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 MarksandSpencer 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 & Spensers, 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 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 Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct, 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 Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.

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 Buildings & Contents 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 Buildings & Contents 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.

Cashmilon™ Long Sleeve Polo Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and flattering, this long sleeve jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features a polo neck

Psychologies - Magazine Gift Subscription, at M+S
Psychologies is the first women's magazine that's about what we're like on the inside, not just how we look on the outside. If you're interested in the way we think, behave and connect with others then this is for you. Whether you want to develop your own potential, or become a better parent, partner or friend Psychologies will bring you the ideas, insights and inspirations to help you do it

Girls' Limited Corsage Pull On Hat & Mittens, at M&S
Snug and cosy, this cute hat and mittens set makes a fashionable choice for chilly weather

I love Spice Book, at MarksandSpencer
Over 100 recipes for people who like it hot! Each illustrated with a beautiful colour photograph of the finished dish

Pure Silk Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart multi stripe tie in pure silk

Autograph Mobile Office, at Marks & Spenser
Free 5 year guarantee Take the hassle out of commuting with this practical mobile office. With enough storage space for your laptop and other important office documents, this practical, durable rollercase is the answer for business travel Includes free i-trak luggage ID service see details below

Classic Collection Textured Shirt with Camisole, at Marks and Spencers
Ideal for everyday wear, this smart shirt with a camisole is made from soft easycare fabric and the fit is comfortable and flattering. A fashionable and practical style

125 Years Mug, at Marks and Spencers
Retro style Part of the Commemorative Collection, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pirque Estate Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: South America Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl Alcohol volume: 15% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 11.3 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Pure Silk Contrast Edge Tie, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Sonoma Dark 3-Drawer Bedside Chest, at Mark's & Spencer
H60 x W45 x D45cm 3 drawers Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Handles made from solid wood Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid hardwood. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Legs made from solid hardwood 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

V-Shaped Wine Glass, at MarksandSpencer
H21.5cm 32cl capacity Coloured glass Handmade V shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Chenille Throw - Hot Pink, at Marks and Spencer
Woven design Tasselled trim L200 x W150cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S 5 Input Scart Switcher, at Marks and Spencer
For connection of up to 5 audio/video devices to a single TV Recorder copy function 24 carat gold connection scart cable Auto and manual modes Easy to read display M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

3 Cosmetic Sponges, at Marks & Spencers
Pack of 3 Butterfly design Contains latex

Per Una Pure Cotton Pleat Front Skirt, at Marks n Spencer
A feminine knee-length in pure soft cotton featuring a floral print

Draping Wisteria Embroidered Duvet Cover, at Marks and Spencers
Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6in), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft) Embroidered duvet cover, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

XBOX 360® Crash of the Titans Game, at Marks & Spencers
For XBOX 360 Crash now has a powerful acrobatic fighting system Crash can now interact with his world in totally new ways M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information, Platforms: Xbox 360, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Autograph Small Metal Lantern, at Marks & Spencers
Hanging loop Use with t-lights or small candles H23 x W10.5 X D11cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Authentic Woven Pure Cotton Assorted Boxers, at Marks&Spencer
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy boxers are ideal for everyday wear

7 Denier Sheer Body Shapers, at Marks and Spencer
Always look your best under that special dress by lifting, shaping and defining your figure with these great body shaper tights

Pure Linen Embroidered Ginko Cushion, at Marks & Spenser
Square shape Embroidered design Hand sequins linen cushion with feather inner Lined L50 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Road Monsters Police Vehicle Set, at Marks and Spenser
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

De Bortoli Willowbank Shiraz 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry, full bodied Grape variety: Shiraz Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap 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

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Bold Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, this short sleeve shirt is made from pure cotton

Linen Blend Traditional Flat Cap, at M+S
A traditional British classic, this is a versatile style that looks great worn smart or casual

2 Older Boys' Pure Cotton Assorted Design Shorties, at Marks & Spensers
Soft and comfy, this 3-pack of pure cotton shorties features a stripe and check design

Soft Vanilla Pot Pourri Box, at Marks & Spencers
Soft vanilla fragrance Presented in a box, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Pindot Balcony Bra, at Mark & Spensers
Fun and fabulous, this cotton blend bra is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. The balcony shape gives maximum uplift for a flattering look, and the smooth cups won't give you visible lines under your clothes. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Autograph Sport Eau de Toilette, at Marks & Spencer
Sporty fragrance 30ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Marks & Spencers 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 Marks and Spencer 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 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 Money Direct loans, credit cards or Buildings & Contents 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 (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&Spencer insurance products in document format too.