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 Mark & Spencers are so useful. M+S Money 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 Money 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 Money House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

When you're shopping at Marks & 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 M+S Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to House Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spensers than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M+S 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 M+S Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M+S 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."

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

Also, on both M+S Money 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.

Reversible Knitted Wrap, at Marks & Spencers
Keep warm without compromising on style! This fashionable wrap is reversible, making it even more versatile. A great way to add a cosy extra layer

Pure Cotton Roll Up Broad Brim Hat, at M&S
Express your stylish side with this wide roll up brim hat

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Snoopy Shorts, at Marks&Spencer
Fun and fabulous, this 5 pack of cotton shorts feature assorted Snoopy designs

Per Una Floral Print Pleat Skirt, at M&S
A stylish mid-calf length skirt in stretch cotton featuring a floral print and pleat design

Adored Floral Embroidered High Leg Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and stylish, these embroidered briefs are made from the softest fabric and trims, so they feel blissfully comfortable to wear. The high leg style makes legs look longer, giving a flattering shapely fit. Feminine everyday lingerie

Artificial Floral Gerbera in Smoked Glass Vase, at Marks and Spencer
Artificial gerbera Oval shaped vase Pebble detail at base Height: 66cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Light Control Smooth Mesh Trim Body, at Marks & Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds! This light control body gently shapes your figure all over for a smoother, sleeker silhouette

Spot Fishnet Tights, at Marks & Spenser
Add a stylish touch of chic with this head-turning spot fishnet design

Natural Beauty Body Wash, at Marks & Spensers
Bath and Body wash Naturally fragranced Free from synthetic preservatives and colour 250ml

Per Una Floral Sandals, at Marks & Spenser
Floral detail Buckle fastening Thong style Flat sole Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Short Sleeve Round Neck Spongebob T-Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Fans of Spongebob Absorb will love this crew neck cotton t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style.

Bodyshaper Textured Diamond Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Add a stylish touch of chic with this head-turning diamond design

M&S Juicer, at M&S
1 litre capacity 30 watt Removable & washable filter Transparent plastic body Cord storage Dimensions: H32cm 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

Pure Cotton Stripe Hooded Cardigan, at Marks & Spensers
Soft and comfy, this stripe hooded cardigan is made from pure cotton and features a zip fastening. A fashionable easycare style

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Knitted Top with Necklace, at Marks & Spencers
A feminine 3/4 sleeve knitted top featuring a v-neck. Beaded necklace makes it extra stylish

Maternity Ruched Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, these ruched bikini bottoms are designed to flatter you and your bump. Added stretch and a clever cut gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A fashionable, functional choice

Cotton Rich Slim Bootleg Jeans with Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Like the classic bootleg, these jeans are flattering, feminine, shapely and easy to wear. They're cut narrower from the knee, giving a long, lean silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Multiway Sheer Strap Push-Up Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Whether you wear it strapless, cross-over or conventional, this smart bra offers the best in versatile comfort thanks to a multiway design and gently padded cups. An essential addition to any wardrobe

Younger Girls' Stud Skinny Belt, at Marks&Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this multi stud belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Limited Collection Lampshade Mini Skirt, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Limited Collection's LA Love trend. Feminine, soft and laid back, this is a fashionable LA look with a boho vibe. Beautiful fabrics and playful prints are key

Pure Cotton Zip Off Camouflage Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
The camouflage design and multiple pockets make these pure cotton trousers a stylish and practical choice

Petite A-Line Skirt with Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and modern, this flared a-line skirt features stitch detail. A great work-to-evening style. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Medium Blonde Doll, at M&S
Suitable for ages 1-3yrs H39cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Pure Linen Wide Leg Trousers, at M&S
Casual wide leg trousers in pure cool linen featuring a double button fastening

Nan Tiny Fairies Teacup Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: A Lovely Birthday for a very Lovely Nan A lovely Nan like you Deserves a special day Because you are so wonderful In each and every way! Inside message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 230mm x 114mm

Autograph Leather Zipped Washbag, at M & S
Stylish and contemporary, this leather wash bag is a fashionable and practical must-have

Baby Boy in Box Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text reads: Baby boy Inside message: Congratulations on your special delivery! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future 175 x 127 mm

Faceted Button Clip-On Earrings, at M&S
Clip-on fastening Faceted button design

Grand Enclos de Ceron 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks&Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Double Layer Longline Jersey Tunic, at M & S
This fab double layered longer length tunic is a style essential this season. An great match for slim cut trousers or jeans

M+S Money 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 Money 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 Marks and Spencer 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 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 Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.