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, 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 Finance 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 Finance Home 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 Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Finance Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with M&S 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, or Tesco:

• 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 Motor 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.

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

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

Malabar 3-Door Glass Unit, at Mark & Spencers
H114 x W174 x D47cm 6 adjustable shelves Sideboard sold separately Made from solid mango wood Treated with a protective low-sheen lacquer that provides added durability Fitted with antique-brass-effect handles Glass doors are made from safety-tested toughened glass 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 unit as part of a set. Click here to view the Malabar Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Square Stone Drop Earrings, at Marks & Spencer
Hook fastening Drop earrings Square stone Made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Adored Pure Cotton Stripe Minishirt, at Marks & Spenser
Stylish and elegant, this flattering stripe minishirt is part of our feminine Adored collection. It's made from soft pure cotton for the ultimate in comfort

Per Una Cotton Rich Water Repellent Mac, at Marks & Spensers
A smart single breasted mac in soft cotton rich fabric, featuring a printed lining and side pockets

Maxim Side Plate, at Marks & Spencers
Suitable for everyday use Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Diameter 20.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Front Frill Stripe Top, at Marks and Spencers
A modern 3/4 sleeve top in soft fabric featuring a front frill detail and button placket

Garmin Sat Nav 3.5" Travel Pack, at Marks and Spencers
Free 2 year guarantee This pack contains everything you need to get started with your new nvi. The carrying case protects the nuvi from scratches, and the USB cable lets you connect it to your computer to download vehicle icons, addresses, system updates, maps and more. Charge your nvi whilst travelling with included AC charger and international adapters

Square Neck Short Sleeve Tab Dress with Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Chic and stylish, this square neck dress features tab detail. A great choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

Open Season Blu-ray DVD, at Marks and Spenser
Rating Parental Guidance,

Suzie Damask Jacquard Pillowcase, at Mark & Spensers
Fits standard pillows Damask jacquard design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Stretch Denim Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and casual, these straight leg jeans are made with stretch for comfort and ease of movement

Lotus Flower Room Spray, at Marks and Spencers
Floral scent This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
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

Autoritas Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Dry, crisp and fresh Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Mini Craft Floral Cards Multipack, at Marks & Spencers
Contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Cover text: Design 1: Blank, design 2: Just to say..., design 3: Blank, design 4: Thank you Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Photo Cocktail Sister Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Fabulous Sister Inside message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 175 x 126mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Small Bow Gift Bag, at Marks & Spencer
1 gift bag Small satin bow feature H160 x W160 x D90mm

Autograph 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan with Merino Wool, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Autograph's Luxe Tradition trend. Luxurious and contemporary with a sense of British heritage, this trend features a soft colour palette, modern prints and beautiful fabrics. A sophisticated look for the new season

Plain Lightweight Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Sleek and modern, this bra is so light and comfortable you will hardly know you're wearing it. Smooth moulded cups give no visible outlines under clothing. Designed for women who want a streamlined silhouette

Per Una Crinkle Stripe Panelled Skirt with Belt, at Mark & Spensers
A fashionable mid calf length skirt featuring panelled design. Matching buckle belt gives it a Per Una touch

Angular Prail Stretch Bracelet, at M & S
Angular bead design Stretch style

The Dark Knight DVD, at Marks & Spencers
Release Date: 2008-12-08, Rating Suitable for 15 years and over,

Leather Apron Stitch Loafers, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Slip-on Contrast apron stitch Side gusset Heel cushion and arch

Short Sleeve Open Neck Collar Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This outstanding value short sleeve shirt makes a stylish addition to your wardrobe. A great fashion choice for everyday wear

3 Button Chunky Knit Swing Cardigan, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and flattering, this cardigan features a chunky knit for a smart modern look

Dragonfly Brooch, at Marks n Spencer
Dragonfly design Pin fastening

Pure Cotton 'Ben 10' T-Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Fans of Ben 10 will love this short sleeve t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Tribeca Armchair, at Mark's & Spencer
H90 x W101 x D99cm Seat H46cm (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 cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions 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 medium finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

100 Cocktail Sausages, at Marks & Spenser
Contains 100 pieces Serves 20 Ready to eat Suitable for freezing 2 x 500g As featured on page 16 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

2 Fairtrade Spotted Rich Cotton Vests, at Marks and Spencers
Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade Fairtrade certification shows that suppliers have been paid a fair price for their products and their work. Buying Fairtrade helps support farmers in developing countries and their communities

Besides Mark's & Spencer Motor Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Home 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 Home Insurance and Standard Home 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.