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

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. Marks & Spencer Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Marks & Spencer Money Home 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 Marks & Spencer Money Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Autograph M500 Zip & Link Mattress, at Marks & Spensers
Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 28cm Zip & Link mattress: Allows you to combine different levels of firmness on the left and right sides of the mattress. The two sides of the mattress zip together, so you and your partner can choose between medium or firm support Mattress unzips into 2 easier to fit into your home Entirely handmade Individually pocketed springs Deep pillowtop layer containing high quality fillings of cashmere, silk and super-soft reflex foam Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges Spring count: 1225 Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress. Cotton filling is sterilised and free of dust Does not require turning 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

Gold Plated Simple Twist Pendant Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Fine chain Clasp fastening Simple twist pendant Length: 40cm Extender: 7.5cm

Round Face Expanding Watch, at Marks and Spenser
Round face Analogue Expanding strap

Classic Ceramic Soap Dish, at Marks & Spenser
Circular dish Ceramic and stainless steel design Wall mountable H6 x W16 x D12cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Long Shell Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Assorted shell stones Long length Necklace length 80cm

August Bouquet, at Marks & Spencers
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 Available for delivery from 1st to 29th August 2009

2 Older Girls' Floral Baseball Caps, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and fabulous, these baseball caps are a great choice for fun in the sun

Pure Cotton Quick Iron Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Stylish and innovative, this pure cotton easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look.

Compton Console Table, at Marks and Spencer
H73 x W120 x D40 2 drawers 1 fixed shelf Made from White Oak solids and veneers Hand distressed, with the distressing aged with dark patina Mid-brown stained finish, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Drawer fronts and boxes made with solid hardwood. Draw bottoms made with oak veneer Solid hardwood legs Solid hardwood doors Handles made of solid antiqued brass Side panels, door panels, back panels made from oak veneer. Top panels made from oak veneer with a solid oak 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 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

125 Years Luxury Pure Wool Flat Front Trousers, at MarksandSpencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

Per Una Cotton Rich Hooded Dressing Gown, at Mark & Spensers
Modern and feminine, this pretty hooded dressing gown is made from soft cotton rich fabric so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Pure Cotton 5 Pocket Jeans, at Mark & Spencers
A great pair of jeans always looks stylish. These straight leg jeans in pure cotton feature multiple pockets. Fashionable, practical and easycare

Autograph Medium Rollercase, at Mark's & Spencer
Free 5 year guarantee Take the hassle out of travel with the practical, easy to transport and stylish design of this spacious rollercase. Perfect for business travel, this case includes a garment carrier and shoe bag Includes free i-trak luggage ID service see details below

Miele Type U Hyclean Dustbags, at Marks & Spenser
4 dustbags Capacity of 6 litres 1 x motor filter 1 x super air clean filter Suitable for S7 upright vacuum cleaners

Per Una Linen Blend Connie Jacket, at M+S
A fashionable linen blend jacket featuring an asymmetric hem and notch lapel

Adored Comfort Pansy Lace Non-Padded E-G Bra, at Mark & Spencers
Soft and pretty, this non-padded bra is made from the softest fabric, embroidery and lace, so it's blissfully comfortable to wear. It's underwired and structured to give fuller busts great support and a natural uplifted shape. Feminine everyday lingerie

Tree Silhouette Wallpaper, at Marks & Spencer
Paste-the-wall wallpaper - printed on special non-woven paper, when hanging this wallpaper the paste is applied directly to the wall. Easier to handle when dry and no need for a pasting table Offset pattern repeat 64cm - The design elements in the pattern run diagonally across the wall, so only alternating rolls should be the same at the ceiling. Every second roll will have to be dropped by half the repeat length for the pattern to match accurately. (Also known as half-drop match) Roll dimensions: W52cm x L10m Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and hallways Not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens Made in the UK and sourced from sustainable, renewable forests How many rolls do you need?Click here for our wallpaper calculator Complete your room with made to order curtains. Click here to view our range For a detailed view of the colour and pattern, please click on the image and use the zoom function. Please note that your monitor settings may affect how colours are displayed, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Easy Fast Food Cooking Book, at Marks & Spenser
Perfect too cook up after a hard day at work, these fast food recipes are not only simple and quick, but they're fresh, delicious and healthy. There are meals for on-the-move, chill-out sessions, quick fixes, snacks and sweets treats, all for you to enjoy

Jacquard Spot Non-Padded Underwired DD-G Bra, at M&S
Soft and comfortable, this jacquard spot design bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

Limited Collection Wooden Heel Court Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Almond toe Court style Stitch detail Mid heel Heel height: 75mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Thin Frame Tinted Reading Glasses, at Marks & Spenser
Marks and Spencer reading glasses have optical quality magnifying lenses to aid close work and reading

Bonded Jacquard Underwired DD-G Bra, at M & S
Soft and comfortable, this jacquard bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

Leather Formal Classic Square Buckle Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather classic square buckle belt

Organic Le Bosquet de la Dame 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Syrah, Grenache Country: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 12 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

Floral Bursa throw, at Marks & Spencer
Floral design Fringed edges, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

White Rattan 3-Tier Storage Unit, at Marks and Spencer
3 baskets with hand holes Rattan design Free standing W39 x D34 x H80cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Long Sleeve Floral Print Top, at Marks & Spencers
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.

Pure Cotton Retro Spot Nightshirt, at M+S
Soft and breathable, this cotton retro spot nightshirt makes an ideal choice for a comfortable night's sleep

3 Water Hyacinth Round Storage Baskets, at Marks and Spencers
Set of 3 Double contrast handles Woven design Large basket: H35 x 42cm diam Medium basket: H32 x 37cm diam Small basket: H28 x 32cm diam, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Waffle Shower Curtains, at Marks and Spenser
Waffle pattern L180 x W180cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Mark & Spensers 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 Marks & Spencers, 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 & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.