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 Mark & Spensers 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 Finance 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Finance. Not least of these is Marks & Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Finance 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 M&S Finance, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from MarksandSpencer, 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 Money, 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 & Contents Insurance or Car Insurance, but M & S 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 Finance website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Finance products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Finance loans, credit cards or Buildings & Contents Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Finance 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 Finance insurance products (Buildings & Contents 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 and Spencers insurance products in document format too.

40th Birthday Cocktail Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover Text: fabulously 40 Inside Message: happy birthday Approx size: 125 x 177mm

2 Pure Cotton Assorted Joggers, at Marks & Spencers
These cute cotton bottoms are outstanding value. Hardwearing, practical and comfortable

Wisteria Luggage Trolley Bag, at Marks & Spencers
Free 5 year guarantee Supported by sturdy wheels and a stand-alone feature, this trolley bag is the ideal option for short trips or flying abroad

Footglove™ Ruched Trouser Shoes, at M & S
Pointed toe Ruched design Low ankle fit Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight High heel

Flat Front Lightweight Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and smart, these lightweight flat front trousers are the perfect choice for warmer weather

Lichfield 2-Door Sideboard, at Marks and Spencer
H83 x W117 x D50cm One interior shelf Cutlery tray in central drawer Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Rib Knit Belted Dress, at Marks & Spencer
A sophisticated rib knit dress in a cotton blend fabric featuring a button detail neckline and scallop trim

High School Musical Awesome Activities Book, at Marks&Spencer
Activity book which comes with a sheet of stickers for the reader to brighten up the pages with. There's also a fabulous mobile phone sock cover mounted to the front of the book so the reader's mobile phone can be covered in a groovy East High design

Fishing Penguin Dad Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Dad, Relax, chill out and... ...Enjoy your birthday! Inside message: Have a really cool day Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Classic Duckling Mug & Plush Toy, at Marks and Spenser
Contains: 1 mug, 1 soft toy Mug diameter: 75 mm

Baroque Jacquard Pillowcase, at Marks n Spencer
Baroque jacquard design Fits standard pillows, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Girls' Heart Bead Cluster Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Adjustable length Clasp fastening Cluster pendants Length: 46cm Extender: 5cm

We're Going On A Bear Hunt, at Marks & Spenser
This worthy winner of the Smarties prize in 1989 is a timeless classic that is enjoyed by children of all ages. A journey through grass, a river, mud, and other obstacles leads to finding a bear!

Malabar Console Table, at Mark & Spencers
H80 x W120 x D50cm 2 drawers Hand crafted predominantly from solid mango wood Protective low-sheen lacquer finish for added durability Antique-brass effect handles Legs made from solid wood Delivered flatpack due to size 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stripe Bowl, at Marks & Spencer
Stripe design Height: 6.5cm Diameter: 16cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of No-Show Trainer Liners with Cool&Fresh, at Marks and Spencer
Comfortable and durable, these socks are outstanding value. They feature a reinforced toe and stretch fabric for an improved fit

Autograph Leather Laced Desert Boots, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Lace-up Stitch detail Block heel Contrast sole

All Whites - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
2 Catarratto Inzolia 2008 2 Tupungato Sauvignon Blanc 2009 4 Valmont Blanc 2008 4 Castillo del Moro Airn Sauvignon Blanc 2008 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Older Girls' Heart Bead Cluster Necklace, at M+S
Adjustable length Clasp fastening Cluster pendants Length: 46cm Extender: 5cm

Sunny Town People Set, at Marks & Spencers
4 sunny town people and dog Promotes imaginative play Suitable for ages 12+ months This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dual Colour Strap Tankini Top, at M&S
Fresh and pretty this flattering twin strap tankini is designed in the latest shape. Make a splash!

Per Una Styled Floral Embroidered DD-G Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Fresh and feminine, this bra is beautifully embellished with floral embroidery. It's underwired and structured to give great support and a natural uplifted shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Pompenette Terracotta, at Mark's & Spencer
Add a dash of gorgeous colour to any outside setting with this pompenette, planted in a simple terracotta pot. Colour of pompenette varies Available for delivery from 1st August to 30th September 2009

Stainless Steel Pot Strainer, at Marks&Spencer
Crescent shaped drainer Handle Hanging hook This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Toy Story 2 Sticker Activity Book, at Marks and Spenser
Includes storys Various activities Mulitple stickers Disney, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Newborn Pure Cotton Embroidered Jeans, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and practical, these cotton jeans are hardwearing and comfy. The embroidered design gives a cute look

3 Pastry Cutters, at Marks & Spensers
3 sizes Arched handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Pure Linen Stitch Panel Skirt, at Marks & Spensers
A stylish flared skirt in pure cool linen. Zigzag stitch details give it the Per Una touch

Aspen Chandelier, at Marks and Spencer
Chrome plated steel Acrylic arms Facetted glass spherical droplets 52 x 52 x 52cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Besides Mark & Spencers Car Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Buildings & Contents Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Finance Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks & Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Finance Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.