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 & Spencers 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 & Spensers, through its M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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 Financial Services 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Property 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 Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

M&S Financial Services 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 Car 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; Car Insurance and Property 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 Property 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 Financial Services Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Long Sleeve Ruched Stripe Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
This casual cotton rich cardigan makes the perfect light extra layer. It features a stripe design for an extra stylish touch

Pearl Effect Wire Baroque Necklace, at Marks & Spenser
Dual-strand feature Pearl-effect design Length: 44cm

Stripy Cake Wedding Card, at M&S
Cover text: On your special day Inside message: With lots of love This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 126mm

Long Sleeve Hooded Pack Away Mac, at Marks & Spensers
Don't let sudden showers spoil the fun! Compact and practical, this foldaway mac comes in handy when you're out and about

Autograph Pure Cotton Shirt and Stripe Tie Set, at Marks & Spenser
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 Giraffe Print Mini Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Cute and compact, this miniature bag is a fashionable accessory. Ideal for carrying your phone, credit card and lipstick when you don't want a bulky bag. Get the latest look!

Sony Bravia 46" KDL-46W5500 HD 1080p LCD TV, at Marks & Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 3 with a 46 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Dynamic Contrast: 100000:1 Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ channels and radio stations (subject to coverage) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dimensions: With table stand: W112.3 x H77.2 x D33cm, without table stand: W112.3 x H72.5 x D9.6cm Weight: weight inc. stand 27.5kg, weight without stand 24kg Dolby Virtual Surround and BBE Digital: Experience the effect of digital surround sound from only two front speakers with our advanced S-Force Front Surround technology Connectors: Digital Audio Output (optical) x 1, HDMI™ Inputs x 4, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, Analogue Audio Inputs x 2, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2, BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Video/Music/Photo), AppliCast™ BRAVIA Engine 3: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 3 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Xross Media Bar: New Sony interface to enhance the operability and ease of use Picture Frame Mode: Not watching TV? Turn it into a digital photo frame to display your own pictures or the 6 pre-installed images BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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 Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

North Coast Pure Cotton Button Detail Funnel Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this button detail funnel neck jumper is made from pure cotton. It's designed to keep its shape and feel soft and comfortable to wear

Divan Sets - M400M+SE 4 DRW, at Marks & Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

In Bloom Orchid & Vanilla Hand & Body Creme, at Marks and Spencer
Orchid and vanilla fragrance Softens the skin 200ml

Autograph Asymmetric Pocket Jeans, at Marks n Spencer
New to the Autograph denim range, we use special whiskering and baking techniques on these jeans to ensure that no two pairs are exactly alike. They're available in a classic bootleg fit, so they go with just about everything and make for a comfortable addition to your casual wardrobe

Girls' Limited Panel Dress, at Marks & Spenser
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

Mirror Blocks Photo Frame 20 x 25cm (8 x 10"), at M&S
Rectangular shape Polished finish Aperture: 8 x 10", Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Kitchen Corner Unit & 70cm 3 Drawer Base Unit with Oak Tops Set, at Marks and Spencer
Corner Unit: H87.5 x W87 x D87cm Corner Worktop: H10.5 x W93 x D93cm 3-Drawer Base Unit: H87.5 x W70 x D52cm Base Unit Worktop: H10.5 x W70 x D60cm Corner unit includes 1 shelf and can be fitted left or right hand Worktop thickness: 3cm Made from solid oak and oak veneer Finished with a protective low-sheen lacquer for added durability Adjustable feet on base unit Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble 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

Pure Cotton Embroidered Fox Hooded Pramsuit, at Marks and Spencers
Cute and cosy, this hooded pramsuit is warmly padded and lined with soft cotton to keep her comfortable

Per Una Cotton Rich Cropped Ankle Jeans, at M&S
A stylish cropped pair of jeans in stretch cotton featuring a slit side hem. Comes with a silver plaited belt, making it extra stylish

Chucky Global Tribal Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Chunky bead design Adjustable length Clasp fastening Necklace length 45cm, extendable by 8cm

Wave Thermosoft Throw, at Marks & Spencers
Small: W150 x L200cm Large: W230 x L240cm Wave design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Striped Medium Gift Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Stripe design Wooden toggle fastening Contains: 1 gift bag Approx size: H260 x W200 x D90mm

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Multi Stripe Shirt, at M&S
Relaxed and stylish, this multi stripe shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Tribeca RHCNR AU09 Newness, at Mark & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure Wool 3 Button Jacket, at Mark's & Spencer
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

Big & Tall Linen Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Stripe Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this linen rich jacket is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

Die Cut Duckling New Baby Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: New baby Inside message: Congratulations Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Etched Floral Mug, at Marks & Spencers
Ideal for everyday use, durable Etched floral design Wide base, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Switchable Scart Adaptor, at Marks and Spencers
Connective solution for phonos/s-videos to scart Switch devices between input and output 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Faux Leather Funnel Neck Ribbed Trim Bomber Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Bomber jackets are a key look this season, and this faux leather style makes a fashionable choice

Recycled Hollowfibre Quilted Mattress Protector, at M&S
Hollowfibre mattress protector Quilted Non allergenic Plain Comes in 3 sizes - single, double and king size, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Woven Silk Battersea Stripe Pattern Tie with Stain Defence™, at Marks and Spencer
This woven silk tie has been treated with our stain defence™ technology giving inbuilt resistance to everyday spills, this repellence benefit is maintained after dry cleaning

Silver Plated Etched Heart Bangles, at Mark & Spencers
Etched detail on heart 3 bangles linked with charms Gift boxed

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