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 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 Mark & Spencers, through its M&S 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S 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 M&S 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 & 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, you get more, and you pay less.

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

Formula Age Restructure™ Day Cream and Calcium Complex, at Marks and Spencers
Luxuriously rich cream for the 60+ complexion Calcium complex to firm and improve the structure of sagging skin Collageneer a lupin extract to strengthen the dermis and improve skin elasticity Wild yam to replenish and soothe Creatine to revitalise fatigued skin Shea butter and rosehip oil to nourish and replenish SPF 20 against damaging UVA and UVB rays Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic 50ml

Footglove™ Widefit Leather Wedge Pumps, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Slip on Wedge heel Heel height: 37mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

2 Pure Cotton Tulip Motif Towels, at Marks & Spensers
Pack of 2 Tulip motif Plain W40 x L60cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Silk Donatello Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Crafted from pure silk for a truly elegant look and feel, this stylish tie adds a dash of colour to your smart boardroom look

Bailey Bench, at M&S
H45 X W38.3 X L166cm Made from solid wood and features natural characteristics such as knots and variations in grain pattern Timber will age over time and fade to a silver grey colour unless treated regularly with oil Includes plain seat pad in 100% polyester This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Widefit Ghillie Pumps, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Thread detail Slip on Flat sole Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

SanDisk Memory Stick PRO Duo™ 1GB, at Marks n Spencer
Write/erase over 100,000 times For use in a variety of digital products including mobile phones, digital cameras, digital camcorders, car navigation systems, and hand held PCs Real time recording of high resolution video High-speed data transfer 1GB storage Larger storage capacity than standard Memory Stick cards

Classic Underwired Built-Up Shoulder Bra, at Marks and Spencers
A lovely addition to your day to day underwear drawer. This versatile bra combines the shaping and support of underwiring and adjustable straps with the convenient comfort of an easy to care for design

Limited Collection Formal Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Make a smart impression in these flattering and fashionable bootleg trousers. Stride out in style!

Autograph Pure Cotton Animal Border Pillowcase, at Mark's & Spencer
Co-ordinate with satin stitch white plain dye sheets and pillowcases strokes T356490F,T356490S,T356940P Embroidered detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

8-Piece Dessert Knife & Fork Set, at M & S
8 pieces 18/10 stainless steel 4 settings 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

Ultimate Fishnet Hold-Ups, at Marks n Spencer
The ultimate in stylish design, these fishnet hold ups have added stretch so they'll always stay in shape. They're finished with a reinforced sole and toe section so toes won't get caught in the netting

Easy Iron Poplin Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
A fuss-free shirt that makes your mornings glide - not your iron. The traditional double cuffs have a second button hole allowing sleeve adjustment for a perfect fit

Chocolate Chrome Droplet Chandelier, at Marks and Spencer
5-arm design Chocolate finish Multi-faceted glass droplets H 98 x Diam 48cm Bulb: 5 x 60W E14 candle This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

7 Pure Cotton Assorted Bodysuits, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft fabrics, fashionable designs and cute finishing touches make our babywear range outstanding. These high quality, great value bodysuits are designed to keep her looking adorable and feeling comfy and happy

Shepherds Ridge Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry, unoaked, medium bodied Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

The Pleated Ottoman Mini Skirt, at Marks & Spencers
The mini is a classic and a must for showing off great legs! Clever pleating and folding gives this must have skirt a striking catwalk-inspired feel

Diamanté Square Photo Frame 25 x 20cm (8 x 10"), at Marks and Spencers
Aperature 20 x 25cm (8 x 10 in) H8 x W10, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Cashmilon™ Floral Cardigan, at Marks&Spencer
Stylish and so comfortable, this cardigan in softest cashmilon™ feels as good as it looks and the pretty floral design adds the perfect finishing touch

Cut About Stripe Long Length Skirt, at M & S
Elegant and feminine, this A line skirt features a cut about stripe print and panel design. Stylish, practical and fashionable

The Gum Shiraz 2007 - Case of 6, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Dry and full bodied Grape variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country of origin: Australia Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Diamanté Detail Compact Mirror, at M&S
Round shape Diamant detail Lightweight Clasp fastening

Pure Cotton Stripe Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable and modern, these soft pure cotton stripe pyjama bottoms are designed to be mixed and matched. Relax in style and comfort

Holographic Flowers Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Birthday Girl Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Large Leather iPod Case, at Mark's & Spencer
Keep your iPod safe and stylish with this leather case. Compatible with all large iPod models, the case is made of genuine premium leather, which looks and feels great

Limited Collection Full Length Leggings, at MarksandSpencer
Part of our fashionable and trend-led Limited Collection, these leggings will see you through the season in style

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

Capiz Tiered Pendant Shade, at M+S
3 tiers Pendant shape Capiz shells Comes in white and amber Bulb: 100W GLS H30 x Diam 25cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Addison Coffee & Side Table Set, at Mark & Spencers
Coffee table: H35 x L120 x W65cm Side table: H45 x L55 x W55cm Made from American Black Walnut solids and veneers, with Beech veneer on unseen faces Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Side table features 1 drawer Drawer pulls are solid wood due to their shape 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

Exfoliating and Polishing Body Mittens, at Marks and Spencer
Looped mitt for exfoliating and deep cleansing Soft mitt to gently smooth and polish your skin

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