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 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, 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 Finance 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 Finance House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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

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

M&S Finance offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car 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 Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Finance Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car 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 & Spencers 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car 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 Car 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 Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Shells Cushion, at MarksandSpencer
L30 x W50 3D shell detail Pure cotton Rectangular shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Oxford Shirt, at M+S
Relaxed and stylish, this short sleeve shirt is made from pure cotton, so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

3 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Plain Hipsters, at Marks and Spencer
Comfortable, fashionable and practical, these essential hipsters are ideal for everyday wear

Dualit Vario 4-Slice Toaster - Cream, at Marks & Spencers
4 slice toaster Patented, award-winning ProHeat elements Mechanical timer to control toasting Manually operated eject lever to keep items warm until needed Selector switch - use only the slots required Designed for use in commercial kitchens Adjustable inner wire guard to grip toast All parts are repairable or replaceable Concealed crumb tray Extra wide 23mm slots to accommodate larger items and the optional sandwich cage Hand built in England 2200 watt Weight: 4.25 kg Dimensions: H22 x W46 x D21cm 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

Domaine Ventenac Chenin Colombard 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chenin Blanc & Colombard Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Sonoma Kitchen Corner Unit & 100cm 3 Drawer Base Unit with Oak Tops Set, at Marks & Spencer
Corner Unit: H87.5 x W87 x D87cm Corner Worktop: H10.5 x W93 x D93cm 3-Drawer Base Unit: H87.5 x W100 x D52cm Base Unit Worktop: H10.5 x W100 x D60cm Corner unit includes 1 shelf and can be fitted left or right hand Worktop thickness: 3cm Made from solid oak and oak veneer Finished with a protective low-sheen lacquer for added durability Adjustable feet on base unit Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself 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

Alnwick Floor & Table Lamp Set, at MarksandSpencer
Pack of 2 Square base Brushed chrome finish Double stem design Floor lamp: H143.5 x W34 x D20cm Floor lamp: Bulb: 100W ES GLS Table lamp: H60.5 x W28 x D18cm Table lamp: Bulb: 60W ES GLS This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Pairs of Fresh Feet Premium Contrast Heel & Toe Socks, at Marks & Spensers
The innovative Aegis Active Freshness system will keep these socks smelling fresh and odour free and its permanently built into the sock to perform wash after wash. Theyre cotton rich for soft natural comfort and have a reinforced heel and toe for extra durability

Classic Collection Pure Cotton V-Neck Cardigan, at Marks n Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this long sleeve cardigan makes a versatile extra layer. Dress it up with smart skirts and trousers, or wear it with jeans for a casual modern look

Rainbow Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Mixed bead design Stretch style

Adored Comfort Control All Over Lace Knickers, at Marks n Spencer
Elegant and pretty, these knickers are made from the softest stretch lace, so they feel blissfully comfortable to wear. The low leg style gives a modern shapely fit. Feminine everyday lingerie

Double Buckle Shoulder Bag, at M&S
Stylish and practical, this handbag is made from luxurious soft suede and features double buckle. A useful and fashionable accessory

Car Gift Card, at Marks & Spenser
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

Floral Butterflies Niece Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Happy Birthday to a lovely Niece Inside message: Wishing you a wonderful birthday This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 114 x 230mm

Pure Cotton Eskimo All-in-One & Hat Set, at Marks and Spencer
Ideal for new arrivals, this cute and practical set contains an all-in-one and a hat. A great value pack in soft comfy cotton

Collezione Wool Rich Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Zip Cardigan, at M&S
A colourful 3/4 sleeve cardigan featuring stripe design and zip fastening

Lilac Cherry Blossom Medium Gift Bag, at Marks & Spensers
1 gift bag Approx size: H260 x W180 (at base) x D120 mm

Collezione Classic Trim Leather Moccasin Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Slip on Round toe Small square block heel Stitch detail

Sprung-Edge Divan with 2 Small + 2 Large Drawers & F200 Mattress, at Marks and Spencer
Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Divan Height: 41cm Mattress depth: 24cm Mattress Spring Count: 930 Sprung-Edge divan - can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Individually pocketed springs Deep layer of memory foam Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body once warmed by body heat providing high levels of support Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lace Front Full Briefs, at Marks & Spencers
Flatteringly feminine, these full briefs combine a delicate floral lace design with a high waist, low leg cut you'll love. An easycare cotton blend provides hassle free comfort and convenience

Snake Band Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at M&S
Stylish and elegant, these fashionable bikini bottoms feature a pretty snake print band. The ultimate in poolside glamour

iPod Classic Leather Flip Case, at Marks & Spensers
Flip Case for iPod classic, the stylish leather case also features a handy popper fastening attachment allowing you to have easy access to your iPod. The leather case with its quality stitching protects your iPod in style. Compatible with all Apple iPod classics

Pure Cotton Floral Print Mock Layer Top, at Marks and Spencer
Chic and modern, this mock layer top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features floral print and gathered front detail

Coupe Side Plate, at Marks & Spencer
Suitable for everyday use Versatile fine dining range Makes an ideal gift Pure white porcelain Diam 23cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sequin Cushion, at Marks and Spenser
Rectangular shape Sequin detail L30 x W40cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Turned Wood Table Lamp, at Marks & Spencer
Pleated shade Round base Turned wood design Bulb: 60W SES or 11W CFL H55 x Diam 23cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Oxford Lace Up Brogue Shoes, at M&S
Pointed toe Punch feature Lace up Block heel

Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Duvet Cover, at Marks and Spencer
Floral embroidered design Frill detail Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6in), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Spy Who Loved Me DVD, at Marks and Spencers
Rating Parental Guidance,

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Finance. Not least of these is Mark & Spensers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Finance 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 Finance, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and 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.