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 M & S 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 MarksandSpencer, 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 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 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's:

• 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.

Besides Mark & Spensers Car Insurance, Marks & Spencer Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer 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 Mark's & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both Marks & Spencer Money 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.

Autograph Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt & Tie Set, at M+S
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Sun Formula Self Tan Body Applicator Mitt, at Marks & Spencer
Makes self tanning easy Smooth streak free application Use with self tan cream, lotion, mousse or spray This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Blue Harbour Zip Fastening Fleece Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Relaxed and cosy, this fleece makes a warm and comfortable extra layer

3/4 Sleeve Open Neck Collar Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, this 3/4 sleeve shirt features a stunning stripe design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Hanging Bag & Cosmetic Purse Set, at Marks and Spenser
2 piece set Hanging bag with multi compartments Cosmetic purse with zip fastening Plain

Official ECB Pure Cotton Hooded Top, at Marks and Spenser
A must for cricket fans! This official top features a contrasting zip and hood lining and the England Cricket logo. An easycare style in soft comfortable cotton

Pure Linen Baseball Cap, at Marks & Spencer
Whether you're keeping the sun out of your eyes during the big game or simply relaxing in casualwear, the baseball cap is a style essential

Per Una Scoop Neck Ruffle Front Top, at Marks and Spencers
An elegant fine stripe top featuring cap sleeve and rear keyhole detail. The tiered ruffle design gives it the Per Una touch

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Hooded Jacket, at M&S
Comfy and cosy, this hooded jacket feels soft and warm and is great value. A practical, easycare style

Machine Washable & Tumble Dry Single Breasted 2 Button Plain Navy Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Put an end to trips to the dry cleaner with our Machine Washable range. Each suit's stylish cut and fit is combined with the convenience of its high quality fabric that can be machine washed and tumble dried

Cotton Rich Ethnic Diamond Print Scarf with Silk, at Marks & Spencers
This sophisticated lightweight scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The ethnic diamond print adds a stylish finishing touch

Earth Sign Bracelet, at Marks and Spenser
Stretch style Beaded design Earth charms Diamant detail

Coloured Glass Collection - Bud Bullet Vase, at Marks and Spencer
H23.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Chino Shorts, at Marks and Spenser
Think smart on those warmer days and nights with the design of these great value shorts. Pair with sandals and a T-shirt or team with a short sleeve shirt and boat shoes for a dressier casual look

Wentworth 3-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencers
H96 x W204 x D100cm Seat H50cm (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 Feet are castors 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 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

First Mummy's Day Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: 1st Mummy's Day Inside message: A Special Day for a Special Mummy Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Spots & Butterflies Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: To a special Daughter Inside Message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 175 x 125mm

Knitted Small Elephant Soft Toy, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 0-3yrs Knitted For added safety, the stuffing in this product is incorporated in an extra layer This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Adored Comfort Control All Over Lace Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and pretty, these knickers are made from the softest stretch lace, so they feel blissfully comfortable to wear. The low leg style gives a modern shapely fit. Feminine everyday lingerie

High School Musical Awesome Activities Book, at Mark & Spensers
Activity book which comes with a sheet of stickers for the reader to brighten up the pages with. There's also a fabulous mobile phone sock cover mounted to the front of the book so the reader's mobile phone can be covered in a groovy East High design

Country Bunch Family Home Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover text: New home! Inside message: Congratulations! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future 175 mm x 127 mm

British Heritage Leather Burnish Cut-Out Shoes, at Marks&Spencer
Enjoy the best of Britain with our British Heritage range. Handcrafted in England, these timeless shoes are made from the finest leather and traditional Goodyear Welted Construction. They include a leather insole and cork filler which moulds to your feet for superb comfort and fit

Easy Healthy, at Marks & Spenser
Improve your overall feeling of well-being and enjoy great meals with this great collection of healthy recipes.

Classic Collection Palm Print Top, at M+S
Feminine and pretty, this floral print top will give your look an instant lift. It looks lovely worn with plain skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic collection

Per Una Sketch Swirl Skirt, at M+S
A fashionable mid length skirt featuring an abstract print and frill hem

4 Neutral Dot Stacking Mugs, at Marks and Spencer
Pack of 4 mugs Includes stacker Dot design Contrast trim and handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Flat Screen Wipes, at Marks & Spencers
50 moist cleaning tissues Alcohol free Ideal for TFT, LCD, laptop, PDA and all glass surfaces 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

Chardonnay VdP Côteaux de Tannay 2008 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Portfolio Petite Twisted Scoop Neck Top, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season.

Limited Collection Darling Bow Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Snake design chain Bow feature Necklace length 40cm, extendable by 8cm

Marks n Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Car Insurance, but Mark & Spencers 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 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 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 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.