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 & Spenser 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 Mark's & Spencer, through its Marks & Spencers Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Shopping for financial products at Marks & Spencers Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the Marks & Spencers Money website:

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

And, just as importantly, contacting Marks & Spencers Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the Marks & Spencers Money website.

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

Pink Embroidered Shoes Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: With love on your birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 x 126mm

Limited Collection Short Sleeve Leather Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Get a high fashion look in this luxurious leather jacket with short sleeves and a fuss-free simple design

3/4 Sleeve Abstract Print Tunic Top, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this abstract print tunic top is made from softly draping stretch viscose for a fluid look. Pintuck front detail adds a fashionable finishing touch

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Check Top, at Marks & Spensers
A check design makes this soft pure cotton top extra fashionable

La Esperanza Estate Torrontés 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Torronts Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Synthetic cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.6 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

Plain Black Flexilite Umbrella, at Marks and Spencer
Lightweight and easy to carry, this slimline umbrella provides you with effective protection from those sudden downpours

Pacific Corner Group, at Marks and Spenser
H92 x W214 x D91cm Seat: H54cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that gives long-lasting performance and helps to maintain the cushions look and shape. Provides improved resilience without compromising on softness. Easy-care and springs back to its original shape after re-fluffing 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 Cushion covers are removable on this range Frame made from solid wood wrapped in pandan. 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 Pine feet with a light finish Includes 2 free matching bolsters Can be arranged to fit both left and right room corners 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Handmade Glass Bowl, at Marks and Spencer
Handmade Shallow dish Shaped edge Web design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Dangerous Book for Boys Go-Cart Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: The Dangerous Book for Boys Inside message: Have a dangerous birthday! Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Pure Cotton Ribbed Stripe Mitts, at M+S
Hanging loop Stripe design Ribbed, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pointelle Embroidered Dress with Hat & Tights, at Mark & Spencers
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Limited Collection Long Sleeve Waterfall Collar Check Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Elegant and feminine, this tailored check jacket features a waterfall collar. A smart and stylish choice

Limited Collection Almond Toe Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Almond toe Court style Buckle fastening Mid heel Heel height: 56mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Solid Wood Stool, at Marks and Spencer
H43 x W33 x D33cm Triangle cut out design 4 legs Square seat Monkey pod wood Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself 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

Blue Harbour Long Sleeve Zip Funnel Neck Top, at Mark & Spencers
Fashionable and relaxed, this zip funnel neck top is made from pure cotton it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Scottish Lochmuir™ Lightly Smoked Salmon, Smoked Haddock & Cod Roast, at Marks and Spencers
Serves 4-6 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 1kg total weight As featured on page 38 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Per Una Fuzzy Spot Print Dress, at Marks and Spencers
A feminine spot print dress featuring ruched bustline and fuzzy spot print

Elastic Strap Mid Heel Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Pointed toe Slip on Elastic strap Mid heel

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Wales Hooded Top, at Marks and Spencers
Sports fans will love this cosy pure cotton hooded top featuring the cymru motif. A practical, easycare style

Pasta Salad with Spinach & Pine Nuts, at Marks n 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

The Floral Collection Lavender Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, at Marks & Spencer
150ml Lavender fragrance Anti-perspirant deodorant Provides 24 hour protection Alcohol free This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Charcoal Block Towels, at Marks & Spencer
Block design Comes in 3 sizes, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Large Fish, at M&S
Beautiful hand casted aluminum fish Place it in your garden and bring it to life H16 x W21 x D10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Linen Blend Broad Brim Summer Hat, at Mark's & Spencer
Express your stylish side with this wide brim hat

Autograph Flat Front Plain Trousers, at M&S
Smart and stylish, these flat front trousers are made from fine quality pure wool. A practical, hardwearing and fashionable choice

10 Top Hat & Tiara Thank You Cards, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Thank you Inside Message: Blank for your own message Pack contains: 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: 120 x 120mm

Perfect Limited Collection Buckle Boots, at Marks & Spenser
Round toe Top and ankle buckle feature Stitch detail Heel height: 51mms Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Pure Cotton Fisherman Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and practical, this day bag is ideal for keeping all your essentials to hand

100 Cotton Balls, at Marks & Spensers
Pack of 100

Girlie Dress Up Colouring Pad, at Marks and Spencer
Contains: 1 colouring pad and 24 coloured felt tips Approx size: 447 x 357mm

Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 Mark & Spencers 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 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 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 Marks & Spencers Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.