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 M & S 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 Spenser, 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 Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Besides Marks & Spencers Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Home 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 Money Direct 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 & Spenser purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Home Insurance and Standard Home 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.

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 & Spenser 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:

• 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.

Fina Sangre 2006 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenre and Syrah Country of origin: Chile 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

Ultimate Non Iron Long Sleeve Satin Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Herringbone Bodyshaper Tights, at M & S
Look your best in that special outfit! These herringbone bodyshaper tights lift and shape your curves to give a more defined silhouette

Heavy Sole Boat Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Lace-up Round toe Lace stitch design Contrast stitch detail Heavy cleated soles

Patch Jacquard Cushion, at Marks & Spenser
Rectangular Patch jacquard design L60 x W43cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Long Sleeve Dip Dye Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
A stylish long sleeve cardigan featuring a dip dyed design and twin front pockets

Younger Boys' Permair™ Widefit Single Strap Apron Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Breathable Permair™ finish is scuff, stain and water resistant Riptape fastening Apron style Stitch detail Contrast fabric panel Grip sole Widefit feature

Pure Silk Plain Self Tie Bow Tie, at Marks & Spenser
Make those formal, black tie engagements an effortless affair with this elegant self tie bow tie

Autograph Pure Cashmere Short Sleeve Jumper, at Marks & Spensers
Elegant and feminine, this crew neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxurious softness

Blue Harbour Modal Blend Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and casual, this long sleeve stripe shirt is made from a modal blend, so it feels exceptionally comfortable to wear. Modal is a luxuriously soft fabric made from natural plant fibres

Pure Cotton Check Shorts, at Marks&Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these cotton shorts can be worn alone or with a number of our pyjama tops and t-shirts to create your own style

Younger Girls' Pom Pom Ballet Slippers, at Marks n Spencer
Ballerina style Round toe Knitted design Pom pom feature Contrast trim Slip on Flat sole

Non-Padded Lace Embellished Bra, at Marks n Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this lace embellished bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

3 Pure Cotton Sleeveless Vests, at Marks and Spencer
These essential vests offer all the comfort of soft cotton at a great value price

Classic Italian - Case of 6, at M&S
1 Trentino Chardonnay 2008: A scrumptious, lip-smackingly fresh style of Chardonnay from the mountain slopes of northern Italy... 1 La Prendina Estate Pinot Grigio 2008: A good concentration of fruit and a lingering, dry, crisp finish... 1 Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio 2008: A fruity, ripe, top-quality example of the popular Italian white Pinot Grigio... 1 Ripasso Valpolicello Classico 2007: A ripe and concentrated yet wonderfully smooth red wine, bursting with juicy flavours and aromas of redcurrants, strawberries and prunes, with hints of plain chocolate and roasted nuts... 1 Barbera D'Asti 2006: Deep purple-red in colour, this wine shows a balance between ripe blackberry fruit, soft tannins and fresh acidity... 1 Chianti Classico 2006: A deliciously concentrated example of Chianti Classico, this has a dark ruby colour and rich notes of black cherry, fruitcake and plum on the palate... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Essentials Scoop Neck Stripe T-Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Sophisticated and modern, this scoop neck t-shirt is beautifully designed and cut to flatter for the best in contemporary style

Die Cut Flowers in Vase Mum Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Happy birthday mum with love Inside message: Love and wishes for a wonderful day Approx size: unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Pink Holographic Butterfly Garden Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: Birthday Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Big & Tall Blue Harbour Stormwear™ Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks and Spencers
The perfect jeans for the casual outdoorsman, these smart looking straight legs feature a unique stormwear finish that repels water in order to keep you comfortable and dry

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Assorted Mow Cow Print Socks, at Marks & Spencer
These classic cotton rich socks are soft, breathable and comfortable. Added stretch gives a great fit

Portfolio Funnel Neck Belted Mac, at Marks&Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Relaxed and casual, this pure cotton shirt has been pre-washed to make it extra soft and comfortable

Cut Flowers Scented Spheres, at Mark's & Spencer
Cut flowers scented spheres, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Big And Tall Suedette Rib Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this single breasted jacket is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

Autograph Wool Blend Dogtooth Jacket, 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.

Autograph Pure Cotton Multi Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Check Swim Shorts, at M&S
A great value pair of shorts offering a secure fit, while the check design is perfect for that relaxing walk on the beach

All Over Lace Embroidered Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spencer
A pretty and practical bra for everyday use, adjustable straps and added stretch translate into a comfortably secure fit whilst lace embroidery provides a sophisticated finish

Cashmilon™ V-Neck Long Sleeve Jumper, at Marks&Spencer
Supersoft cashmilon™ makes this outstanding value jumper feel so comfy to wear. A practical easycare style

Pure Cotton Ruffle Pintuck Top, at M & S
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features smart pintuck details for a stylish casual look

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