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, Household Insurance policies. Usually, UK Household 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 Household 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 Household 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 Spencer 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&Spencer, through its M&S Finance website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Household 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 Spenser 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Household Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencers than you might imagine.

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

Pleated Slim Leg Peg Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Slim and stylish, these peg trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. Added stretch gives the perfect fit.

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Pleated Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary pleat detail

First Readers The Enormous Turnip, at Marks & Spensers
A little old man finds an enormous turnip, only he can't pull it up so he has to ask others for help!

Gold Plated Shell Drop Earrings, at MarksandSpencer
Hook fastening Drop style Shell detail Multi bead design

Autograph Mock Layer Crew Neck T-Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Whether you're heading for bed or relaxing at home, this comfortable t-shirt is great for chilling out in style. Mix and match with our pyjama bottoms

Multi-Strand Stretch Bracelet, at Marks & Spencer
Multi-strand design Stretch style

Autograph Best Pure Silk Contrast Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Big & Tall Twin Pleat Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend with stretch. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Oak & Metal Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at Marks and Spencer
Wide border Rectangle shape Aperture: 12 x 18cm (5 x 7''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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' Plain Fluffy Dressing Gown, at Marks&Spencer
Soft and cosy, this dressing gown is made from comfy fluffy fabric

Safe Sun Thomas the Tank Engine Swimwear, at Marks and Spenser
Play it safe with this cute sunsuit and desert cap set. It is designed for good coverage while the comfy stretch fabric lets him run around freely

Skinny Plaited Belt, at Mark & Spensers
Define your waistline with this fashionable plainted skinny belt

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Stripe T-Shirt, at M&S
Fashionable and relaxed, this crew neck t-shirt is made from pure cotton it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Portfolio Speckled Bangle, at Marks n Spencer
Chunky style Speckled design

Autograph Bronzer Brush, at M & S
Handmade Enables you to achieve a controlled light and even coverage

Dr Dog Book, at Marks and Spencer
Feeling dizzy? Feeling sick? You need the expert attention of Dr Dog! Both pet and personal physician to the Gumboyle family, Dr Dog is always on hand with the perfect diagnosis and remedy for every complaint. So, whether it's tickly tonsils, itchy nits or unspeakable tummy troubles, hear some common sense advice from Dr Dog - the canine consultant that no home should be without

Classic Collection Floral Embroidered Pump Slippers, at MarksandSpencer
Round toe Pump style Floral embroidered design Slip on Flat sole Comes in sizes 3-8

Bubbles Bud Vase, at Marks & Spenser
This hand made bubble bud vase is an ideal way to add a bit of colour and elegance to any bare space in your home

Sony HTP-B350IS Home Theatre System, at Marks n Spencer
Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray Disc player - outputs HD1080p / 24p True Cinema picture, plus upscales existing DVD's to give you the best quality when using the HDMI connection 5.1 channel surround sound system with 450W total power output Cut equipment clutter and enjoy massive sound from speakers no bigger than a golf ball 3 HDMI™ inputs (1 out) with pass through of High Definition 1080p plus x.v. Colour and 24p True Cinema technology that adjusts picture settings on pass through to make movies look as authentic as the original Sony DIGITAL MEDIA PORT - connect to and release digital music stored on your WALKMAN or other mp3 players, mobile phones, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices 3x optical inputs for connectivity to set-top boxes and gaming consoles S-AIR Ready - an optional extra that enables you to go wireless and enjoy a cable free environment (rear speakers only) Multimedia guaranteed with BD-ROM/R/RE, DVD-+Video/R/RW, CD Playback, AVCHD Playback BD-Live ready: Just connect the player to the internet and download the latest firmware to access studio-specific online content including trailers, interviews and other extras through your Blu-ray Disc™ Player. The Quick Start-up mode enables you to enjoy your Blu-ray movies already after just six seconds (6 sec). The new XrossMediaBar™ guarantuees an easy to understand menu control, simple for everybody to use intuitively all of the players functions With 24p True Cinema you can sit back and watch the film like in real cinema, without length or quality losses New Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology that converts standard-definition signals (480i) to 1080p and outputs a full HD equivalent resolution signal to 1080p TVs via HDMI™

3 Cotton Rich Vests, at Marks and Spencers
There's no denying the soft and warm feeling you get from a pure cotton vest - and this great value set can give this to you every day

Footglove™ Widefit Leather Toepost Flip Flops, at Marks and Spencer
Flat sole Stitch detail Thong style Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Hamilton Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spencer
50% reduction on Dakota Leather Espresso applied 21 May - 1 June 2009. 30% reduction on all fabrics applied 9 April - 20 May 2009. Higher prices applied between at least 25 February - 8 April 2009. H95 x W220 x D99cm Seat H49cm, arm H66cm, top back rail H73cm (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 All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - 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 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Die Cut Butterflies Age 7 Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: 7 Happy birthday Inside message: To...from Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Pure Silk Abstract Print Lightweight Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk abstract print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Per Una Twill Tencel Trousers, at M&S
A fabulous wideleg pair of trousers in pure tencel featuring stitch detail and 2 button fastening

Stain Defence™ Junior Centre Pleat Culottes, at M & S
Fashionable as well as practical, these easycare culottes make a stylish alternative to skirts or trousers for school

Wow Damask Pencil Pleat Curtains, at Mark & 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

Ribbon Blossom 'Thinking of You' Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Thinking of you Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150mm x 150mm

Ultimate Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at M & S
Smart, practical and comfortable, our essential suits are made in stylish designs from durable fabrics. Ideal for everyday wear

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 Household 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 Household 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.