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 & Spenser 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 & Spencers, 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 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 Home 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 Home 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 Money Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Mark & Spensers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Home Insurance or Car Insurance, but Marks and 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 M&S Money Direct website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of Marks & Spencers Money products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

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

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Money Direct insurance products (Home 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 M&S insurance products in document format too.

Mini Limited Stripe Cardigan, at Mark's & 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.

2 Older Girls Seam-Free Picot Heart Trim Bras, at Mark & Spencers
These great value bras are ideal for everyday wear. They're made with stretchy fabric for a supportive and comfortable fit and the non-wired design is the best choice for first bras

10 Personalise Your Own Graphic Heart Thank You Cards, at Marks & Spensers
Pack contains: 10 cards, 1 design Cover text: Thank you Approx size: 155 x 110mm Inside message: Blank for your own message The cards in this pack are made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests

Golf Lite Umbrella, at M+S
Smart and easy to carry, the practical design of this handy umbrella is the perfect solution for dealing with sudden downpours

Assorted Hair Bands, at Mark's & Spencer
Tie back those tresses in style with these fabulous hair bands

Ceriso Styled Embroidered Non-Padded DD-G Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and fashionable, this modern bra features floral embroidery. It's underwired and structured to give fuller busts great support and a flattering uplifted shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Leather Camera Pouch, at Mark & Spensers
Use this durable leather pouch to keep your camera safe when you are out and about

Swirl Wine Glass, at Marks & Spencer
Conical shape Swirl design Handmade Height: 24.5 cm Capacity: 38 cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Castillo del Moro Tempranillo Syrah 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape variety: 85% Tempranillo and 15% Syrah Country of origin: Spain Closure: Screw Cap Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Mini Craft Floral Cards Multipack, at Marks & Spenser
Contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Cover text: Design 1: Blank, design 2: Just to say..., design 3: Blank, design 4: Thank you Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Dead Whisky Society - Limited Edition 1971 Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky, at Mark's & 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

Performance Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Innovative and high-performance, this top is made with moisture control and anti-odour technology. It's designed to keep you at a comfortable temperature so you feel warm, fresh and dry

Panasonic 42'' TX-P42G10 Full HD Plasma TV with freesat HD, at M & S
Receives freesat HD: freesat is a digital satellite TV service giving you free HD programmes. freesat has no contract, no subscription, just a one-off payment for the TV, satellite dish and installation. freesat is available to almost every household in the UK HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 42 inch plasma screen, 2,073,600 (1,920 x 1,080) pixels Dynamic contrast ratio: Infinite Black/Over 2,000,000:1; Native: 40,000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W102.9 x H66.1 x D10.6cm (without stand), W102.9 x H70.4 x D33.4cm (with stand) Weight: 25kg (without stand), 28kg (with stand) V-Audio: Unique sound technology that delivers crystal-clear sound with superior bass performance Connectors: 3x HDMI, S-video input, component video input, PC input and 1 x headphone jack V-Real Pro 4: Real picture technology which enhances the full HD performance of the display panel to render smooth, crystal-clear motion without compromising on delicate colours with rich gradation Digital Cinema Colour: Superb colour reproduction with 6,144 equivalent steps of gradation SD Card Slot: View your treasured photos on the big screen by simply removing your camera's memory card and sliding it into the SD card slot Intelligent Frame Creation With 24p Playback: With 50Hz video signal input, the Intelligent Frame Creation achieves high moving picture resolution even in fast-motion scenes. 24p Playback creates high speed playback of images to recreate the full cinematic experience VIERA Link: Enables you to control all your Panasonic AV systems with only one remote Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Lightweight Linen Blend Coat with Scarf, at M&S
An elegant lightweight coat in a cool linen blend comes with scarf. Notch lapel and single button detail make it extra stylish

Matt Double Bridge Sunglasses, at Mark & Spensers
Providing essential protection for the eyes, these stylish and wearable shades will flatter most face shapes

Deep V-Neck Embellished Tankini Top, at Marks & Spencer
Feminine and glamorous, this flattering tankini top is designed in the latest shape. Make a splash!

Pastel Rose Duo Multipack of Cards, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Blank Inside message: All designs: blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 138 x 138mm

Autograph Mineral Powder Highlighter, at Mark's & Spencer
Light diffusing powder Fragrance and preservative free This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Terrasota White Rioja 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Viura Country of origin: Spain Closure: Synthetic closure 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

Road Monsters Police Vehicle Set, at Mark & Spensers
Suitable for ages 3+ 5 police vehicles Die cast police car, van, 4x4 vehicles and a helicopter Imaginative play This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hanging Star Congratulations Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Congratulations Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

5 Pure Cotton Plain Slips, at Marks and Spencers
Comfortable, practical and fashionable, this 5 pack of plain slips is made from soft breathable cotton

Footglove™ Smart Lace Up Trainers, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Lace up Stitch detail Flat Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight

Classic Ceramic Double Robe Hook, at Marks & Spencer
Double hook Stainless steel H6.5 x W8 x D9cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Wide Fit Leather High Heel Court Shoes, at M&S
Step out in style in these wide fit Footglove™ shoes, made from soft leather. Comfortable, lightweight and flexible

Winchester 2 Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencers
H94 x W150 x D100cm Seat H49cm, arm H62cm, top back rail H81cm Solid birch frame Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions made from polyester fibre Fabric options have reversible cushions Fixed covers only Solid birch feet with a dark finish Seams and pattern match on fabrics - Please note that the images of fabrics displayed here are overlaid onto models. These images act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished product. Seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more We will contact you personally to arrange a delivery date, once your order is ready, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sprung Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers, at Marks & Spensers
Layer of springs to provide comfort and support while prolonging the life of your mattress Solid pine frame Sprung edge 4 x large drawers All our mattresses and divans are anti-allergy, which means the provide effective protection against dust mite allergies, so you'll have a trouble free sleep H41cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Percale Fitted Sheet, at Marks and Spencers
Comes in single, double, king-size and super king-size Plain 400 thread count - thread count refers to the number of threads, both vertical and horizontal, in a one-inch square of fabric 100% cotton percale - a medium weight fabric in thread counts of 200 and above, Percale is tighter than standard weave fabrics making it feel luxurious and smooth. It also washes very well. Supima Cotton - superior strength cotton with improved durability and increased lifespan. Because of the fineness of Supima cotton, more fibers can be spun into a yarn of a given count, which enhances the feel, softness, drapeability and brilliance of color. Think climate! This can be washed effectively at 30C, find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Chris Murphy's Favourites - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
2 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008: A slow ripened wine with lots of fresh acidity retained in the grapes... 2 La Prendina Estate Pinot Grigio 2008: A fruity wine with a lingering, dry and crisp finish... 2 Tupungato Chardonnay 2007: An exceptionally well-balanced wine with ripe flavours and fresh aromas... 2 Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007: A juicy, smooth wine made from the Pinot Noir grape... 2 Valpolicello Ripasso 2006: Aged in oak barrels for extra hints of spice and toast... 2 Hunter Valley Shiraz 2007: A ripe, rich character aged in oak barrels for extra depth of spicy flavour... Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Leather Tassel Shoulder Bag, at M+S
Stylish and practical, this handbag is made from luxurious hardwearing leather. A useful and fashionable accessory

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