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 Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make M & S 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 Financial Services 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 Financial Services Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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 Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencer than you might imagine.

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

Shopping for financial products at M&S Financial Services UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark & Spensers online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Financial Services website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car 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 and Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Financial Services in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Financial Services website.

Artificial Poppy in Square Glass Vase, at Marks and Spencers
Artificial poppy Square glass vase Height: 41cms, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Double Pocket Lined Holdall Bag, at M & S
Stylish and practical, this holdall is ideal for business or weekend travel

Playmobil Police Seaplane Toy, at Marks & Spencer
Suitable for ages 4+ Floating feature Consists space for two figures Functioning propellers Wingspan: approximately 16 inches This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Mark & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this tailored single breasted jacket is made from wool rich fabric. Ideal for work and everyday wear

Artificial Orchid in Mirror Bowl, at M & S
Artificial orchid Mirror bowl vase No watering required therefore easy care Fresh looking throughout the year Height: 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Mirror Plate Candle Set, at Marks & Spenser
Set of 5 Mirror base Burns for up to 18 hours Candle: H11cm Plate: L41 x W8.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Full Volume Mascara, at Marks and Spencer
Smooth, glossy mascara for full volume lashes Revolutionary brush shape gives up to 300% volume Non flaking Smudge proof Hypoallergenic Available in 5 shades

Silver Plated Abalone Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks & Spencers
Y shaped necklace Drop style earrings Abalone effect This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Girls' Limited Cable Knit Sleeveless Waistcoat, at Marks & Spencers
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

Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S Laptop, at M+S
Processor: Intel CoreTM 2 Duo Processor T6400, Supports Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Memory: 800 DDR2 SDRAM (2x2GB) Hard Drive: 320 GB, 5400 (rpm) Display: 14.1" (1280 x 800) X-black LCD Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS GPU Interfaces: Memory Stick™ Std / Duo, Memory Stick™ PRO Std / Duo, high speed data transfer Interfaces: Stereo Headphones/Speakers Jack Interfaces: USB Port x3 Connectivity: Ethernet network, Built-in Modem V.92/V.90 and Integrated Wireless LAN Battery: Lithium-Ion battery (VGP-BPS13S) Audio software: VAIO Music Box, Windows Media Player 11, SonicStage Mastering Studio 2.4 Video and TV software: Me&MyVAIO, VAIO Content Importer / Exporter, WinDVD BD 8 for VAIO, DivX Player and Converter, VAIO Movie Story Photo software: Adobe Photoshop Elements 6, Picture Motion Browser, VAIO Movie Story CD-DVD Burning software: Easy Media Creator 10, Click to Disc/Editor Office Application software: Adobe Reader 8.1, Adobe Standard 8, Microsoft Works 9.0, Microsoft Office Trial 2007 (60 days Try & Buy) Security and other software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 60 days free virus update), VAIO Recovery Utility 2.6 - HDD recovery (hidden partition), Google software package Supplied: AC Adaptor, battery and power cord Dimensions: D245 x H29 to 39.8 x W335.8mm Weight: 2.6 Kg (with battery and supplied drive) This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

Cross Dye Stitch Detail Quilted Bedcover, at Marks & Spencers
Cross dye design Stitch detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pavilion Cup & Saucer, at Marks & Spensers
2 part set Platinum detail Saucer diameter: 16cm Cup height: 6cm Not suitable for use in microwaves, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pack Easycare Long Sleeve Shirts, at Marks & Spensers
Woven in a no-fuss easycare fabric, long sleeves and double button cuffs add a smart focus to your office look. A practical and convenient choice for everyday wear

Adored Ribbon Trim Nightdress, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and elegant, this flattering nightdress is part of our feminine Adored collection. It's made from a model blend for the ultimate in comfort

Underwired High Impact Sports Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Offering the superior support and control you need for those high energy workouts. This high impact sports bra sets the pace for essential comfort thanks to an easycare fabric and the shape retaining qualities of added stretch

5 Cotton Rich Animal Print Bikini Knickers, at Marks and Spencers
These animal print cotton rich knickers are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

Hepworth Media Unit, at Marks & Spencers
H51 x L108 x W48cm Top: H15 x W47 x D43cm Bottom: H13 x W47 x D46cm 4 drawers and 2 glass shelves Metal Brass detailing on corners, feet and handles Made from European solid birch and birch veneer Treated with a rich stain and aged with dark patina known as a 'housemaid's rub' Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawer boxes made from solid European Birch. Drawers made from veneers Legs mad from European solid birch Handles made of solid antiqued brass Side panels and back panels are veneered. Top panel is veneered with solid birch 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure Wool Single Pleat Trousers, at Mark & 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. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

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

Sprung-Edge Divan on Legs & M400 Mattress - Medium, at Mark's & Spencer
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190 cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 31cm Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give the mattress edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel Mattress spring count: 1054 Sprung-edge divan can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Foil Spot Tissue Pack, at Marks and Spencers
Pack of 3 Metallic effect 2 sheets spotty tissue, 1 sheet plain silver tissue 700 x 500mm

Pure Wool Broadway Rug, at Marks and Spenser
Rectangular Indented cross pattern Small: L150 x W100cm Medium: L180 x W120cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Rectangle Plaque Buckle Belt, at Marks and Spenser
Add a smart finishing touch with this pure leather belt and plaque buckle

Pure Linen Pleated Front Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated linen shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a stunning pleated detail

Lexington Flight Bag, at Marks & Spencers
Whether you're heading to the gym or a quick weekend jaunt away, keep your belongings safe and secure with the zip fastening design of this roomy flight bag

Metal Bud Gem Photo Frame 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), at Marks & Spencer
Metal bud design Aperture 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Linen Pintuck Design Floral Top, at Marks & Spensers
Bring some casual elegance to your wardrobe, with this short sleeve floral print top, that features a button placket and pintuck design, giving it an extra stylish twist

Autograph Penthouse Leaf Bedcover with Silk, at M+S
Leaf jacquard design Dimension: 200 x 255cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Spencer Chemise, at Mark & Spensers
Pretty and feminine, this spencer nightdress is made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

3 Tea Light Holders, at MarksandSpencer
Set of 3 Crystal cut design Dimensions: H4 x Diam 8cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Financial Services offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car 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 Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Financial Services Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car 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 Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, or Tesco:

• 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 Car 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.