Shopping for financial products at M&S 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 M&S 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 Marks and Spenser, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

M&S 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 M&S 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 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, Sainsbury's, 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 Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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

Urbino 2-Seater Occasional Sofa Bed, at Marks and Spencer
H92 x W185 x D102cm (Opens to L238cm) Seat H48cm, arm H69cm, top back rail H77cm (all dimensions are approximate) Conceals a fold out bed, suitable for occasional use 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 Available with fixed cushion covers only 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 Solid birch feet with a dark finish Mattress: L180 x W112 x D6cm Foam mattress rests on polypropylene base Mattress recommended for occasional use Sofa Bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg 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

Limited Collection Border Studded Leggings, at Marks & Spensers
Part of Limited Collection's LA Love trend. Feminine, soft and laid back, this is a fashionable LA look with a boho vibe. Beautiful fabrics and playful prints are key

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

Nerello Mascalese 2008 - Case of 12, at M & S
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Nerello Mascalese Country of origin: Italy Closure: Synthetic closure Bottle: 12 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

Value Soft Luggage Suitcase, at Marks & Spenser
Free 3 year guarantee on Value Luggage This season, give the whole family their own space with our hardwearing value luggage, which expands for 20% extra room

Champagne 90th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: 90 Happy Birthday Inside message: Have a wonderful day! Approx size: Unfolded: 175 mm x 125 mm

Pure Cotton Gem Buckle Captain Hat, at Marks and Spencer
Keep ahead of the trends with this contemporary gem buckle sunhat, an essential look for style in the sun

Freshfeet Two Tone Cord Mule Slippers, at Marks and Spencers
Slip-on Two tone cord design Flat sole With built in Freshtech™ technology for fresh, odour-free slippers Freshtech™ technology combats the bacteria that causes bad smells and odours Freshtech™ technology is permanently built in to the slipper and still performs after many washes

Semi Plains - LINEAR PLTS BS, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton 'The Muppets' Bodysuit, at M+S
Cute and practical, this bodysuit is great value. Popper fastenings and envelope necklines make quick changes easy and the soft cotton fabric will keep her feeling comfy and happy

Panasonic SD-255WXC Breadmaker, at Marks and Spencer
9 bread modes - Basic, whole wheat, French, Italian, Sandwich, 100% rye, pizza, bake only Raisin and nut dispenser - automatically adds additional ingredients to your recipe Choice of crust colour - light, medium or dark Keep warm function 3 loaf sizes - XL (approx. 1.2kg), L (approx. 1.0kg), M (approx.450g) Digital Timer (up to 13 hrs) Super Rapid option to produce a white or brown loaf in only 1 hour 55 minutes Sandwich option to bake softer bread with a thinner crust - ideal for making perfect sandwiches Dough option to make dough from white, brown or wholemeal flour for rolls, buns, croissants etc French Dough option for crusty French sticks Rye Bread program with unique mixing blade can create a range of tasty loaves using Rye and Spelt flours Bake only option for cakes and tea breads Cool touch housing Non-stick coating Accessories - Measuring cup (240ml) and measuring spoon Dimensions: H37 x W28 x D33cm Weight: 6.4kg Power Consumption: Maximum 505-550W, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather ID Hip Wallet, at M&S
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins features multiple comparments

Older Girl's Stripe Vest & Shrug, at M&S
Modern and pretty, this stripe vest and long sleeve shrug look fabulously fashionable worn together or separately

Ceriso Silk Blend Spot Print Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Flirty and fashionable, this glamorous bra is made from silk mix fabric with a spot print, finished with a lace trim. It's underwired for extra support and the padded plunge style gives a fabulous enhanced cleavage. Designed for women who want the latest look

Coco Sunglasses, at MarksandSpencer
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - Butterfly Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Practical and pretty, these non-iron bootleg trousers are made from stretchy fabric and have an adjustable waist for a comfy fit. They are treated with our unique Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ finishes, making them resistant to water and stains

Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Robot Pyjamas, at Marks & Spensers
Fun and fashionable, these comfy pure cotton pyjamas feature robot motifs

Extra High Impact Mesh Sports Bra, at Marks & Spencer
As worn by GB Olympic pentathletes. Comfortable and secure, this maximum impact sports bra gives firm, gentle support for active wear. Its breathable fabric includes engineered sections to eliminate bounce while the racer back shape allows for maximum movement and padded non-slip straps ensure it's a comfortable fit

Maxim Espresso Cup & Saucer Set, at Marks & Spenser
2 part set Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Cup height: 6cm Saucer diameter: 13.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Antigua Loveseat AU09 Newness, at MarksandSpencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Domaine Hubert Brochard Sancerre 2008 - Case of 6, at M & S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc 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

Medium Blonde Doll, at Marks & Spenser
Suitable for ages 1-3yrs H39cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Piece Pure Cotton Stripe Polo Neck Outfit, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and practical, this cute 2-piece outfit features a "4" motif. It's made from soft cotton to keep him comfy

Linen Blend Wide Leg Belted Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to fit and flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. A look you can dress up or down

Big & Tall Blue Harbour Stormwear™ Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks & Spencers
The perfect jeans for the casual outdoorsman, these smart looking straight legs feature a unique stormwear finish that repels water in order to keep you comfortable and dry

'It's a Boy!' Gift Bag with Balloon & Bear, at Mark & Spensers
Celebrate the birth of a baby boy with this lovely gift bag that includes pretty pink, yellow and blue blooms. A congratulations balloon and teddy bear makes this gift bag extra special Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Naomi Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencers
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Padded Walking Socks with Wool, at Marks & Spencer
These comfortable cushioned walking socks are specially designed to prevent blistering and protect feet from impact

3 Layer Faceted Bead Necklace, at Marks & Spenser
3 layers Multi coloured beads Facet detail Adjustable length Clasp fastening Necklace length: 43cm

Traditional British Breaded Wiltshire Gammon, at Marks & Spensers
Contains approximately 30 slices Serves 10 Ready to eat 1.2kg As featured on page 19 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

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 n 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 & Spenser, through its M&S 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.