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 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. Not least of these is Marks & 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 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 Car Insurance from Marks & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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 and Spencer are so useful. M+S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spenser 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.

Fabulous at 40 Dotty Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Fabulous at 40 Inside message: Happy Birthday! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future 178 x 125mm

Sonoma Office Black Leather Swivel Chair, at Marks & Spenser
H117 x W63 x D72cm Adjustable seat height: 36-42cm Metal base Leather seat Adjustable height Gas lift function 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 SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this chair as part of a set. Click here to view the Sonoma Office Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

T397799, at M&S
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Pairs of Older Girls' Cotton Rich Plain Long Socks, at Mark's & Spencer
Ideal for school, these soft cotton rich socks make a comfortable, practical choice

Autograph Avalanche+ Roses - Two Dozen, at Marks and Spencer
These extra-long stemmed, large-headed roses come in a selection of glorious shades. All of the rose bouquets are hand-tied and beautifully wrapped in frosted Autograph™ cellophane and black ribbon Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Exfoliating Facial Cloth, at Marks and Spencer
Helps promote healthy, glowing and radiant skin High absorbancy Hypoallergenic

Plain Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencers
Modern and stylish, these bikini bottoms are outstanding value. Style and quality at a great price

Autograph Cross Strap Lace Back Sandals, at Marks & Spensers
Open toe Cross strap with buckle fastening Lace back detail High heel Heel height: 9cm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Made with Insolia technology, an exclusive innovation that makes high heels more comfortable to wear and better for your body's alignment and balance. They work by taking the weight off your toes, so there's less pressure and more stability. Your legs, back and feet stay more comfy all day

Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™ Pleated School Skirt, at Marks and Spencers
This innovative skirt is treated with Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ finishes which help repel water and everyday stains. The adjustable waist gives a perfectly comfortable fit for longer. Permanent pleats keep it looking smart

Fraser 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencer
H99cm x W188cm x D102cm Seat: H48cm (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 Solid birch feet with a medium 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

Nintendo DS™ LEGO® Batman®: The Videogame, at Marks & Spencer
Fight for justice as Batman and Robin or create chaos as The Joker, Catwoman and other villains, as you save or wreak havoc in Gotham City Rocket through sewers and bound across rooftops as you take the fight to the criminals across classic locations in Gotham City Fight on land, sea and in the air using a number of powerful Batman, Robin and villain-controlled vehicles, including the rocket-powered Batmobile, sleek Batboat and stealthy Batwing Enhance the abilities of the Dynamic Duo by unlocking Batman's Demolition, Sonic and Glide suits and Robin's Gravity, Magnetic and Dive suits to help fight Gotham's villains Play through the game in Story Mode from both the hero and villain sides The Nintendo DS version will offer touch screen interaction, and two-player co-op using the DS local wireless network capability You must be 7 years of age or over to purchase this product 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: Nintendo DS, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Pure Cotton Sequin Heart Belt Cargo Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Comes with belt shown in image Fresh and fashionable, these pure cotton below-the-knee trousers look chic with wedges, sandals or flat pumps. Cargo style side pockets add an extra touch of style

2 Angel Contrast Strap First Bras, at Mark & Spensers
These great value bras are ideal for everyday wear. They're made with stretchy fabric for a supportive and comfortable fit. The unique soft underwiring is perfect for girls who have been wearing our non wired bras for 2 years

Playmobil Dogs & Puppies Toy, at Marks & Spenser
Suitable for 4+ years Features 2 dogs, 3 pups, 1 child figure, kennel and accessories! This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Duck Feather & Down 4.5 Tog Duvet, at Mark & Spencers
4.5 tog The coolest of all duvets, designed for summer use 230 thread count and 100% cotton downproof cover Excellent value for money, natural duck feather and down filling ensures a soft and comfy night's sleep Pure cotton cover Highest quality class 1 duck feather down 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

Pure Cotton Quick Iron Button Down Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and innovative, this pure cotton easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

Photographic Cakes Aunty Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Aunty Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 mm x 125 mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Big & Tall Flat Front Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
A relaxed formal look, these comfortable trousers make a stylish and practical choice for everyday wear

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

Oval Face Roman Numeral Watch, at Mark's & Spencer
Oval face Analogue Roman numeral Leather-effect strap

Ingredients Almond Hand Cream, at M&S
Almond scented 75ml

Pure Cotton Floral Print Mock Layer Top, at Marks n Spencer
Mock layer design makes this soft cotton top fabulously fashionable

Hello Cupcake Birthday Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover Text: Hello cupcake Inside Message: Have a sweet birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

8 Mini Craft Floral Cards Multipack, at Marks and Spenser
Contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Cover text: Design 1: Blank, design 2: Just to say..., design 3: Blank, design 4: Thank you Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Room On The Broom, at M & S
How many can you fit on a witch's broomstick? And can the witch keep hold of her hat? Beautifully written in rhyme and with exciting illustrations, a real bedtime story treat

Autograph Weekend Lightweight Bold Spot Print Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
Add a touch of sophisticated style with this shimmering scarf. The perfect lightweight layer to wrap over this season's tops and dresses

Soft Fleece Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencer
Relax in style and comfort in this cosy dressing gown made from soft fleece

The Dangerous Book for Boys Go-Cart Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: The Dangerous Book for Boys Inside message: Have a dangerous birthday! Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Per Una Rainbow Heart Embroidered Pyjamas, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and feminine, these pretty pyjamas are made from soft cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Classic Collection Velour Wedge Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Treat your feet to the warm comfort of these velour wedge slippers. They're a terrific option for lounging around the home in cosy style

Besides M+S Car 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 Marks & Spencers 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.