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 & Spencer 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 and Spencers, 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Marks and 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 and 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.

M & S 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 & Spencers 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 & Spencer insurance products in document format too.

Schoolwear Plus Fit Senior Stormwear™ Recycled Girls' Blazer, at Marks & Spencers
This larger sized blazer is treated with our unique Stormwear™ finish which repels water and Stain Defence™ to repel stains. It's made from polyester from recycled plastic waste instead of oil. Using recycled materials helps to conserve the earth's natural resources and protect the environment for future generations View Plus Schoolwear Size Guide. Find out more

Short Sleeve Henley Neck Pintuck Front Top, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this scoop neck top features a pintuck front

Clear Lake California Rosé 2008 - Case of 12, at M+S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Syrah Country of origin: USA Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians 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

3 Pure Cotton Plain Trunks, at M&S
These essential plain trunks offer all the comfort of soft cotton at a great value price

Per Una Longline Knitted Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
A relaxed longline cardigan in a soft knitted fabric featuring a tie fastening and frilled hem

Castello Headboard, at Marks and Spencers
Headboard H139cm Single: W91cm Double: W137cm King-size 5ft: W152cm Super king-size 6ft: W182cm Available in black or cream 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

Autograph Stainless Steel Wine Cooler, at Marks and Spencers
Cylindrical shape Diameter: 12cm Height: 20cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Black Floral on Kraft Luxury Wrap Pack, at M+S
1 x gift tag 1 x length ribbon 1 x sheet wrapping paper Wrap: 685 x 98 mm Tag: 115 x 65 mm Ribbon: 2m

Secano Estate Rosé Pinot Noir 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Chant CD, at M & S
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Autograph Straight Leg Jeans with Linen, at Marks and 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

Griffin iClear for iPod Nano Invisible Protection, at Marks and Spenser
iClear provides total protection and total access to screen, controls, ports, and switches Simply place your iPod into iClear's front casing and snap the rear section in place Includes a static peel screen protector and premium cleaning cloth, for proper care and protection of your touchscreen Available in package configurations with or without armband

Short Sleeve Plain Jersey Body, at Marks&Spencer
This plain scoop neck body is a casual style essential. Perfect for wearing under trousers or skirts for a contemporary look

Handcrafted Dan's Mouse Mother's Day Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Just for you Mum Inside message: On Mother's Day! Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Per Una Stripe Knitted Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable short sleeve cardigan featuring stripe design and front pockets with knitted bows

Pinstripe Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Drum Motif T-Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Casual and contemporary, this pure cotton drum motif t-shirt gives a relaxed modern look

Adored Pure Cotton Stripe Minishirt, at M&S
Stylish and elegant, this flattering stripe minishirt is part of our feminine Adored collection. It's made from soft pure cotton for the ultimate in comfort

Japanese Floral Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Mark's & Spencer
Floral design 50 x 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

DD-G Ditsy Embroidered Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfortable, this bra is specially designed for fuller busts. It's underwired and structured to give great support and a flattering enhanced shape

Philips HQ7380 Electric Shaver, at Marks and Spenser
Precision cutting system: Ultra-thin heads with slots to shave long hairs and holes to shave the shortest stubble Reflex action system: Automatically adjusts to every curve of your face and neck Comfort shaving heads: The skin friendly profile enables smooth skin contact for a comfortable shave Super lift and cut technology: The dual blade system lifts hairs to cut comfortably below skin level Spring-released pop-up trimmer: Full width, pop-up trimmer is perfect for grooming sideburns and moustache Can be easily rinsed under the tap Corrosion-free heads Hair-collecting chamber Replacable head

Pure Cotton Multi Pocket Hooded Parka, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this contemporary parka features a hood. It's machine washable for added convenience

Portfolio Short Sleeve Jumper with Cashmere, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Friuli D.O.C Grave Merlot 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Merlot Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

Fresh Rose Refresher Oil, at Marks and Spenser
Refresher and burner oil 15ml, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Pairs of 10 Denier Shaping Matt Tights, at Marks and Spenser
Complete with added stretch for shape retention and essential comfort. These simply outstanding tights are a terrific option for ensuring your legs look and feel their everyday best

Sonoma Light 5 Drawer Chest & 2 Bedside Chests Set, at Mark & Spencers
3 piece set 5 drawer chest: H88 x W90 x D50cm Bedside chests: H60 x W45 x D45cm Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid Oak. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Handles made from solid white oak and veneer Side and back made from soli Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited 3 Piece Tunic Outfit, at Marks and Spencer
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

Autograph High Cage Sandal, at Marks & Spensers
Open toe Rip tape fastening High heel Heel height 80mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Portfolio Mixed Bead Collar Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Collar style Clasp fastening Adjustable length Mixed bead design Necklace length 51cm, extendable by 8cm

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