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 M+S are so useful. M&S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Property 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 Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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.

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 Spencers 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 Spenser, through its M&S 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 Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Lace Sling Push Up Multiway Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Stripe Bra, at MarksandSpencer
Fun and fabulous, this cotton rich t-shirt bra is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. It's perfectly smooth so you won't get any visible lumps and bumps under your clothes. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Water Repellent Funnel Neck Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this water repellent jacket is fully lined and features a funnel neck with popper fastening. A comfortable, easycare style

Anniversary Mix - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
1 Chablis Vieilles Vignes, Anniversary Cuve 2006: An intensely dry and persistent Chablis with wonderful concentration of crunchy green apple fruit and fresh, lemony acidity. Highly traditional in style, this wine displays the kind of stony, yeasty complexity and a long, mineral-driven finish that is only found in the best wines of Chablis... 1 Les Ruettes Sancerre, Anniversary Cuve 2007:This is an intense yet subtle and refined white, a superb accompaniment for food but just as delightful on its own. Classic Sancerre aromas of gooseberry and wet stone are matched by a palate profile... 1 Mathilde de Favray Pouilly Fum, Anniversary Cuve 2007: A steely and intense Sauvignon Blanc with a fine mineral edge and wonderful length... 1 Anniversary Fleurie 2007: A superbly concentrated Fleurie with unusual depth and complexity of flavour. As well as the attractive floral aromas and soft black cherry flavours expected of a wine from this highly-rated Beaujolais cru, it also has a surprising intensity found only in the very best examples... 1 Les Closiers Chteauneuf-du-Pape, Anniversary Cuve 'Tronconique' 2005: This classic Chteauneuf-du-Pape is packed with delicious ripe fruit and spicy flavours. It is a bold and heart-warming red but shows great elegance and structure; as such it is an outstanding example of its style... 1 Margaux, Anniversary Cuve 2004: Subtle and refined, this is benchmark claret with all the finesse and perfume that is expected of a classic Margaux. For all its character, the wine retains a freshness and lightness of touch typical of the best red Bordeaux wines... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Cotton Loop Bathmats, at Marks and Spenser
Block colour design Bathmat: L80 x W50cm Pedestal:: L55 x W50cm Bathmat and pedestal mat must be purchased separately, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Florentyna Body Powder, at M&S
Lightly dust over body after a bath or shower to leave skin feeling silky smooth and delicately fragranced 150g

Classic Collection Pure Silk Lightweight Trailing Floral Scarf, at M&S
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk floral print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Autograph Essentials Wool Rich Single Button Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Luxurious and elegant, this smartly tailored wool rich single breasted jacket is part of our exclusive Autograph range

Autograph Beaded Stretch Bracelet, at Marks & Spencers
Stretch bracelet Bead design Inner diameter: 18cm

Prints - NAT LINEAR LEAF, at M&S
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

North Coast Pure Cotton Dobby Check Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this short sleeve dobby check shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

British Heritage Grain Lace Up Gibson Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Lace up 4 eyelets Round toe Shallow block heel Inspired by traditional design Goodyear welted sole Full leather lining Crafted from premium calf leathers Made by hand in the UK

Pure Cotton Floral Print Knee Length Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and sassy, this cotton skirt features a floral print. A fabulous fashionable look

Long Sleeve Hood Padded Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this padded jacket is fully lined and features a tie waist belt. A comfortable, easycare style

Bright Text Mum and Dad Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy anniversary Mum & Dad Inside message: With lots of love Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Long Sleeve Stripe Fleece Hooded Top, at Marks n Spencer
Soft and comfy, this fashionable fleece hooded top features a stripe design. A modern, practical and easycare style

Autograph Pure New Wool Flat Front Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, these flat front trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Schug Carneros Chardonnay 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: USA Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Light Control Spot Print Mesh High Leg Briefs, at M&S
Look slimmer in seconds! These light control knickers gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

Pink Holographic Butterfly Garden Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover Text: Birthday Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Cotton Stick Floor Lamp, at M+S
Square shade Tall stem Square base H136 x D30cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hooded Tracksuit Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Stylish and practical, this great looking tracksuit jacket is comfortable, easycare and easy to move around in

Collezione Wool Rich Single Breasted 3 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
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

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted 3 Button Jacket, at M&S
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 to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Embroidered Wing Underwired Multiway Bra, at Marks and Spencers
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

2 GG-J Plain Underwired Bras, at Marks & Spensers
Soft and comfortable, this pack of 2 plain bras is great value. They're designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

Circular Gem Brooch, at Marks and Spencer
Interlinked circular design Gem detail Comes in presentation bag

Knitted Fine Ribbed Wrap, at Marks and Spencer
Keep warm without compromising on style! This fashionable fine ribbed wrap feels soft and cosy and makes a great way to add an extra layer

Autograph Leather Gunmetal Belt, at M & S
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather gunmetal belt

Limited Collection Bow Court Shoes, at Mark & Spensers
Heel height: 55mm Round toe Bow detail Slip on Court style Mid heel Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

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 M&S Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & 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."