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

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, Sainsbury's, 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spensers 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 Car Insurance, M&S Household 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 Spencers, 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.

Large Fridge Mum Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: "I wish I'd known" thought Mum, "I haven't got a lot in..." Inside text: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Size: 150 x 150 mm

Small Square Jewellery Box, at Marks & Spencer
3 drawers Square design

Serene Bouquet, at Mark & Spencers
An exquisite display of white blooms including Hydrangea, Alstroemeria, Lilies and Roses, beautifully backed by mixed foilage Available for delivery between 1st April to 30th September 2009

Silver Plated Crystal Stud Trio Earrings, at M&S
3 pairs Crystal stud design Assorted colour For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Jemima Puddleduck Soft Toy, at Marks & Spensers
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Approx 25cm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fruity-Beauty Bath Pick 'n' Mix Pack, at Marks and Spencers
Pack of 10 Assorted fragrances

Footglove™ Leather Ankle Boots, at Mark's & Spencer
Pointed toe Stitch detail Zip fastening Heel height 62mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Drop-Waist Pleated Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Scoring top marks for its drop waist and smart pleats, this easycare skirt is outstanding value. An elasticated waist gives a comfortable fit

Pure Cotton Police Patrol Hooded Top, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this pure cotton hooded top is outstanding value!

Crinkle Coin Purse, at Marks & Spencer
Flash your cash in style! Fashionable and functional, this coin purse features a crinkled faux leather texture

Sprung-Edge Non-storage Divan & M200 Mattress, at Marks and Spenser
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L90cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan Height: 41cm Mattress has a soft pillowtop layer Mattress Spring Count: 522 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

JBL On Stage™ Micro - Portable Speaker for iPod®, at Marks & Spencers
Compatibility: with most docking versions of iPod, including nano and 5G versions Stereo Mini Jack: Allows connection to a variety of other devices such as MP3 and CD players, desktop computers and laptops (audio input cable included) Touch Volume Control: Just a touch increases or decrease the volume Full-Navigation Remote: Provides full access to your iPod so you can easily change tracks, browse libraries, adjust settings, and scroll through extras Digital Amplifier Technology: The Class D digital amplifiers provide clean, powerful sound while extending battery life Odyssey™ Transducers: The two aluminum domed transducers are driven by powerful Neodymium magnets Computer Optimised Equalisation: The JBL On Stage Micro system equalization was computer optimized to provide a rich, complete sound stage Advanced Energy Management System: The JBL On Stage Micro system has an automatic battery saving shutoff Power: Powered via mains adaptor or 4 AAA batteries (not included) Dimensions: Diameter: 15.09 cm, Height: 3.96 cm 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 iPod sold separately This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Flowers Birthday Cake, at Marks and Spenser
25 portions Sponge cake: all-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Sponge cakes can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Cake Diam: 22.5cm 1.8kg total weight Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians As featured on page 67 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

M&S Flush Wall Mount for 21-26'' TV, at Marks&Spencer
Fits LCD and TFT screens from 21-26 inches Flush to wall mount VESA compliant for 75, 100 and 200 standard fittings Simple two-part assembly All fixings supplied Dimensions: H28.5 x W29 x D8.5cm 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Cool & Fresh Pure Cotton Keyhole Feature Trunks, at Marks and Spenser
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

Embroidered Wing Underwired Multiway Bra, at M&S
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a flattering fit, secure support and comfort

Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo 8GB, at Marks and Spencer
Optimum for storing, sharing and transferring thousands of high quality pictures, videos and music Memory: Flash Memory Storage Capacity: 8GB Dimensions: 20 x 31 x 1.6mm Weight: 2g Operating Voltage: 2.7 V - 3.6 V Environmental temperature: -25C to 85C Minimum write speed: 15 Mbps(1875MB/sec) Free to Download, the Memory Stick Data Rescue Service enables quick recovery of deleted photographs and files(www.sonydigital-link.com/memstick/) Warranty: 5 years Delivered with a standard size adaptor Ideal for high resolution video recording Compatible with all Sony Cyber-shot, Handycam, VAIO, PSP & Alpha released after 2007 Compatible with copyright protection technology ("MagicGate")

Per Una Cotton Rich Roma Kickflare Belted Jeans, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable pair of kickflare jeans in stretch cotton featuring a contrast stitch detail and quilted effect belt

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Button Down Oxford Shirt, at M&S
Relaxed and stylish, this long sleeve shirt is made from pure cotton, so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Per Una Pure Cotton Tropic Leaf Print Dress, at Marks & Spensers
A colourful tropic leaf print dress in pure soft cotton featuring a pleated neck detail

Aladdin DVD, at Marks & Spencers
Rating Universal, suitable for all,

Pure Cotton Satin Edge Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this satin edge shirt is made from pure cotton

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

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at Mark & Spensers
Relaxed and stylish, this check shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen, so it feels cool and comfortable to wear.

Mother's Day Cupcake Jotter Box, at Marks and Spencer
1 jotter box 1 block of paper 1 pencil H100 x Diam 125mm

Welcome Reds & Whites - Case of 12, at Mark & Spensers
1 Domaine Cambos Gros Manseng 2008 1 Miradou, Ctes de Provence Ros 2008 1 Domaine Lafage VdP des Ctes Catalanes 2007 1 Campo Bravo Rioja Vendimia Seleccionada 2007 2 Santa Gloria Chardonnay 2008 2 Ponticello, Pinot Grigio di Sicilia 2008 2 Santa Gloria Merlot 2008 2 Villagio, Negroamaro Puglia 2008 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Cotton Rich Roma Bootleg Jeans with Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Includes belt shown A fashionable pair of bootleg trousers in stretch cotton featuring a snake effect belt

Essential Padded Laptop Briefcase, at Marks & Spencers
This smart padded bag makes a stylish and practical way to carry and protect your laptop and cables

Pasta Recipe Book, at Marks and Spenser
Pasta - food for passion, food for life! For food that puts the colour and fun back into your life, look no further than pasta. Infinitely versatile and always delicious, pasta allows you to cook up a storm in the kitchen and whip up Italian delights that cannot fail to impress. Invite over the family, gather around the kitchen table and tuck into some truly inspirational food. For fail-safe ideas that take the minimum of effort, look no further than the recipes inside this book

Ring Charm Engagement Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Engagement Inside message: With love Approx. size: 178 mm x 126 mm FSC: This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

M&S Finance Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Car Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Car Insurance and Household Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Household Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Finance Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.