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 and Spencer, through its Marks & Spencer 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.

Marks & Spencer Money Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Car Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Car Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, Marks & Spencer Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

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 Spenser are so useful. Marks & Spencer Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer Money Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Per Una Roma Cotton Rich Soft Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable bootleg pair of trousers featuring a button and zip fastening

Winnie The Pooh Family Organiser Calendar, at Marks and Spenser
Contains: 1 pen and memo pad Approx. size: 330 x 430mm Disney. Based on the "Winnie the Pooh" works by A. A. Milne and E. H. Shepard. www.disney.com

Autograph Merano Chaise (Left-Hand Arm), at M+S
The flexible solution - Click here to see how Autograph Merano pieces can be arranged in any combination to fit your room. H84 x W176 x D100cm Seat H47cm, arm H63cm, 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 made from polyester fibre Fabric options have reversible cushions Available in fixed cushion covers only Glide feet with a dark finish Free swatch samples: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Seams and pattern match on fabrics - Please note that the images of fabrics displayed here are overlaid onto models. These images act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished product. Seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Chateau Richemont Red 2005 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet franc Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians 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

Samsung 26'' LE26B450 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks & Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: HD 1080p compatible to display High Definition signals in breathtaking quality, i.e. Playstation 3, Blu-ray, etc. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) delivers crystal-clear, digital audio and video signals using a single cable. 1080p is the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use Display: 26 inch Widescreen LCD TV, 1366 x 768 resolution DNIe+ Technology: The Digital Natural Image Engine produces images with incredible depth and density. Advanced contrast and detail enhancers combine to produce deeper richer lifelike colours Wide Colour Enhancer 2: Primary colours are strengthened to increase depth and intensity to show pictures in all their natural beauty Integrated Digital Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) SRS TruSurround HD: For enhanced surround sound effect Dimensions: W669.7 x H455 x D75.3mm (without stand) W669.7 x H495.1 x D216mm (with stand) Weight: 8.4kg (with stand), 7kg (without stand) Connectors: 1 x Scart, 1 x HDMI, RF input, PC input (D-sub) 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: 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

Best-Loved Plants Book, at Marks & Spencer
A beautiful range of 5 gardening titles, full of inspiring ideas and tips both for the novice and more experienced gardener. From pots and small backyards to larger gardens, feel confident in choosing the right flowers and shrubs for the right place all year round! Packed full of wonderful colour photography, these books will prepare and motivate you to garden.

Floral Design Push Up Multiway Bra, at Marks n Spencer
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

Sicilia Bianco 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Mixed White Country of origin: Italy Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

My First Frog Phone, at Marks & Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Floral Embroidered Slippers, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe Floral embroidered design Ballet style Flat sole

5 Pairs of Younger Boys' Assorted Design Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Brighten up his underwear drawer with these fashionable assorted design socks made from soft breathable cotton blend fabric

7 Pure Cotton Assorted Bodysuits, at M&S
Soft fabrics, fashionable designs and cute finishing touches make our babywear range outstanding. These high quality, great value bodysuits are designed to keep her looking adorable and feeling comfy and happy

Leather Crocodile Slip-On Shoes by Jeffrey-West, at Marks & Spencer
Slip-on Square toe Faux crocodile skin design Shallow block heel

Short Sleeve Pintuck Front Bow Top, at MarksandSpencer
This fashionable jersey top features a stylish bow and pintuck detail for a fresh modern look

Recycled Hollowfibre Quilted Mattress Protector, at Mark's & Spencer
Hollowfibre mattress protector Quilted Non allergenic Plain Comes in 3 sizes - single, double and king size, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Styled Floral Embroidered Padded Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Feminine and delicate, this bra is beautifully embellished with floral embroidery. Soft padding and underwiring give support and a flattering natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Autograph Faux Fur Coat, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and cosy, this warmly padded coat is made from soft fabric to keep her feeling comfy. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Edition DVD, at M & S
Rating Universal, suitable for all,

Autograph Multi Bead Stretch Bracelet, at Marks & Spencers
Multi bead design Stretch style

Heart Print Hipster Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these cute heart print bikini briefs sit low on the waist - perfect for wearing under hipsters. They're cut away at the front and sides and cover the bottom for a comfortable and flattering fit

Ingredients Coconut Body Butter, at Marks & Spencer
Body butter Coconut scent 200ml

Autograph Leather Soho Bag, at Marks&Spencer
Luxurious and beautiful, this chain handle bag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's made from matt and glossy leather, and is useful and practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Pure Cotton Retro Spot Nightshirt, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and breathable, this cotton retro spot nightshirt makes an ideal choice for a comfortable night's sleep

2 Older Girls' Heart Trim Crop Tops, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and comfortable, these comfy crop tops make a great way of getting girls used to the idea of wearing bras

Pinstripe Design Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks&Spencer
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. Practical and fashionable, they make a great choice for work or smart occasions

AUTO DELIVERY - MCS FEB INTRO MIX, at Marks & Spensers
This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Long Sleeve Waterfall Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
Elegant and feminine, this casual long sleeve cardigan makes the perfect light extra layer. It features a waterfall design for an extra stylish touch

Tomato & Mozzarella Salad, at Marks and Spencers
Serves 8 Ready to eat Suitable for vegetarians 700g As featured on page 26 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Pure Cotton Floral Print Pyjamas, at Marks and Spencer
Fresh and feminine, these pyjamas are made from soft breathable cotton so they feel comfortable to sleep in. The floral print adds a pretty touch

Platinum Plated Stud & Hoop Duo Earrings Set, at Marks and Spenser
Set of 2 Butterfly stud fastening Diamant detail For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Shopping for financial products at Marks & Spencer Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the Marks & Spencer Money website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents 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 Marks&Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting Marks & Spencer Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the Marks & Spencer Money website.