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 n 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 & Spensers, 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 & 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 Finance 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, M&S Finance Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

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 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 Direct:

• 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.

Centre Crease Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Scout Comfort Sleeping Bag, at Marks & Spencer
1 season lightweight and spacious sleeping bag with a square hood and base for extra comfort. Ideal for camping and caravanning. Comfort temperature of +10C

Recycled Anti Allergy 13.5 Tog Duvet, at Marks & Spenser
Endorsed by the British Allergy Foundation Proven protection wash after wash Perfect for use with our range of anti allergy duvets, pillows and protectors 13.5 tog, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Wool Rich Mouflon Coat, at Marks & Spencer
Wrap up in style! This warm, soft coat in wool-rich mouflon will keep you feeling cosy and looking chic. Lined and smartly finished with side pockets, it's the perfect blend of fashion and comfort

Chuggington Story & Sticker Activity Book, at Marks & Spencers
Wilson's too scared to get his damaged wheel fixed. But soon the red chugger can't ignore the problem any longer. Maybe the repair shed won't be so scary after all.. Once you've read the story, complete the activity pages at the end of the book. Within stickers of all your favourite friends

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Argyle Socks, at Mark & Spensers
These classic cotton rich socks are soft, breathable and comfortable. Added stretch gives a great fit

Pure Cotton Police Patrol Hooded Top, at Marks n Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this pure cotton hooded top is outstanding value!

Wool Blend Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and contemporary, these trousers are made from a special wool blend fabric for extra strength, comfort and durability

Pinstripe Lace Trim Shorts, at Marks & Spenser
Smart, snug and easy to care for, these cosy shorts combine a flattering fit with a lace design and stretchy fabric to create the perfect knickers for day to day wear

5 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Assorted Design Socks, at M & S
Brighten up his underwear drawer with these fashionable assorted design made from soft breathable cotton rich fabric

Tonal Hexagonal Shower Curtain, at Marks & Spenser
Tonal hexagonal design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Waffle Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this dressing gown is made from pure cotton. Relax in style and comfort

Easycare Long Sleeve Satin Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Woven in a no-fuss easycare fabric, long sleeves and double button cuffs add a smart focus to your office look. A practical and convenient choice for everyday wear

16-Piece Soho Cutlery Set, at Marks & Spencer
16 piece set Includes 4 forks, 4 knives, 4 dessert spoons and 4 teaspoons 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Autograph Tartan Bow Clips, at M&S
Dress up those tresses in fabulous style with these pretty bow clips

Blue Harbour Plain Linen Rich Short Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Relaxed and stylish, this plain short sleeve shirt is outstanding value!

Ultimate Fishnet Tights, at Mark & Spensers
The ultimate in stylish design, these fishnet tights have added stretch so they'll always keep in shape. They're finished with a reinforced sole and toe section so toes won't get caught in the netting

Essential Colours Nail Polish, at Marks & Spencer
High gloss Fast dry Chip resistant Formaldehyde and toluene free 8ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Portfolio Mixed Bead Multi Strand Necklace, at Marks & Spensers
Clasp fastening Assorted beads Multi-strand design Chain necklace Adjustable length Necklace length: 41cm extendable by: 8cm

Embroidered Flowers Granny Birthday Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover text: Granny Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

M&S 1GB Micro SD Memory Card, at Marks and Spencer
Compatible with digital devices with a microSD card slot Read (MB /s): 10MB Write (MB /s): 3MB Available capacity: 970MB 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

Cotton Blend Double Breasted Cardigan, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft and comfy, this practical double breasted cardigan is made from a hardwearing cotton blend fabric. It features a deep v-neck. A great value easywear style

White Pearl Damask Large Wedding Photograph Album, at Marks & Spenser
Pack contains: 1 album, 500 glue dots, Gift box, 700Mb CD-R Approx size: Album: H290 x W290 x D45mm, Box: H295 x W295 x D55mm

Travel Pill Holder, at Mark's & Spencer
With seven individual compartments you can keep your essential tablets organised in this handy pill holder when travelling. The interlocking compartments are handy for any break and saves you having to carry all of your more bulky jars of tablets

Château de Launay 2004 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 15% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 11.3 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Hepworth Console Table, at Marks and Spencer
H75 x W117 x D40cm 3 drawers Toughened-glass shelf Brass detailing Made from European Birch solids and veneers Treated with a rich stain and aged with dark patina known as a 'housemaid's rub' Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawer boxes made from solid European Birch. Drawers made from veneers Handles made of solid antiqued brass Solid European Birch legs Side panels and back panels are veneered. Top panel is veneered with solid birch edging for strength All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

White Ceramic Collection Toilet Brush, at Marks & Spencer
Cylindrical holder Ceramic vase Plain H39 x Diam 10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Long Sleeve 1984 Hooded Top, at Mark & Spencers
Soft and comfy, this fashionable hooded top is outstanding value. A practical easycare style

Nintendo Wii™ Big Brain Academy Game, at MarksandSpencer
Student records keep track of your achievements and create a profile that others can play against when you are not there. You can even send your student record to a friend via WiiConnect24 Play alongside or against up to 7 friends as you find out who deserves to be top of the class! 3 modes of play: Brain Quiz, Mental Marathon and Mind Sprint Simple controls mean anyone can play straight away - to play, all you need to do is use the Wii Remote to point at the correct answer on your TV, leaving you to focus on the challenges that await at the Academy Category: edutainment, health and fitness Multiplayer mode: simultaneous Players: 1-8 Age rating: 3+ 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Pure Cotton Funnel Neck Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this funnel neck jacket makes a comfortable and practical choice

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

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