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 M&S 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 M+S, through its Marks & Spencer 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 Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Marks & Spenser may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Car Insurance, but Mark & Spensers do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the Marks & Spencer Money website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Financial Services products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or Marks & Spencer Money loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, Marks & Spencer Money can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of Marks & Spencer Money insurance products (Buildings Insurance, Car Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks & Spenser insurance products in document format too.

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Marks & Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks n Spencer, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from M&S Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.

Handcrafted Pink Blossoms Large Mother's Day Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: To a Special Mum Inside message: Just to say how special you are to me Approx size: Unfolded: 220 x 220mm

Crossover Mules, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Flat

Bright Stripes Dad Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover Text: Dad happy birthday Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Artificial Organic Orchid with Bowl, at Marks and Spencers
Artificial orchid Ribbed bowl No watering required therefore easy care Fresh looking throughout the year Diameter: 48cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Check Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
This pure cotton shirt has been dyed using a special process to give an authentic washed down look which will fade fashionably with time and wear. Colour variations make each garment unique

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Multi Spot Vest & Shorts Set, at Marks & Spensers
Fabulous and modern, this vest and shorts set is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. They're made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. Casual, contemporary fashion

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Assorted Cupcake Briefs, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and trendy, this 5 pack of cotton briefs feature assorted cupcake designs

Stripe Detail Plastic Sunglasses, at Marks & Spenser
With full UV protection and a flattering modern design, these smart sunglasses will see you through the summer in style

Twist Bead Necklace & Earrings Set, at Mark's & Spencer
2 part set Twist bead design Hook fastening drop earrings Clasp fastening necklace Necklace length 44cm, extendable by 8cm For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Plain Full Slip, at Mark & Spensers
A fashion essential you can't do without! This slip enhances the look of dresses and stops them clinging or becoming see-through under light. All our slips are cling resistant and come in a number of lengths

Stormwear™ Pure Cotton Funnel Neck Mini Mac, at M+S
Fashionable and practical, the cropped funnel neck mac is a wardrobe essential this season. This version in a water resistant easycare fabric features a modern large button detail

Royal Jelly & Pure Honey Body Butter, at Marks and Spencer
Moisturising 200ml

2 Mini Limited Cotton Rich Plain & Animal Print Leggings, at Marks&Spencer
Mini Limited is a collection of cute fun styles designed in the latest looks. The casual, contemporary pieces are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for layering

Portfolio Short Sleeve Geo Print Blouse, at M & S
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

Dead Whisky Society - Limited Edition 1971 Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky, at Marks & Spencer
37 year-old single highland malt cask-strength Scotch whisky Distilled in Scotland at the Banff distillery. Banff distillery operated from 1825 to 1983 and was demolished in 1985 Includes a certificate of authenticity as a Scotch Whisky issued by the Dead Whisky Society Bottled directly from the cask No added colourings or flavourings This whisky has not been diluted or chill-filtered. This gives the whisky a naturally cloudy appearance Each bottle is labelled by hand with the cask and bottle number Alcohol by volume: 53.3% Bottle: 70cl Order now for delivery from 1st December to 23rd December 2008 Price includes delivery Products containing alcohol can only be sold or delivered to people aged 18 and over. It is an offence for any person under 18 years to buy or attempt to buy alcoholic liquor Looking to place a corporate bulk order?. Click here This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Short Sleeve Vests, at Marks & Spencer
Comfortable, fashionable and practical, these essential vests are ideal for everyday wear.

Cotton Rich Towelling Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencers
Soft, comfortable and snag-resistant, this cotton rich dressing gown is ideal for wearing over pyjamas or after a bath

Gold Plated Heart Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks and Spencers
2 part set Fine chain necklace with heart pendant and diamant detail Diamant stud earrings This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Spots on Kraft Large Gift Bag, at Mark's & Spencer
Pack Contains: 1 gift bag Approx Size: H: 270 mm, W: 360 mm, D: 100 mm

Portfolio 2 Bead Drop Earrings, at Marks & Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style 2 bead design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

3 Piece Pure Cotton Broderie Outfit, at M&S
Practical and pretty, this cute hat, top and trousers 3 piece outfit is made from soft cotton to keep her feeling comfy and happy

Classic Collection Leaf Print Tunic Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Feminine and pretty, this leaf print tunic shirt will give your look an instant lift. It looks lovely worn with plain skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic collection

Luxury Pure Cotton Check Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spenser
Exceptionally soft and comfortable, this luxurious dressing gown is made from cotton velour. Relax in style

Younger Boys' Leather Gusset Detail Boots, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Stitch detail Gusset feature Zip fastening Flat grip sole Comes in sizes 10-13

Domaine Bunan 2004 - Case of 6, at M&S
Style: Dry Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Perfect Puff Sleeve Satin Blouse, at Marks and Spencers
Puff sleeves and rich forest green are both key trends this autumn. Our satin blouse combines the two to fabulous effect

Petit Chablis 2007 - Case of 6, at M&S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Crystal Arms Chandelier, at Marks & Spenser
7 arms Glass droplets H30 x D30cm Bulb: 7 x 40W E14 Candle This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pure Cotton Stripe Tea Towels, at Marks and Spencers
Pack of 3 Plain edge Assorted designs, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Via Ulivi Chianti 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Sangiovese & Canaiolo Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

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