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 & Spensers 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 M&S Money Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct 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 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 Tescos 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 M&S Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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

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

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

Canon LEGRIA FS20 Flash Memory Camcorder, at Marks & Spencers
Pixels: Type - 1/6" Interlaced CCD, Total pixels - 1.07 megapixel, Effective Pixels - MOVIE: 710,000 pixels, STILL: 800,000 pixels (4:3 mode) Dual Flash Memory: With 8GB Dual Flash Memory, the LEGRIA FS20 offers you two ways to record. Store over 5 hours of movies to internal memory, or shoot straight to SD or SDHC memory cards for easy sharing 45x Advanced Zoom: Combining the power of the DIGIC DV II processor and the quality of a genuine Canon Video Lens, the LEGRIA FS20 offers the extended reach of a 45x Advanced Zoom Megapixel CCD: Thanks to its Megapixel CCD, the LEGRIA FS20 delivers superior quality video images and digital photographs Pre REC function: In Pre REC mode, the camcorder starts recording three seconds before you even press the Record button. 3 seconds of footage are continuously stored and automatically added to the beginning of your clip from whenever you start videoing - never miss that crucial moment again Quick Charge: After a long day's shooting, it only takes 20 minutes to recharge the camcorder's battery sufficiently for a further hour's recording Microphone and headphone jacks: A microphone input and headphone jack give you the ability to record better audio and closely monitor it during recording Dual Shot: Dual Shot sets all controls to automatic, leaving you free to frame your shots. You can shoot high quality photos during video recording, without the bother of switching between settings on the Control Dial PIXELA software: Supplied PIXELA™ software provides an easy way to edit and share your movies burn a DVD, convert a movie for upload to the web, or transfer it to your personal media player. To burn a DVD at the touch of a button Video Snapshot: Video Snapshot mode makes it incredibly easy to create movies for sharing with friends and family. Every time the Record button is pressed, a short 4 second clip is captured. Simply add your clips to a playlist, select a soundtrack, and you're instantly ready to play your movie on a TV - with no need for editing on a PC. 4 seconds is the average length of one 'cut' in a TV show, helping to give your final movie an expert feel Screen size: 2.7" widescreen colour LCD Compact and light: Take your camcorder anywhere. Weighing just 230g, LEGRIA FS20 wont ever slow you down Dimensions: W55 x H59 x D121mm Battery life: Lithium-Ion - approximate maximum recording time 3hrs 35mins

Hellboy 2 Blu-ray DVD, at M & S
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Light Control Invisible Panty Line Thigh Slimmer, at Marks and Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds! These clever slimmers gently shape tums, thighs and bums for a smooth, sleek silhouette

Autograph Pure Silk Big Button Cushion, at Marks & Spenser
Rectangular shape Button feature Contrast piping, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX550 Digital Camera, at Marks & Spencers
Pixels: 12.1 megapixels Zoom: 5x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom Screen: 3.0" TFT Touch Screen LCD Display (230K dots) / Field of View : approx. 100%, Wide Viewing Angle / AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode ISO: Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400) Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.7 x 2.1cm Weight: Approx. 167g (with Battery and SD Memory Card), Approx. 145g (without) Enhanced Face Detection Enhanced Face Detection with selectable adult/child priority high-speed subject tracking for clearer portraits. Includes Face Motion Detection Intelligent Scene Recognition Intelligent Scene Recognition simplifies shooting by choosing best settings for difficult conditions such as twilight portraits and backlit scenes Optical SteadyShot High sensitivity ISO 3200 and Clear RAW Noise Reduction for high-quality images with reduced blur during handheld shooting in low light Slideshow HD Slideshow with music offers fun image display with effects and music on LCD or connected HD TV

Per Una Pure Linen Patchwork Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
An elegant single breasted jacket in pure cool linen. The stitch detail patch effect gives it the Per Una touch

