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 & 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 Finance 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 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 Car Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Buildings 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 Finance 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 and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Finance Premier Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings 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.

M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 & Spensers 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:

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

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Cap Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Cotton Rich Dobby Revere Pyjamas, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these heart print pyjamas are made from soft cotton rich fabric for a comfortable night's sleep

Plain Ribbon Tie Joggers, at Marks and Spencer
Perfect for the gym or simply strolling around the park, these comfy joggers are a must-have addition to any active lifestyle

3 Younger Boys' Cotton Rich Spider-Man™ Trunks, at MarksandSpencer
Fans of Spider-man™ will love this pack of 3 cotton rich trunks featuring the popular character. Fun, practical and great value

Pure Cotton Hooded Check shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, this fashionable hooded top is made from pure cotton and features a check print. A practical easycare style

Pure Cotton Patch Pocket Denim Skirt with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and modern, this cotton skirt features patch pockets and contrast stitch detail. A modern style essential

Older Girls' Visor Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these sunvisor style sunglasses give 100% UV protection for safer style in the sun

Younger Girls' Long Sleeve Tatty Teddy Nightdress, at MarksandSpencer
A must for fans of Tatty Teddy, this nightdress features a motif of the popular character and a spot print

Andante Square Mug, at Marks & Spensers
Plain Square handle H10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Seville Antique Brass Wall Mirror, at Marks&Spencer
Oval Shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Flat Front Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend with stretch. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear

PURE ChargePAK E1 Rechargeable Battery Pack, at Marks and Spencer
Easy to install - can be fitted in seconds Easy to use - just fit and forget Charges inside the radio, no separate charging unit required Increased battery life per charge over standard rechargeable batteries Replaces the need for throwaway alkaline batteries Provides up to 24 hours wireless listening Battery specification: lithium-ion 3.7V 8800mAh Compatible with PURE radios: EVOKE Flow, EVOKE Mio, EVOKE-1S, EVOKE-2S 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 Free 2 year guarantee *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund

Dyson DC25 Animal Vacuum Cleaner, at Marks & Spencers
Mini turbine head: Cleans pet hair and dirt from confined spaces such as upholstery, stairs and the car Ball™ technology: Steers smoothly with a turn of the wrist Root Cyclone™ technology: Patented technology that doesn't lose suction power as you vacuum Motorised brush bar: Powerful bristles remove dirt and pet hair from carpets. Turns off to protect delicate rugs and hard floors Washable HEPA filter: Clean expelled air. Ideal for allergy sufferers Telescope Reach™ wand: Wand and hose extend for high reach and stair cleaning while the vacuum remains upright and stable Bin capacity: 1.3 litres Weight: 7.4kg Suction power: 220 AW (constant) Cord length: 7.5 metres Max reach: 12.3 metres Dimensions: W392 x H1071 x D310 Includes: Combination tool, mini turbine head, stair tool, operations manual and quick start guide 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 Free 2 year guarantee, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Bound Court Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Bound edges Mid heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight

Royal Horticulture Society Dogwood Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover text: Dogwood Inside message: blank for your own message Every purchase supports the work of the RHSE to advance horticulture and help gardeners everywhere. The Royal Horticulture Society 2008 Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262 For more information about the RHS visit www.rhs.org.uk Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Single Breasted Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
A smartly tailored single breasted jacket in pure cotton

Autograph Orange Blossom Scented Candle, at Marks and Spencer
Single wick Circular glass holder Orange blossom scented Presented in a box, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Heritage Collection - Wall Light, at Marks & Spensers
Candle effect shades Twisted stem Wall fitting 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

Amazing Dinosaur Discovery Book, at Marks and Spencer
Join Tom and his Dad on a trip to the Dinosaur Museum. Peep inside his scrapbook to read fun facts, uncover the meaning of dinosaur names and pull the tabs to make them come alive. Helps kid's learn more about the mysterious world of dinosaurs

Grandson's Favourite Things Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Happy Birthday Grandson Inside message: Have a great day! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 126mm

My First Fire Engine, at Marks & Spensers
Pull-along cord Light and sound features Batteries included Suitable for ages 0-3yrs H21cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Clever Baby Touch & Learn Colours Book, at Marks & Spenser
Touch and Learn Colours encourages 1 to 2 year olds to build on their learning skills. Its lot of fun too with chunky tabs to choose from and different textures to touch and explore

3 Pairs of 40 Denier Semi Opaque Knee Highs, at Marks & Spencers
A great value set of 40 denier hold ups with a reinforced top for added support making sure they stay in place at all times

Autograph Pure Silk Snake Print Kaftan, at Mark's & Spencer
Luxurious and exclusive, this glamorous kaftan is beautifully designed in a flattering, fashionable silhouette for the ultimate in style. It's made from soft, comfortable fabric and finished with careful attention to detail

Performance °Climate Control Flat Cap, at Mark's & Spencer
A traditional British classic, this is a versatile style that looks great worn smart or casual

2 Pure Cotton Thomas & Friends T-Shirts, at M+S
Fans of Thomas & Friends will love these cotton t-shirt featuring Thomas. A practical, easycare style

Cotton Rich Drawstring Corduroy Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and versatile, these comfortable cords can be worn smart or casual. A practical easycare choice

Pure Cotton Jersey Woven Pyjamas, at Marks & Spenser
Pretty and feminine, these jersey woven pyjamas are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Butterfly Photo Frame 10 x 15cm (4 x 6''), at Mark's & Spencer
Butterfly design Rectangle shape Aperture 10 x 15cm (6 x 4''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Double Button Skinny Jeans, at Marks & Spencer
Long and lean, skinny jeans are an edgy modern style. This stretchy pair sits below the waist and is cut to fit and flatter. Wear with some volume on your top half to balance the shape and give an even leggier look

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

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