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 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 Mark & Spencers, 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 Motor 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.

Besides Marks & Spenser Motor Insurance, M&S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money 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 Money 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 Mark & Spensers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money 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.

Contrary to popular opinion, not every insurance company is out to get you, and it's not every insurance company that will disect the fine-print until they find some way of denying your insurance claim. However, you do need to shop around for the financial products and insurance policies that are the best suited for your individual needs.

That's why insurance policies, and other financial products, from Marks & Spenser are so useful. M&S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spencers a profit, but there is no denying that they are also very good value for money, offering many features as standard which you'd often need to pay extra for at other insurance companies.

Take, for example, Buildings & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents Insurance policies have limits on particular types of items such as freezer contents, garden furniture and outdoor toys, outbuildings or cars, etc. These restrictions are called inner limits. However, the only inner limits on the M&S Money Buildings & Contents Insurance policy are £500 for cash; £2m for property-owners and personal liability; £10m for domestic employees liability and £40,000 for tenants liability. Even better is the fact that you're likely to pay no more for M&S Money Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Shimmer Effect Glass Charger Plate, at Marks & Spenser
Circular shape Shimmer effect Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S 19'' HD Ready LCD TV with DVD Player & iPod® Dock, at Marks n Spencer
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 19 inch LCD, 1280 x 800 pixels Contrast Ratio: 400:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Connectors: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x scart socket Built-in DVD Player: Plays DVD and CDs Built-in iPod Dock: Plays music and videos from the iPod through the TV and charges your iPod iPod remote Control all iPod functions from the TV remote iPod docking station compatible with Classic 5th & 6th generation, Nano 2nd & 3rd generation, iTouch and iPhone Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Use wall mount T042100 to perfectly mount this TV 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

5 Loop Dinner Candle Holder, at Marks n Spencer
Handcrafted Holds 5 candles Loop design H10 x W69 x D8.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Quad Blusher, at Marks & Spencer
4 x blushers Includes compact mirror inside

Autograph Merano 1 Seater Unit (No Arms), at Marks & Spenser
H84 x W76 x D102cm Seat H47cm, top back rail H63cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions made from shape-retaining foam with extra-thick fibre wrap - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Glide feet with a dark finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Basket Weave Dress with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this dress features a belt at the waist to define your figure. A fabulous, flattering look

Formula Age Repair Firming Eye Cream, at Marks & Spencer
With ceramide and rice protein Especially formulated for mature skin Firms and tightens the skin around eye area Hypoallergenic 15ml

Per Una Body Cream, at Marks & Spencers
Massage into your skin until completely absorbed to leave your skin delicately fragranced 200ml

Sony Bravia 46" KDL-46Z4500 HD Ready LCD TV, at Mark's & Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 46 inch LCD, 10 bit panel, 6.2 Mega Pixels, Picture Mode: 14:9 Mode, 4:3 Mode, Screen Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Contrast ratios: Dynamic contrast 80000:1 Integrated Digital and Cable Tuners: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) and is cable TV ready (with supported operators only Dimensions: W114 x H79 x D30.7cm (including table top stand) Weight: 34.5kg (including table top stand) Surround Sound Effect: Experience the effect of digital surround sound from only two front speakers with our advanced S-Force Front Surround technology Connectors: Digital audio output (optical), 3 x HDMI™ Inputs, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, 1 x Component Inputs, Composite Video In, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone), PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, 3 x RCA AV Input, RF In, 2 x Scart Inputs (RGB), BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Music/Photo), Digital Media Port BRAVIA Engine 2: Experience incredibly clear and defined images with BRAVIA ENGINE 2 picture enhancement technology and Advanced Contrast Enhancer Live Colour Creation with x.v.Colour: Uses a larger colour palette to produce vibrant colour the way nature intended it to be seen Motionflow 200Hz: Adds 3 new frames to every fast moving scene, creating sharp, smooth images. Motionflow works by multiplying the number of frames you see on screen. New ones are inserted into fast-moving sequences, like the flight of a ball, to smooth out the motion. Motionflow predicts motion in all directions and cleverly creates brand new pictures based on this information 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Xcross Media Bar: No more confusing menu screens thanks to our easy-to-navigate XrossMediaBar™ to browse all your TV functions Picture Frame Mode: When you are not watching TV, turn it into a digital picture frame with Picture Frame Mode. Fill the black hole in your living room by using your TV to display your own pictures or the 6 pre-installed images BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Control your entire home cinema set-up with just one click on the TV remote and access the menus on compatible peripheral devices such as Handycam camcorders thanks to BRAVIA Sync 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 Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Dark 3-Drawer Bedside Chest, at Marks & Spenser
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

