutes keep warm function 12 digital program menus Non-slip feet Stainless steel Dishwasher safe, non-stick bread pan & kneading blades Dimensions: H29 x W34 x D31cm 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

Short Sleeve Embroidered Jumper & Floral Print Top Set, at Marks & Spensers
Cute and casual, these short sleeve cardigan and floral print top look fabulously fashionable worn together or separately

Glacier Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks and Spenser
2 piece set Hook fastening drop style earrings Clasp fastening mixed bead necklace

Blue Fabric Textured Floral Sister Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: Hope you have a lovely birthday sister Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Portfolio Assorted Bead Necklace, at Marks&Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Assorted bead design Necklace length 107cm, extendable by 8cm

Per Una Pure Linen Woodblock Print Dress, at M & S
A stunning knee length dress in pure cool linen. Grosgrain tape detail give it the Per Una touch

Portfolio Multi Strand Safari Necklace, at M&S
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Multi strand Mixed bead design Necklace length 50cm, extendable by 8cm

Detroit Wardrobe & 2 Bedside Chests Set, at M+S
3 piece set Wardrobe: H195 x W90 x D59cm Bedside Chest: H64 x W46 x D40cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Table top panel made from oak veneer with a solid oak edging for strength 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ashton Bedstead, at Marks & Spensers
Headboard: H111.5cm Endboard: H69cm Underbed: H28cm Single: L201 x W101cm Double (4ft 6''): L201 x W147cm King size (5ft): L201 x W162cm Mattress sold separately Made from solid poplar and rubberwood 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 Delivered flatpack due to size 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

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks & Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Financial Services you can keep the cost of your Car 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 Car Insurance cover from M&S Financial Services, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spenser, 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 Car Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.