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

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 Motor 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; Motor Insurance and Buildings 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 Buildings 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark's & Spencer 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 Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings 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 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.

Pavilion 16-Piece Cutlery Set, at Mark's & Spencer
16-piece set Includes 4 knives, 4 forks, 4 spoons and 4 teaspoons 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Younger Girls' Dora Swim Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this swim bag features drawstring fastening. It's easy to carry and there's lots of room for all the essentials

Silver Bubble Table Lamp, at Mark & Spencers
Bubble design base Fabric shade H45 x Diam 30cm Bulb: 40W E14 SES This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited Diamanté Button Cropped Cargo Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
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

Handcrafted Sex Bomb Valentine Card with Badge, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Sex bomb Inside message: With love on Valentine's Day Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Soft Vanilla Lantern Candle, at Marks and Spencers
Soft vanilla fragrance Includes wooden plate Burns up to 4 hours, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Duckling Medium Gift Bag, at Mark's & Spencer
1 gift bag Approx size: H260 x W200 x D90mm

In Bloom Honeysuckle & Jasmine Eau De Toilette, at Marks and Spencer
Honeysuckle and Jasmine fragrance 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Gascogne Cuvée Spéciale 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Colombard and Ugni Blanc Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 11.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 8.6 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.4 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Silver Plated Sparkle Loop Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks & Spensers
2 part set Butterly stud fastening earrings Clasp fastening necklace with adjustable length Loop design Diamant detail

Autograph Pure Cotton Hooded Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this cotton dressing gown makes the perfect lightweight cover up

Dave's Celebration Goal Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover Text: Happy Birthday! Inside Message: Have a great day! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Artificial Cherry Blossom in Ceramic Vase, at M+S
Artificial cherry blossom Ceramic oval pot Height: 80cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3/4 Sleeve Single Button Cardigan with Wool, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and cosy, this cardigan features 3/4 length sleeves. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Wooden Giraffe Toy, at Marks & Spencer
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Approx 18cm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ellipse Collection - Table Lamp, at Marks & Spenser
Suede shade Ellipse stand Rectangular base 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

Malabar 2 Door Sideboard, at Marks and Spenser
H90 x W130 x D50cm 2 drawers 1 adjustable shelf in each cupboard Made from solid mango wood Treated with a protective low-sheen lacquer that provides added durability Fitted with antique-brass-effect handles 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 sideboard 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

Per Una Styled Floral Embroidered Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and delicate, this bra is beautifully embellished with floral embroidery. Soft padding and underwiring give support and a flattering natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

4 Bude Mugs, at M+S
Set of 4 Suitable for everyday use Ribbed detail H9cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Thermal Opaque Tights with Wool, at Marks & Spencers
These cotton rich thermal tights will keep you feeling warm during the cold months. Added stretch gives a great fit and shape retention

Autograph Silver Plated Heart Charm Bangles, at Mark's & Spencer
3 bangle set Mixed heart charms Diamant detail

2 Cotton Rich Firm Control Briefs, at M & S
This pack of 2 firm control knickers is outstanding value! They gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

Craft Effect Grandson Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: To a very special grandson Inside message: Have a wonderful day Approx size: 150 mm x 150 mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Sun Formula Protect & Refine Facial Sun Lotion, at M & S
Helps to prevent the signs of aging Powerful antioxidant complex Anti-wrinkle Anti-aging Prevention of age spots Australian formula 12 hour moisturisation SPF50 gives up to 50 times your natural skins protection 50ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Cotton Candy Stripe Bedset, at Marks n Spencer
Textured stripe design Single set includes duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of Unisex Trainer Liner Socks, at Mark & Spensers
Featuring a cotton rich weave and added stretch for soft, breathable comfort, these great value trainer liners are the perfect choice for young athletes

Ultimate All Season Stormwear™ Mac, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and contemporary, this mac is treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains

Sprung-Edge 4 Drawer Divan & Autograph M500 Mattress - Medium, at M+S
No turn mattress Mattress and divan are anti-allergy Mattress: spring count 1225, depth 27.5cm Divan height: 41.5cm Divan drawer size: 4 x large H15 x W78.4 x D53cm Single 3ft: W90 x L190cm (has 2 large right- or left-hand drawers) Double 4ft6: W135 x L190cm King size 5ft: W150 x L200cm Super king size 6ft: W180 x L200cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hamilton 2 Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spencer
H95 x W202 x D99cm Seat H49cm, arm H66cm, top back rail H73cm Seat cushions made from Quallofil Extralife filling. Click here for more information on Quallofil Extralife Cushions are reversible on fabric upholstery options Free swatch samples: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Girls' Patent Strap School Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Patent design Single strap with buckle fastening Plain Flat sole Easy clean

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, 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 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.