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 and 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 & Spencer, 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 Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Mark's & Spencer 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 & Spenser 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 website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of Marks & Spencer 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 loans, credit cards or Home Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money 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 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 Mark's & Spencer insurance products in document format too.

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

Supima® Pure Cotton Non-Iron Pillowcase, at Mark & Spensers
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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cut Swirl Champagne Flute, at Marks & Spenser
Wide base Swirl design Handmade Height: 27.5 cm Capacity: 17cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

100 Tea Lights, at Marks & Spencer
Contains: 50 t-lights Up to 5 hours burning time for each, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pago Real Rioja 2006 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Tempranillo and Garnacha Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per 125ml:10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Diamanté Shoes Daughter 18th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: To a very special daughter on your 18th birthday Inside message: Happy Birthday This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 126mm

Pure Move DAB Digital Radio, at Marks and Spencers
Frequency ranges: DAB Band III 174-240 MHz, FM 87.5-108 MHz Audio power output: 1.8W RMS Input connectors: 5V DC power adaptor socket (230V supplied), 3.5 mm Aux-in, and Mini USB connector for software upgrades Output connectors: 3.5 mm stereo headphone output Controls: Power, Lock, Info, Preset, Navigator, DAB/FM and Menu LCD Display: Orange backlit LCD display with 16x2 characters, function icons (volume, battery life, time, EQ, signal strength, DAB/FM and stereo) and clock. Key-press activated backlight can also be set to 'always on' for optimum visibility or 'always off' for longer battery life Mains power supply: 230V AC to 5V (0.6A) DC external power adapter Battery power supply: ChargePAK-inside Li-ion 4200 mAh rechargeable battery provides over 40 hours of portable DAB listening Aerial: Recessed telescopic aerial supplied. Headphones act as an aerial when connected. (Headphones not supplied.) Text scan: Pause and control scrolling text, giving you time to note down web addresses, competition phone numbers or song titles USB: Add new features as they become available via USB RDS: RDS support for station name display on FM and RDS scrolling text 20 presets: 20 presets (10 DAB and 10 FM) Connection: Connect an iPod/MP3 player or portable CD Dimensions: W15 x H8.5 x D2.7cm Weight: 280g 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

Limited Collection Etched Floral Lace Brazilian Knickers, at Marks&Spencer
Fabulous and fun, these comfortable Brazilians are part of our Limited Collection lingerie. They're made from soft stretchy fabric, and the scooped front and back give a shapely modern fit. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Clear Mantlepiece Clock, at Marks & Spensers
Clear body Brass effect finish Dimensions: L12 x W12cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cute Hedgehog Micromechanics Mother's Day Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Happy mother's day Inside message: Just for you Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Classic FM: Chillout CD, at Marks and Spencers
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Garmin® nüvi® 1340 Satellite Navigation System, at Marks & Spencer
Maps: Preloaded with street maps for Western Europe, including the UK and Ireland Directions: Lane Assist to show you to the correct lane for upcoming junctions Display: 9.7 x 5.7cm, 480 x 272 pixels Display type: WQVGA color TFT with white backlight Accepts data cards: microSD™ card (not included) Battery life: up to 4 hours Battery Rechargeable lithium-ion Dimensions: W12.2 x H7.5 x D1.6cm Weight: 161.6g Compatible with Windows 2000 or later and Mac OS X 10.4 or later Only 15mm thick ideal for use in and out of the car Premium, subscription-free traffic alerts Public Transport & Pedestrian mode with optional cityXplorer™ download New optional AA City Guides for restaurant listings, attractions and more Garmin's unique speed camera warnings (database updated daily)

Hammered Square Detail Sunglasses, at Marks & Spenser
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Maternity Long Sleeve Empire Cardigan, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and modern, this long sleeve cardigan is designed to flatter you and your bump. A drawstring waist gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A practical, versatile choice

3D Rosebud Cushion - Cream, at Marks & Spensers
L43 x W43cm 3D rose applique design Pure Cotton, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Super Juicer, at Marks & Spencer
35 watt Automatic switch on Anti-drip spout Includes cord storage and lid Stainless steel finish 1 litre capacity H32 x D17cm M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click

Ben 10 Sticker Action, at Marks & Spencer
Go for a sticker smackdown with these cool activity books that deliver the things boys love best - aliens, automobiles and attitude! 24 pages of puzzles, challenges and street style will satisfy the hippest kid. Boys can use their stickers to recreate their favourite Ben 10 episodes and Hot Wheels cars, or mix things up to create funky new designs. Customise your own car or assemble an alien army - sticker books let boys make the rules

Autograph Leather Miami Scoop Bag, at MarksandSpencer
Stylish and luxurious, this chic leather handbag is designed in a classic shape that will never date. It's strong, practical and highly desirable

Pure Cotton Crew Neck Unisex Sweatshirt, at MarksandSpencer
Relaxed and comfortable, this pure cotton sweatshirt is great value. An ideal choice for school

Château la Tour L'Aspic Pauillac 2004 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spenser
Grape variety: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc Country of origin: France 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

Something Old Wedding Card, at M&S
Cover text: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue Inside message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the worlds forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Trousers with Silk, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from fine quality wool with silk for a touch of luxury. A practical, hardwearing and fashionable choice

Miele Type U Hyclean Dustbags, at M+S
4 dustbags Capacity of 6 litres 1 x motor filter 1 x super air clean filter Suitable for S7 upright vacuum cleaners

Handcrafted Winnie the Pooh Valentine Card, at M&S
Cover Text: Happy Valentine's Day Inside Message: Lots of love and a hug or two Approx size: 178 x 127mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Sleeveless Curve Seam Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this sleeveless dress features a chic button detail above the waist. A great choice that will take you from the office to an evening out. Machine washable for convenience

Valdemadera Grand Reserva 2002 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Full bodied Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural Cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans 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

Autograph Pure Cotton Parisian Damask Pillowcase, at Marks & Spencer
Floral design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Murphy's Contemporary Selection Reds & Whites - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
1 Chateau Darzac Reserve 2008: A subtle, unoaked white wine from Bordeaux that is youthful and refreshing... 1 Castello d'Alba White 2008: A stylish, full-flavoured white from Portugal's Douro Valley. Traditional Portuguese varieties have been used to create a highly individual wine with layers of flavour that include red apple, wild herbs, toasted almonds and mixed spice... 2 Willowbank Semillon Chardonnay 2007: A refreshing and intensely fruity white that is perfect for everyday drinking... 2 Beau Moulin Blanc 2008: A bright and crisp, unoaked white wine from a blend of traditional grapes grown in the sunny vineyards of the Languedoc... 1 Domaine du Donjon des Dames, Plan de Dieu 2007: A full-bodied and densely textured red from the Southern Rhne which combines rich, plum fruit flavours with an attractive note of savoury spice... 1 Castello d'Alba Red 2007: Ripe and velvety, this is a lightly oaked Douro red that is beautifully crafted and offers superb value for money... 2 De Bortoli Willowbank Shiraz 2007: warm-fruited, creamy-textured Shiraz from Australia. This wine is all about soft, rounded flavours of cherry, mint and chocolate, together with a gently warming finish... 2 Beau Moulin Rouge 2008: An intensely fruity, unoaked red wine that is bursting with flavours of black cherry, blueberry and wild herbs... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Formal Gold Prong Reversible Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather belt

Limited Collection Bow Clutch Bag, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, this bow clutch bag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Anthony the Bear Thank You Teacher Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: To a Special Teacher! Inside message: Thank you! Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the M & S 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 Home 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 M+S, 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.