Mix Bead Long Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Mix bead design Necklace length 92cm, extendable by 8cm

Silver Plated Scatter Pear Pendant Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Clasp fastening Fine chain Scatter pear pendant Length: 41cm Extender: 8cm

Mechanical Motorbike Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover Text: Happy birthday Inside Message: Have a great day! Approx size: 135 x 135mm

Detachable Clear Bra Straps, at Marks & Spencer
These clear straps attach to our multiway bras to give you a more discreet option

The Floral Collection Magnolia Gift Set, at M+S
Magnolia frangrance Presented in gift purse Moisturising Hand and Body Lotion 50ml Moisture Rich Foaming Bath Cream 50ml Moisture Rich Shower Cream 50ml

Facet Pod Stretch Bracelet, at Marks & Spenser
Wide style Stretch fit Facet pod design

5 Pure Cotton Slips, at Marks and Spencers
The soft, easy to care for qualities of pure cotton means these comfy slips are a fantastic option for day to day wear

12-Piece Portland Stripe Dinner Set, at Marks and Spenser
12-piece set Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 bowls Dinner plate: Diam27.5cm Side plate: Diam20.5cm Bowl: H6cm Diam14cm Fine china Stripe design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sports High Impact Non Wired Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Offering the superior support and control you need for those high energy workouts. This high impact sports bra sets the pace for essential comfort thanks to an easycare fabric and the shape retaining qualities of added stretch

Black Gloss Pepper Mill, at Marks & Spenser
Fitted with a durable stainless steel mechanism Screw top design Adjustable for fine or coarse grind Used for peppercorns Lifetime guarantee Approx size: L4.5 x W4.5 x H19.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Barton 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spencer
H90 x W158 x D90cm Seat H51cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Includes 2 matching fibre scatter cushions Feet are castors with antique-brass effect finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pairs of Assorted Design Knee High Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These assorted design knee high socks have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Check Shorties, at Marks and Spencers
He'll love the fun 'Don't worry this is just my morning face' slogan on these comfy pure cotton shorties

Ruffle Neck Tankini, at Marks and Spencers
Feminine and fashionable, this flattering tankini is designed in the latest shape. Make a splash!

Cashmilon™ Multi Stripe Scarf, at M & S
Keep warm, cosy and stylish in this fashionable multi stripe scarf made from supersoft cashmilon™

Autograph White Hungarian Goose Down Duvet - 10.5 Tog, at Mark's & Spencer
10.5 tog Ideal for Spring and Autumn use, or all round use in homes with central heating Highest quality class 1 Hungarian goose down Large down clusters within a multi-pocket construction - provides warmth without weight Each pocket is individually filled ensuring even down distribution 100% cotton outer cover - 300 thread count downproof cover Which tog? Tog measures the warmth of a duvet based on its ability to trap warm air. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet. The perfect tog is a personal choice which can depend upon you and your home, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Freshfeet Faux Fur Warmlined Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Slip-on Round toe Contrast stitch design Flat sole Sanitised Silver technology effectively reduces bacteria that cause odours

V-Neck Sleeveless Top, at Marks and Spencer
This sleeveless top has a stylish stitch detail. A key fashion essential this season

Big & Tall Flat Front Pindot Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend with stretch. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Gold Plated Filigree Gem Pendant Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Rope style necklace Filigree gem pendant Clasp fastening necklace with adjustable length Necklace length 41cm

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money. Not least of these is Marks n Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money you can keep the cost of your Motor 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 Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Mark & Spensers, 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 Motor Insurance from M+S Money, you get more, and you pay less.