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. Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money Buildings 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 Marks and Spenser 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 Marks & Spencer Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencer online store for your summer outfit, or looking for furniture to give your home a makeover, then spend a moment to also consider products from Marks & Spencer Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at M+S than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from Marks & Spencer Money. With images of volcano ash still fresh in many traveller's minds, it's good to remember there were many travellers who ended up wishing they had spent just a few pounds extra to obtain travel insurance for their trip. Of course, unfortunately, after the event is too late!

In fact, had you purchased travel insurance from Marks & Spencer Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the Marks & Spencer Money website would have seen a message stating that although claims relating to volcanic eruptions are not normally covered by travel insurance, that on this particular occasion, they would "allow claims from UK customers affected by the volcanic ash that has recently grounded flights."

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

King Kong Blu-ray DVD, at Marks & Spenser
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Gold Plated Multi Strand Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks & Spencers
2 part set Stud earrings Clasp fastening multi strand beads necklace Necklace lenght 41cm, extentable by 8cm For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Made from soft cool cotton, this cute polo top will keep him feeling comfortable in hot weather

Playstation 3® Singstar® ABBA, at Marks and Spenser
Featuring 25 legendary ABBA hits Includes all the classic SingStar multiplayer modes With support for high definition music videos plus access to the SingStore. Suitable for ages 3+ Enhanced with PLAYSTATIONEye 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3, ESRB Rating: Everyone

Wow Damask Pencil Pleat Curtains, at Marks & Spencers
Damask design Pencil pleat Lined Comes in standard 168cm/66'' (STD) and wider 219cm/86'' (WDR) widths Also comes in three drop lengths: short (137cm/54''), medium (183cm/72''), long (229cm/90'') How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Die Cut Duckling New Baby Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: New baby Inside message: Congratulations Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Grazia - Magazine Gift Subscription, at Marks & Spencer
Grazia is a fabulous mix of front-page stories, stunning designer fashion, fabulous shopping and more

5 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Assorted Slips, at Marks & Spensers
Made from soft breathable stretch cotton, these comfy slips are ideal for everyday wear.

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve 'Im The Little Sister' Top, at MarksandSpencer
Cute and practical, this top is outstanding value. The soft cotton fabric will keep her happy and comfy

Mirrored Small Bathroom Cabinet, at Marks and Spencer
Smooth design 1 interior shelf Dimensions: H42 x W22 x D12cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Flat Front Black Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Our Autograph suits are made from finer fabrics with superior attention to detail, giving you the ultimate in sharp, sophisticated style

Pure Cotton Henley Neck Stripe Top, at M&S
Soft and comfortable, this cotton pyjama top can be worn with a number of our pyjama bottoms and shorts to create your own style

Dido - Safe Trip Home CD, at Mark's & Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Embroidered Cross-Over Non-Wired Full Cup Bra, at Marks & Spencers
A classic cross-over bra designed to give you a great level of support without any fuss. Full cups work together with adjustable straps to give you a good shape without wiring

Stoneburn Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screwcap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Younger Boys' Mr Bump Slippers, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe 'Mr Bump' motif Lined Flat sole Copyright 2009 Mister Men Limited (a Chorion company). All rights reserved.THE MR MEN SHOW™ and DILLYDALE™ are trade marks of THOIP (a Chorion company). All rights reserved.

Sonoma Dark 2-Door Glazed Top Unit, at Marks & Spencer
H110 x W123 x D33cm Internal lights with on/off switch 2 adjustable glass shelves Glass doors and shelves are made from safety-tested toughened glass This top unit is designed to sit on the Sonoma Dark 2-Drawer Sideboard. Click hereto view the Sideboard Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side panels and back panels made with White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength 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. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this top unit as part of a set. Click here to view the Dark Sonoma Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Wide Fit Leather Mid Heel Court Shoes, at Mark's & Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail Slip-on Mid heel Heel height: 58mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

125 Years Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Check Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

Harvard Shower Gel, at Marks and Spencer
100ml

Spot Mesh Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks & Spenser
Feminine and pretty, this spot design padded balcony bra is ideal for everyday wear. Underwiring and padding give an uplifted and enhanced natural shape

Belt Stitched Tote Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and useful, this tote bag features buckled loop strap detail and a stitch belt design. A practical and fashionable accessory

Polka Dot Bikini Top, at Marks & Spensers
Modern and stylish, this bikini is outstanding value. Style and quality at a great price

Disney My Friends Tigger & Pooh Story Collection Book, at Mark's & Spencer
When Pooh and the gang take a break from painting the scenery for a stage show, they return to find some new colours on the set. But where did they come from? Ready the story to find out if another mystery will soon be history! Then, complete the activity pages at the end of the book. Includes stickers of all your favourite friends

Indian Summer Pure Cotton Sequin Stripe Table Runner, at Marks & Spencer
Sequin detail Stripe design Dimensions: L230 x W33cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fern Armchair, at Mark's & Spencer
H98 x W106 x D98cm Seat: H50cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining Ecoflex™ foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support, made with 80% recycled plastic bottles 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 Available with loose cushion covers 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 Feet are glides Available in Fairtrade certified cotton (cream coloured) 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

Autograph Modal Blend Short Sleeve Henley Neck Top, at Marks and Spencer
Whether you're heading for bed or relaxing at home, this comfortable modal blend pyjama top is great for chilling out in style. Mix and match with our pyjama bottoms

Diamanté Detail Compact Mirror, at Marks&Spencer
Round shape Diamant detail Lightweight Clasp fastening

Secret Support™ Slip on Boots, at Marks n Spencer
Round toe Faux fur lining and trim Slip on Flat sole

Besides Marks and Spencer Motor Insurance, Marks & Spencer Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencer Money Buildings 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both Marks & Spencer Money Premier Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings 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.