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's & 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.

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 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, 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.

Marks & 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 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 Money 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 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 MarksandSpencer insurance products in document format too.

Sebo Automatic X1.1 Upright Vacuum Cleaner, at M&S
Ideal for carpet, hard floors and pet hair 5.3 litre capacity dustbag with dustbag full indicator Computer control system Crevice and upholstery nozzle 1150 watt motor with cut-out protection S-CLASS filtration system - removes 100% of particles of 1 micron and above Anti-allergy design with British Allergy Foundation Approval 5 year parts and 2 year labour domestic use guarantee Can be used for carpet cleaning Vacuum weight: 7.3kg, width 31cm 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Rib Ruffle Cardigan with Cashmere, at M+S
A touch of cashmere adds luxurious softness to this modern ribbed cardigan. Wonderfully warm and cosy

Cupcake Bedset, at Marks & Spencers
Set includes single duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Cupcake design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Nokia 6500 - T-Mobile Pay as you talk Mobile Phone, at Marks and Spencers
Maximum of 2 phones per customer may be purchased Talk time: Up to 3.5 hours Stand-by time: Up to 9 days Display: 2" (320 x 240 pixels) QVGA display supporting up to 16.7 million true colours Dimensions: 109.8 x 45 x 9.5mm Weight: 94g Bandwidth: GSM/EGSM: 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA 850/2100 Music and multimedia: Music player supports AAC, eAAC+, and MP3 audio formats, Video playback supports H.263, MPEG4, and 3GPP formats and codecs, Video streaming supports 3GPP and H.263 formats Camera and video: Image capture: JPEG, resolution of images: 1600 x 1200 pixels, video capture: MP4, Resolution of videos: QCIF/SQCIF, 176 x 144 pixels Browsing: xHTML browser over wTCP/IP stack supports WAP release 2.0, WML (WAP 2.0) browser Connectivity: Micro USB, 2.0 + enhanced data rate (EDR), Remote SyncML data synchronization via Bluetooth Data transfer: WCDMA, GPRS, EGPRS and Dual band 3G technology Java™ applications: Java MIDP 2.0 games and applications Messaging and email: MMS, SMS, AMS and Email client supports POP3 and IMAP4 Memory: 1 GB internal memory with up to 920 MB user free memory Personal information management: calendar, to-do list, and notes, alarm clock, stopwatch, countdown timer and calculator Ringtones: Video, MP3, MP4, eAAC+, AAC, and WMA, Polyphonic

Earth Spa Moisture Quenching Body Gel, at Marks and Spencers
To replenish and pamper 300ml Ingredients: Aqua , Cyclomethicone, Alcohol Denat. Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Glycereth-26, Phenoxyethanol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Carbomer, Limonene, Carbomer, Glycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Methylparaben, Benzophenone-4, Linalool, Aloe Barbadensis, Disodium EDTA, Butylparaben, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Ethylparaben, Citrus Medica Limonum Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Propylparaben, Orchis Mascula, Isobutylparaben, Plumeria Alba, Parfum, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Eugenol, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Citrus Nobilis Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Xanthan Gum, CI 14700

Pure Wool Sparkle Bow Detail Cloche Hat, at Marks and Spenser
Keep ahead of the trends with this glamorous bow detail cloche hat. The perfect finishing touch to stylish winter outfits

M&S 6-Bottle Wine Chiller/Warmer, at Marks and Spencer
6 bottle chiller and warmer Stores red or white wine Temperature range 7 C to 18 C Includes 12V car adaptor Dimensions: H44 x W41 x D28cm 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Weekend Slash Neck Stripe Top, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

5 Cotton Rich Plain Low Rise Bikini Knickers, at Mark & Spencers
These plain cotton rich bikini knickers are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention. Pack includes both black and white

Ashton Dressing Table & Stool Set, at Marks and Spencer
2 piece set Dressing table: H112 x W78 x D45cm 3 drawers Stool: H50 x W47 x D39cm Made from solid poplar and rubberwood 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 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 3/4 Sleeve Tile Print Dress with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
A pretty 3/4 sleeve dress featuring a tile print and back tie feature

Cuvée Cédric Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay Country of origin: France 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

Toy Story Music Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday...Buzz and Woody Action Heroes Inside message: Have a fantastic day! Approx size: 215 x 150 mm Disney / Pixar

Mother of Pearl Border Photo Frame 20 x 25cm (8 x 10''), at Mark's & Spencer
Mother of pearl border Aperture: 20 x 25cm (8 x 10''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Double Contrast Strap Swimsuits, at Marks and Spenser
Smooth and sleek, this fashionable swimsuit features a contrast double strap and plain print. Make a splash!

Total Support Luxury Lace Bra, at M & S
Soft and comfortable, this non-wired bra gives all-round support and uplift with good coverage, extra wide straps and 3 hook-and-eye fasteners. It's secure but gentle and lightweight, an ideal choice for everyday wear

Royal Jelly & Pure Honey Hand and Nail Cream, at Marks&Spencer
Moisturising 100ml

2 Mini Limited Velour Jogging Bottoms, at Marks & Spensers
Mini Limited is a collection of cute fun styles designed in the latest looks. The casual, contemporary pieces are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for layering

Formula Revivial Cosmetox Eye Lift, at Marks & Spenser
Proven results after 4 weeks Collagen-boosting actives to improve your skin's structure Hyaluronic acid filling spheres to plump your skin Matrixyl™ , a natural peptide to rejuvenate skin and leave facial wrinkles diminished Argireline™, a protein that discourages muscle contraction to prevent formation of wrinkles Hypoallergenic 10ml

Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Floral Print Top, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this scoop neck top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a floral print neckline

Ice Cream Star Age 5 Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Happy birthday 5 Inside message: Have a lovely day Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Diamanté Square Photo Frame 17 x 13cm (4 x 6"), at Marks & Spenser
Celebrate those special memories in timeless style with this contemporary glittering photo frame

Chandelier Embroidered Pillowcase, at Marks&Spencer
Fits standard pillows Chandelier embroidered design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mirrored Collection Console Table, at Marks & Spencers
H77 x W102 x D35 cm 2 drawers Mirrored finish with clear knobs Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item 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

4 Pairs of Autograph Cotton Rich Varied Stripe Socks, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and fashionable, these varied stripe socks are part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Pure Cotton Faux Fur Hooded Top, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and casual, this comfortable faux fur hooded top is made from pure cotton and features a contrast stitch detail. A great value easycare style.

125 Years Luxury Wool Rich Flat Front Trousers with Cashmere, at M & S
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Fabulous vintage style inspired by our archives

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Woven Top, at Marks & Spenser
The assorted floral print makes this top so cute. It's made from soft cotton fabric and feels comfy to wear

5 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Animal Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these comfy cotton rich socks feature embroidered animal designs

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - Pure Cotton Frill Trim Cardigan, at M&S
Pretty as well as practical, this pure cotton cardigan is ideal for school. Girls will love the embroidered detail and frilled hem and cuff

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

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spencer, 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.