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 and Spenser 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 Mark & Spencers, through its M&S Money Direct 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct 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 M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spensers, 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 M&S Money Direct, you get more, and you pay less.

M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct 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 n 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 M&S Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Autograph Pure Cotton Knitted Bow Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in smart styles and high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look.

My First Wood Hammer & Pegs, at Marks and Spencers
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Includes wood side panel, wood bench, plastic rings, pegs and beater This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Piece Pure Cotton Broderie Outfit, at M+S
Practical and pretty, this cute hat, top and trousers 3 piece outfit is made from soft cotton to keep her feeling comfy and happy

Long Sleeve Multiple Print Hooded Jumper, at Mark & Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, this hooded jumper features a multiple print detail. A pretty, practical and easycare style

Mirrored Tallboy, at Marks and Spenser
H165 x W40 x D36cm With 3 shelves Mirrored glass Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item 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 SAVE ON SETS Save at least 30% when you buy this tallboy as part of a set. Click here to view the Mirrored Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Styled Embroidered High Leg Briefs, at Marks & Spencer
Stunningly stylish these flattering briefs feature a feminine embroidered design. The modern low rise, high leg styling gives a flattering shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Plain Summer Joggers, at Marks & Spencer
Relaxed and comfy, these casual joggers are made from soft cotton rich fabric. A practical easycare choice

The Rescuers DVD, at Marks and Spenser
Rating Universal, suitable for all,

3 Pairs of Comfort Easy Grip Socks, at Marks n Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these cotton blend socks are naturally breathable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

M&S Flush Wall Mount for 10-20'' TV, at Marks&Spencer
Fits LCD and TFT screens from 10-21in Flush to wall mount VESA compliant for 75 and 100 standard fittings Simple two-part assembly All fixings supplied Dimensions: H28.5 x W19 x D8.5cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stir-Fry Pan, at Marks & Spencers
Non-stick interior Even heat distribution Dishwasher safe Diam: 28cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Woven Pure Silk Diagonal Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart multi stripe tie in pure silk

3 Pairs of Assorted Trainer Socks, at Marks & Spenser
Designed to hide neatly inside your trainers, these breathable cotton rich socks are made with added stretch for comfort, superior shape retention and durability

Baking Bible, at M+S
Rejuvenate the art of baking with this useful book, create delicious home baked food for your family to enjoy

Moulton TV Unit, at Marks & Spencers
H55 x W120 x D45cm Equipment space: H13 x W112 x D55cm 2 soft-close draws Glass top Glass table tops are made from safety-tested toughened glass Made from solid ash and ash veneer 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

Two Tone Oblong Face Watch, at Marks and Spenser
Oblong face Analogue Roman numerals Two tone Wind up mechanism Link strap Clasp fastening

Generic Star Charm 50th Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: 50 today Inside message: Have a fantastic birthday! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 178 x 125 mm

Linen Blend Floral Print Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this linen blend skirt makes a fashionable, flattering choice. A smart modern look

Per Una Floral Jacquard Scarf, at Mark's & Spencer
This sophisticated floral jacquard scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The tasselled edge adds a stylish finishing touch.

Sweet Bergamot Scented Spheres, at Mark's & Spencer
Sweet scented assortment, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Acrylic Collection Small Bowl, at Marks & Spencer
Dishwasher safe Diam 15 x H7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Photo Roses Wife Birthday Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover text: To my beautiful wife Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 215 x 150 mm

Autograph Pure Cotton Hooded Zip Fastening Top, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this hooded top is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail makes it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Griffin iClear for iPod Invisible Protection, at Marks & Spenser
iClear's transparent and unobtrusive design protects your iPod with a tough polycarbonate shell, strong enough to take the daily abuse of active lifestyles

Per Una Bootleg Enamel Belt Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Includes belt shown in image A stylish bootleg pair of jeans featuring multiple pockets and on the waist design. Comes with belt shown in the photograph

Artificial Cymbidium in Ceramic Vase, at Marks and Spencers
Artificial cymbidium Ceramic bottle vase No watering required therefore easy care Fresh looking throughout the year Height: 88cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Samsung 42" PS42B451 HD Plasma TV, at Marks & Spensers
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: 42 inch Widescreen plasma TV with 1024 x 768 pixels Contrast Ratios: Dynamic Contrast 30000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W1055.5 x H721 x W316mm (with stand) W1055.5 x H660 x D74mm (without stand) Weight: 27.8kg (with stand) 24.1kg (without stand) SRS TruSurround XT: For enhanced surround sound effect Connectors: 3 x HDMI, PC input (D-sub), PC Audio Input (Mini Jack), DVI Audio Input (Mini Jack), Component (Y/Pb/Pr), Digital Audio (Optical), RF Input, Audio Out (L/R), CI slot, Composite (AV) 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 Anynet+: The Anynet+ system allows control of a SAMSUNG Anynet+ TV via one single remote control FilterBright Panel FilterBright is a powerful anti-reflective film that absorbs external light and transmits internal light, thereby increasing the contrast levels and preventing unwanted reflection. In bright daylight, FilterBright creates high contrast with pure black to show clearer image details and generate superb industry-leading dark area representation 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 in 1 Cleaner & Protector, at Marks and Spencer
Spray on protection, suitable for all colours. For smooth leather, suede, synthetic footwear and accessories

Suede Sprung-Edge Divan with 2 Small + 2 Large Drawers & M400 Mattress - Firm, at Marks and Spencer
Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Small drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give the mattress edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs Mattress spring count: 1054 Sprung-edge divan can be used with any mattress Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ethnic Long Mix Necklace, at Marks and Spenser
Ethnic style Chunky mixed beads Necklace length 82cm, extendable by 8cm

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