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

M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 M & S 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, Sainsburys, or Tesco's:

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

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 Buildings 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 Buildings 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.

Formula: Age Repair Cleanse with Ceramide, at Marks and Spencers
Targets fine lines and wrinkles Jojoba to cleanse and soften skin Vitamins A, C and E to nourish Ceramide for younger looking skin Hypoallergenic Suitable for all skin types 200ml

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Mr Grumpy Pyjamas, at Marks n Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these pure cotton long sleeve mr grumpy pyjamas feature a motif print

3 Pairs of Assorted Trainer Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Designed to hide neatly inside your trainers, these breathable cotton rich socks are made with added stretch for comfort, superior shape retention and durability

Autograph Mobile Office, at Marks and Spenser
Free 5 year guarantee Take the hassle out of commuting with this practical mobile office. With enough storage space for your laptop and other important office documents, this practical, durable rollercase is the answer for business travel Includes free i-trak luggage ID service see details below

Liebfraumilch 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Mixed White Country of origin: Germany Closure: Screw cap Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 10.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 7.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.3 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Silver Plated Diamanté Charmer Hoop Earrings, at Marks & Spencer
Hook fastening Hoop design Diamant detail For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Vegetables for Roasting, at Mark & Spencers
Serves 4-6 Ready to cook Suitable for nut allergy sufferers 2 x 500g As featured on page 41 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Open Coil Sprung Nursery Mattress, at Marks and Spencer
L140 x W70 x D15cm Spring count: 90 Open coil sprung for extra support Cot bed not included Hygienic, moisture-resistant covering Suitable for the feet-to-foot sleeping position recommended by health professionals Fully conformed to current safety standards Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Marina 300 Waterproof Two-Way Radios, at Marks & Spenser
Waterproof up to 1 meter Dust proof and shock resistant Range up to 2 miles (3km) depending on environment and terrain Up to 8 channel combinations Backlit LCD Adjustable volume control Rechargeable Low battery warning Belt clip This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Grow Your Own Sprouting Seeds, at Marks & Spencers
This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pasta Salad with Spinach & Pine Nuts, at Marks & Spencer
Serves 8 Ready to eat 700g Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers As featured on page 27 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Little Birds Text Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Have a lovely day Approx. size: 150 x 150mm

All Reds - Case of 12, at Mark & Spencers
2 La Tentation de Richelieu 2005: A powerful Bordeaux red which offers a wonderful combination of traditional flavours with ripe fruit concentration... 2 Chianti Riserva 2004: With its subtle, engaging flavours of sour cherry, dark chocolate and baked herbs, this is classic Chianti made in a highly approachable style... 4 Turn the Table Shiraz 2007: A deliciously juicy, fresh style of South African Shiraz that sets a new quality standard for affordable Cape reds... 4 El Tidon Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: A fresh and deliciously fruity red blend from the sunny vineyards of Castilla La Mancha in central Spain... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Body DD-G Non Padded Bras, at Marks & Spenser
Sleek and stylish, this plain bra is smoothly finished, so there are no visible outlines under clothes. It's underwired and structured to give fuller busts great support and an enhanced natural shape. Designed for a streamlined silhouette

Maternity Cotton Rich Drawstring Joggers, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and casual, these plain joggers are designed to flatter you and your bump. A drawstring waist gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A fashionable, functional choice

Best-Loved Plants Book, at Marks and Spencers
A beautiful range of 5 gardening titles, full of inspiring ideas and tips both for the novice and more experienced gardener. From pots and small backyards to larger gardens, feel confident in choosing the right flowers and shrubs for the right place all year round! Packed full of wonderful colour photography, these books will prepare and motivate you to garden.

Collezione Etched Rectangle Cufflinks, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and sophisticated, these cufflinks add a touch of Italian-inspired style

The High Waist Wide Leg Belted Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
These belted high waist trousers come in this season's fashionable mini dogtooth check. Wide legs always look elegant and create a flattering and striking silhouette

Autograph Pure Cotton Double Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Casual and contemporary, this pure cotton double stripe polo shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Glacier Bead Stretch Bracelet, at Mark & Spensers
Mixed bead design Stretch style

M&S 4GB SD Memory Card, at Marks and Spencer
Read (MB /s): 18MB Write (MB /s): 6MB Available capacity: 3890MB 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

Earth Spa Soothing Flower Milk Bath, at Marks & Spencer
250ml With elements from around the globe to restore, replenish and pamper With jasmine, lotus flowermilk ans essential oils of bergamont Rose & orange flower to moisturise and relax

Pure Silk Assorted Check Tie, at MarksandSpencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary assorted check tie in pure silk

Airflex™ Apron Derby Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Square shaped Lace-up 3 Eyelets Shallow block heel

Authentic Beach Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Loose fitting and lightweight, the functional design of these versatile beach trousers makes them a must-have for your summer wardrobe

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

Contemporary Text 60th Birthday Card, at M & S
Approx. size: 215 x 150mm Cover text: 60 years young! Inside message: Happy birthday

Small Square Jewellery Box, at Marks & Spencers
3 drawers Square design

2 Pure Cotton Chino Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
A stylish smart-casual look, these straight leg chinos are made from pure cotton. A comfortable, practical and easycare choice. Made in an eco-factory, designed to use less energy and create less waste

M&S Pure Cotton Pull On Bucket Hat, at M & S
This colored hat is ideal for all your summer activities this season. Whether you find yourself at a festival, in the garden or at the beach the wide brim will keep you feeling cool and well protected

Besides Marks & Spencer Motor Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance 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 M&S Finance 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 Finance 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.