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.

M&S may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents Insurance or Car Insurance, but Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer Money website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Money Direct products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or Marks & Spencer Money loans, credit cards or Buildings & Contents Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, Marks & Spencer Money can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of Marks & Spencer Money insurance products (Buildings & Contents 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 M+S insurance products in document format too.

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Mark's & Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer Money, 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 & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Nintendo Wii™ Console with Disney Sing It Game Bundle, at Mark & Spencers
Includes wireless Wii Remote, Wii Nunchuk and Sing It game with Microphone Sing it Game with Microphone: Disney Sing It is the new karaoke video game that allows fans to perform to 35 songs from Camp Rock, High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus, Aly & AJ, Jesse McCartney and more Plays two disc formats in a single, self-loading media bay Features a processing chip from IBM and a graphics chip from ATI Completely backward compatible, all the way to the NES of the 1980s Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming service Online Wii Channel for news, weather, photo viewing, message boards and more Supports up to 4 GameCube controllers SD card slot Fully compatible with GameCube games Comes with A/V cable and UK power adapter

Big & Tall Single Breasted Ultimate Blazer, at Marks and Spenser
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this ultimate blazer is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

Pirramimma Old Bush Vine Grenache 2004 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Grenache (Garnacha) Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Nintendo DS Lite™ Console - Pink, at Marks & Spensers
Dual Screens open up new possibilities - use the touch screen as an inventory reference for role-playing games, to view maps for your favourite strategy game, or see racing action from two perspectives at once Navigate menus or access inventory items simply by touching the screen with stylus or fingertip Tough film to protects touchscreen Advanced 3D graphics engine and 16-channel audio, for graphics and Sound that are superior to other portable game systems All-new PictoChat feature allows DS users to write messages with an on-screen Keyboard or the stylus and send them wirelessly Built-in Microphone port for voice control of games, or for voice chat with other DS players Less than two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS More than 20 percent lighter than original DS 4 adjustable brightness levels to extend battery life Repositioned microphone and LED lights Stylus has been redesigned- now 1cm longer and 1mm thicker Repositioned start and select buttons 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

Navarra Side Table, at Mark & Spencers
H52 x W48 x D48cm Made from solid oak and oak veneer Finished with a low-sheen lacquer that provides added durability Legs made from solid wood Delivered flatpack due to size 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

Sun Formula Self Tan Facial Applicator Mitt, at Marks and Spenser
Water resistant barrier protects your hands from staining Hand wash for repeated optimum results This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

5 Cotton Rich Plain Low Rise Bikini Knickers, at M & S
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

Norton Internet Security™ 2009 1 Year Protection for 1 PC, at Marks and Spencer
Core Security: Protects against viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, worms, bots, and rootkits. Reduces scan time with smart scanning, so you can work and play uninterrupted Advanced Security: Protects against the latest threats with a proactive, multilayered protection system, prevents others from taking control of your PC and using it to attack other PCs Identity Protection: Inspects websites to make sure they're not fakes, guards against online identity theft Networking: Helps secure and monitor your home network. Automatically secures your PC when connecting to public wireless hotspots Support: AutoFix technology will diagnose and fix common problems for you Suitable for 1 user for 1 year 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

Little Birds Text Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Have a lovely day Approx. size: 150 x 150mm

Limited Collection Pleated Tulip Skirt, at M&S
Chic and stylish, this tulip skirt features pleated front and side pockets. A great choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

Heart Print Dressing Gown, at Marks & Spencers
Wrap up and relax in this soft dressing gown featuring cosy heart print for a pretty look

Little Acorns Baby Keepsake Box, at Marks & Spenser
Contains: 1 keepsafe box H290 x W290 x D95mm

Strapless Stick on Bra, at Marks&Spencer
Thanks to these moulded cups, you can get discreet support - great for wearing with strapless or backless dresses and tops

Limited Collection Rio Charm Necklace, at Marks n Spencer
Clasp fastening Multiple charms Multi strand Necklace length 47.5cm, extendable by 7.5cm

Per Una Stripe Print Chiffon Dress, at Marks & Spencer
An elegant sleeveless chiffon dress, featuring empire line and stripe design

Bright Flowers 30th Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: 30 Happy Birthday Inner message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 125mm

Ingredients Mandarin Lip Butter, at Marks & Spencer
To help soften and smooth your lips Mandarin flavoured balm

Cotton Blend Multi Pocket Jacket with Drawstring Waist, at Marks and Spencer
This flattering short length jacket looks great worn over casualwear for a relaxed look. Finished with a contemporary stitch design, this warm, easycare jacket will see you through the season in style

2 Recycled Anti-Allergy Firm Support Pillows, at Marks & Spencer
Pack of 2 Proven defence against dust mite allergies Endorsed by the British Allergy Foundation, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Small Hamish the Westie Dog, at Mark's & Spencer
Suitable from 12 months This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lucy Mannequin Jewellery Holder, at MarksandSpencer
Mannequin design Multiple hooks Height 18"

Everyday Underwired Half Floral Lace Bra, at Marks & Spenser
Soft and comfortable, this floral lace bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

Antigua Footstool, at Marks and Spencer
H44 x W72 x D58cm (all dimensions are approximate) Cushions made from Quallofil Extralife filling Frame made from solid wood wrapped with banana fibre Other cushions made from polyester fibre Wooden feet wrapped with rattan 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

Angled Stitch Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Fluid and feminine, these straight leg trousers are cut to flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. Practical and fashionable, they make a great choice for work or smart occasions

Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™ Cargo Shorts, at M+S
Smart and innovative, these fashionable cargo shorts are treated with Stormwear™ and Stain Defence™ technology, so they repel water and stains. An adjustable waist gives a perfectly comfortable fit for longer

Autograph Wool Rich Hairline Stripe Trousers with Cashmere, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, these stripe trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Orchids on Kraft Large Gift Bag, at Marks and Spenser
1 gift bag Approx size: H270 x W360 x D100 mm

Sleeveless Chevron Belted Dress, at Marks & Spenser
Sleek and chic, this sleeveless chevron detail dress is tailored to fit and flatter. A stylish choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

T356953S, at Marks & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Enamel Diamanté Photo Frames 5 x 8cm (2 x 3''), at Marks&Spencer
Diamant detail Beaded trim Aperture: 5 x 8cm (2 x 3''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & 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, Sainsbury's, 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 Marks & Spencer Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.