50/50 Panelled Bedset, at Marks & Spencer
Panelled Single set includes duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover and 2 pillowcases Kingsize set includes duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Weekend Single Breasted Stripe Blazer, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

3/4 Sleeve Contrast Knit Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
Modern and stylish, this cardigan features a chunky knit. A versatile, easywear style

125 Years One Shoulder Ring Detail Swimsuit, at Marks & Spensers
Part of the Commemorative Collection. These exclusive garments have been inspired by some of the beautiful pieces in our archive and reference the iconic decades of the 20th century. Retro styling has been given a contemporary twist for the modern day

Gold Plated Catseye Stud Earrings, at Marks & Spensers
Catseye design Butterfly fastening For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Mother of Pearl Border Photo Frame 20 x 25cm (8 x 10''), at Marks & Spencers
Mother of pearl border Aperture: 20 x 25cm (8 x 10''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Textured Heart Ballet Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Slip on Textured heart design Flat sole Ballet style

Stainless Steel Roaster, at Marks and Spencers
L34 x W24 x D6cm Oven safe up to 250C Double handle Rectangle shaped, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Single Pleat Plain Trousers with Wool, at Marks & Spensers
A casual relaxed look, these trousers sit at the natural waist. They're roomy in the seat, thigh and knee with a straight leg

3 Pack Easycare Long Sleeve Shirts, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this pack of 3 long sleeve easycare shirts is great value. An ideal choice for everyday wear

Handcrafted Valentine's Kisses Bulldog Valentine Card, at M & S
Cover Text: Valentine kisses Inside message: Just for you xxx This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Barton Armchair, at M+S
H85 x W102 x D90cm Seat H51cm (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 Feet are castors with antique-brass effect finish 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 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

Chunky Bead Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Mixed bead design Ribbon necklace Tie fastening Necklace length: 122cm

Edwardian Lady Slim Diary, at Marks n Spencer
The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady Rowena Scott (Designs) Ltd RW.UK. Ltd 2008. Licensed by opyrights Group Approx size: 80 x 165mm

Stitch Back Pencil Skirt, at M+S
Sleek and chic, this pencil skirt is tailored to fit and flatter. A stylish choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

Pearl Effect Floral Stud Earrings, at M&S
Butterfly stud fastening Floral design Pearl effect Diamant detail

Big & Tall Cotton Rich Flat Front Corduroy Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
A relaxed formal look, these comfortable cotton rich corduroy trousers make a stylish and practical choice for everyday wear. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Autograph Stud Gladiator Sandals, at Marks and Spencers
Open toe Stud strap detail Buckle fastening Mid heel Heel height: 8cm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Made with Insolia technology, an exclusive innovation that makes high heels more comfortable to wear and better for your body's alignment and balance. They work by taking the weight off your toes, so there's less pressure and more stability. Your legs, back and feet stay more comfy all day

Big & Tall Blue Harbour Knee Length Trekking Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
These classic shorts are an excellent addition to any causal wardrobe thanks to a smart, easy to wear design. Team with a long sleeve shirt or plain tee for an effortless summer look

Pure New Wool Plain Polo Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spenser
Made from pure lambswool, this roll neck jumper is irresistibly soft and cosy

Laser Cut Aeroplane Exam Congratulations Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: You passed well done....Congratulations! Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Autograph High Heel Stud Gladiator Sandals, at Mark & Spensers
Made with Insolia technology, an exclusive innovation that makes high heels more comfortable to wear and better for your body's alignment and balance. They work by taking the weight off your toes, so there's less pressure and more stability. Your legs, back and feet stay more comfy all day Open toe Stud strap detail Buckle fastening High heel Heel height: 9cm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

M&S Pantha Kettle, at Marks and Spencer
1.7 Litre capacity 2500-3000W Black and stainless steel finish 360 degrees rotating base with cord storage Water window and contrasting on/off switch Concealed element for fast boiling and easy cleaning Removable washable limescale filter Anti-slip base 2 year guarantee, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spenser 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Direct Home 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 Direct Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.