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 & Spensers 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 Spencers, through its Marks & Spencers 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 Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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

Marks & Spencers 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 & Spencers 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 and 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 & Spencers Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Linen Blend Stripe Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Simple and stylish, straight leg trousers are a modern classic. This pair sits on the waist and are cut to give a flattering shape that's always in style. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Cream Aluminium Collection Milk Pan, at M+S
Aluminium construction ensures pans are easy to use and durable Non-stick coating Riveted handles for safety and strength Suitable for use on all cookers and hobs except induction 0.9 litre capacity D14cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Large August Bouquet, at MarksandSpencer
Historically a symbol of love, this assortment of larkspur in shades of lilac, cream and pink also contains deep purple lisianthus, sandriana and delicately pretty roses. Includes 50% more blooms than the standard August bouquet Available for delivery from 1st to 29th August 2009

Low Rise Thong, at MarksandSpencer
These exceptionally soft and comfortable thong knickers are finished with smooth flat edges, so there are no visible outlines under clothes. The close fit and low rise style give a sleek, shapely look. Designed for women who want a streamlined silhouette

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Oxford Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Relaxed and stylish, this short sleeve shirt is made from pure cotton, so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Die Cut Butterflies Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Daughter...Hope your day is as wonderful as you are Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 126 mm

Autograph Occasions Pleat Clutch Bag, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and practical, this clutch bag is a useful accessory with bags of style!

Easy Iron Pure Cotton Bold Edged Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and innovative, this bold edged stripe easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

Double Breasted Reefer Coat, at Marks & Spencer
The reefer coat is a flattering and fashionable must-have. This version, featuring double breasted design, will look great teamed with this season's styles

Plain Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spenser
Dip your feet into lush comfort with the slip-on design of these cosy mule slippers. The non-slip sole ensures peace of mind, while the inner lining feels like a heavenly treat

Cotton Rich Contrast Stitch Bootleg Jeans, at Mark's & Spencer
Flattering and fabulous, bootcuts make legs look longer and are kind to curves. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Adored Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Nightdress, at Marks & Spensers
Stylish and elegant, this flattering nightdress is part of our feminine Adored collection. It's made from the softest fabrics for the ultimate in comfort

Pure Cotton Embroidered Scalloped Trim Vest, at Marks & Spensers
A wonderfully delicate scalloped trim adorns the top of this soft cotton cami whilst a sweet bow adds a pretty girly touch

Brothers & Sisters Duo - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
3 Fox Gordon Brothers & Sisters Viognier 2008: A superb example of Viognier that offers the perfect marriage of scented, lush fruit with elegant minerality and restraint... 3 Fox Gordon Brothers & Sisters Shiraz 2005: This is a full-flavoured, hedonistic style of wine made in Australia's Barossa Valley, home of super-ripe Shiraz... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Mineral Powder Eyeshadow, at Marks & Spencer
Hypoallergenic Fragrance and preservative free

7 Pure Cotton Animal Stripe Bodysuits, at Marks & Spensers
Cute and practical, this 7 pack of bodysuits features assorted animal designs. The soft cotton fabric will keep him comfy and the popper fastenings are great for fuss-free changes

Petite Knee Length Pencil Skirt with Wool, at Mark's & Spencer
Sleek and chic, this pencil skirt is tailored to fit and flatter. A stylish choice for work or smart occasions. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Blossom Tree Embroidered Cushion, at MarksandSpencer
Rectangular design Blossom tree embroidered design Size: L50 x W30cm Pure Cotton, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Diamond Mesh Tights, at Marks and Spencers
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These diamond mesh tights have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

Black & Decker PV100K-XJ Extension Kit, at Mark's & Spencer
Extension kit for Dustbuster hand vacs to enable effective cleaning of floor surfaces without bending your back Easy to assemble and attach or detach from the hand vac Can be used on hard floors and carpets Compatible with PV9605N, PV1205BN, PV1405N, PV1805N

Big And Tall Luxury Wool Double Breasted Jacket with Cashmere, at M+S
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this double breasted jacket is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

Low Rise Pinstripe Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
These pretty pinstripe shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

Fairtrade Pure Cotton Crew Neck Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade Fairtrade certification shows that suppliers have been paid a fair price for their products and their work. Buying Fairtrade helps support farmers in developing countries and their communities

Classic Collection Round neck Cashmilon™ Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
Stylish and so comfortable, this round neck cardigan in softest cashmilon™ feels as good as it looks and the smart 3/4 length sleeve adds the perfect finishing touch

The Floral Collection Magnolia Moisturising Hand & Body Lotion, at Marks and Spencer
Hand and body moisturising lotion 250 ml

Scoop Neck Lace Vest, at Mark & Spensers
Stylish and practical, this lace vest makes an ideal choice for everyday wear

Autograph Stem Hurricane Lamp, at Marks & Spencer
Circular shape Glass holder Hand made Sand included Comes with candle H40 x Diam: 15.5cm Burning time: Approx: 65 hours, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Single Breasted Hairline Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
A style classic at a great value price, updated with a modern cut and contemporary detailing

Per Una Terri Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Textured straight leg trousers featuring front flap pockets

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Jumper, at Marks & Spencers
Contemporary and casual, this stripe jumper is made from pure natural cotton and features a v-neck for a fashionable look

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

Whether you're looking for savings products or Marks & Spencers Money loans, credit cards or Home Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, Marks & Spencers 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 & Spencers Money insurance products (Home 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 Marks and Spencer insurance products in document format too.