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 M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Besides Marks & Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services Property 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 Financial Services 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 and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services, 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 Spencers, 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 Finance, you get more, and you pay less.

Performance Pure Wool Twin Pleat Plain Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
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Chocolate Chrome Droplet Chandelier, at Marks & Spencer
5-arm design Chocolate finish Multi-faceted glass droplets H 98 x Diam 48cm Bulb: 5 x 60W E14 candle This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Diamanté Shoe Birthday Card, at M+S
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Disney Winnie The Pooh Colours & Shapes Flashcards, at Mark's & Spencer
These 15 colourful flashcards, featuring illustrations of all your favourite Winnie the Pooh characters, will help young children to develop colour and shape recognition, and provide the ideal basis for simple learning games

Regal Twist Silver Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Twisted strands Clasp fastening Length: 46cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Photographic Toy Cat Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Happy birthday to a special daughter Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

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

Blue Harbour Pure Lambswool Argyle V-Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spensers
An extremely comfortable jumper. It's made from extrafine lambswool which is spun for the softest feel. Conveniently, it can be machine washed and tumble dried and it resists bobbling

Pink Tutu Granddaughter Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: For a beautiful Granddaughter Inside message: With love

Panasonic Blu-ray Home Cinema System, at Mark's & Spencer
Output Power: 1000W (RMS) Audio: Dolby Digital Decoder, DTS Decoder, Audio D/A Converter, Dynamic Range Compression Blue-Ray Video features: PHL Reference Chorma Processor Plus, Picture Adjustment, 1080/24p Playback, High Precision 4:4:4 Multi-Format Playback: DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW/ -R (DL), +RW,+R (DL), CD, CD-DA, CD-R/RW, MP3, JPEG, MPEG4, DivX USB Terminal Connectivity: MP3, JPEG, MPEG4 and DivX Input: Analogue audio, Digital audio, Ethernet terminal, Wireless terminal, USB terminal Output: HDMI, Video, Component video out (Y, PB, PR), Phone out SD memory card [SDHC/SD]: AVCHD/ JPEG/ MPEG2 Television signal system: PAL625/50, PAL525/60, NTSC VIERA link:HDAVI Control 4 Dimensions: Set W440 X H63 X D327mm, subwoofer W181 x H361 x D315, speaker (front) W92 x H1280 x D81mm, speaker (center) W250 x H94 x D81, speaker (surround) W92 x H128 x D81 Weight: 4kg Universal dock for Ipod Whisper-mode surround Digital amplifier Digital synthesizer tuner 4 EQ presets Viera cast Smart Setup Bamboo cone speakers Ecology and economy circuit

Ultimate Non Iron Pure Cotton Royal Oxford Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Cotton Rich Fairy Work Pyjamas, at MarksandSpencer
Fun and fashionable, these comfy cotton rich pyjamas feature a fairy design

Firm Control Magic Low Leg Lace Panel Full Briefs, at Marks and Spencers
As if by magic, these knickers control and shape you where you need it most, flattening tummies and lifting bottoms. They're comfortable, breathable and easy to move in and a special finish keeps you cool and dry

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Fine Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
This Ultimate Linen shirt has a unique added performance that helps keep you cool, dry and fresh by drawing moisture away from the skin and reducing odour, while also helping your linen to stay smart throughout the day. It's also easy to iron, so looking your best is now easier than ever

15 Denier Ladder Resist Shine Toe Tights, at Marks and Spenser
An M&S exclusive. Extra stretch is added to every stitch of these sheer shine tights to stop ladders from forming

Traditional Round Wall Clock, at MarksandSpencer
Traditional design Round face Roman numerals Dimensions: H32 x W32 x D8cm Slogan: Helping to preserve England's endangered species of Flora & Fauna, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Woodspice Roll On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, at Marks & Spenser
Woodspice aroma Anti-perspirant 50ml

Divan Sets - M100+SE END STORE, at Marks & Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Non-Wired Padded T-Shirt Bra, at Marks n Spencer
Non-wired to provide you with a more natural silhouette. This great bra offers superior support thanks to adjustable straps and added stretch, while the easycare design guarantees convenient comfort

El Tidon Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Grape Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Petite Single Breasted 3 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and modern, this tailored single breasted jacket features 3/4 length sleeves. A smart and stylish choice. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe T-Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
Fun and comfy, this practical pure cotton stripe t-shirt features an embroidered face motif. The shoulder poppers make it easier to dress him

Detroit 6 Drawer Tallboy, at Marks & Spenser
H121 x W54 x D45cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawer boxes made from solid European hardwood. Draw fronts made with oak veneer Solid oak legs Side panels made with oak veneer Top panels made from oak veneer with a 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

Leather Plaque Buckle Belt, at MarksandSpencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this pure leather belt featuring a plaque buckle

Single Breasted Mid Length Belted Mac, at Marks & Spencer
Practical and fashionable, this water resistant mac features a single breasted design and button down notch lapel. Perfect for drizzly days, it can be accessorised with a rain hat or umbrella to see you through the season in style

Long Sleeve Stripe Fleece, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and cosy, this funnel neck fleece is outstanding value. An easycare style at a great price

Cotton Rich Button Tab Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks&Spencer
Simple and stylish, straight leg trousers are a modern classic. This pair sits below the waist and are cut to give a flattering shape that's always in style. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Formula Age Defence Revitalising Day Cream + Vitamin C, at M+S
SPF15 Contains vitamin C and white tea Helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles Hypoallergenic 50ml

Pure Silk Brushed Animal Print Scarf, at M&S
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk brushed animal print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Supima® Pure Cotton Non-Iron Plain Flat Sheet, at M & S
Internationally recognised as the world's finest cotton High performance non iron finish offering the ultimate in easy care Supima is renowned for its superior strength, enhanced durability and sumptuous feel 180 thread count Single: W178 x L260cm Double: W228x L260cm 5ft (Queen): W275cm x L275cm 6ft (King): W310 x L275cm Depth 25cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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