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 M&S, 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 & 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. Not least of these is Marks & 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.

Marks & Spenser may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents Insurance or Car Insurance, but Mark's & Spencer do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the M&S Money website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Money products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money loans, credit cards or Buildings & Contents Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Money insurance products (Buildings & Contents Insurance, Car Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks and Spenser insurance products in document format too.

Multi-Aperture Photo Frame, at M & S
Holds 7 photos Various size apertures Rectangular frame H53 x W47cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Patterned Panama Summer Hat, at Marks and Spencer
Created from sturdy woven straw, it is the perfect addition to any Man's summer wardrobe, perfect for any occasion this patterned summer hat has the classic diamond crown with pinch front and is accented by a band trim

Autograph Merano 2-Seater Unit (Left-Hand Arm), at Marks and Spencer
H84 x W172 x D102cm Seat H47cm, arm H63cm, top back rail H63cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions made from shape-retaining foam with extra-thick fibre wrap - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options have reversible cushions Available in fixed cushion covers only Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Glide feet with a dark finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Double Button Skinny Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Long and lean, skinny jeans are an edgy modern style. This stretchy pair sits below the waist and is cut to fit and flatter. Wear with some volume on your top half to balance the shape and give an even leggier look

Pure Linen Pintuck Bib Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This fab short sleeve shirt features a stunning pintuck bib design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

4 Oslo Tall Tumblers, at Marks and Spencer
Set of 4 Dishwasher safe H15cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Metallic Wash Wallpaper, at Marks and Spencers
Textured wallpaper No pattern repeat 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 Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and hallways Not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens Roll dimensions: W52cm x L10m 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

50/50 Bed Linen - Fitted Sheet, at Marks and Spenser
Single: L190 x W91cm, depth 25cm Double: L190 x W137cm, depth 25cm King Size (5ft): L200 x W152cm, depth 25cm Super King Size (6ft): L200 x W183cm, depth 25cm Plain dye bed linen Plain fabric (no design) Easy to iron Care instructions: Machine washable, Tumble dry Composition:50% cotton, 50% polyester, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Light-up Groovy Grandad Birthday Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Grandad Happy Birthday Inside message: Have a great day! Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Portfolio Facet Bangle, at Marks & Spencer
Chunky style Facet design Small-medium diameter: 63mm Medium-large diameter: 67mm

Grey Aluminium Stockpot, at Marks & Spencer
Glass lid Riveted handles Diameter 24cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Karen Shoe Jewellery Holder, at Marks and Spencer
Shoe design Multiple hooks and hoops Corsage detail H9"

Per Una Buckle Satchel Bag, at Marks & Spencers
A bold buckle makes this fashionable bag even more special. Give your look the Per Una twist!

Pure Silk Textured Circles Tie, at M&S
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary textured circles tie in pure silk

Giant Playing Cards, at Marks & Spencer
Contains: 54 playing cards, including 2 jokers, instruction leaflet Each card: 187 x 135 mm

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Top with Scarf, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Girls' Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Autograph Pure Cotton Embroidered Jeans with Purse, at Marks & 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

Artificial Tea Rose in Glass Vase, at Marks and Spencer
Artificial tea rose Glass vase No watering required therefore easy care Fresh looking throughout the year Height: 33.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Miele S7280 Allervac Upright Vacuum Cleaner, at Mark's & Spencer
6 litre dust bag capacity 1800W Sealed system for optimum filtration 14.5 metre operating radius The Active HEPA filter ensures air leaving the cleaner is free of allergens and odours Dust bag change indicator - signals when the dustbag needs to be replaced Rotary Dial to adjust the suction power for different floorings Telescopic stainless steel tube Smooth running 360 swivel castors. Castors mounted on steel axles to ensure excellent maneouvrability An Upholstery nozzle, Dusting brush and Crevice nozzle are all stored at the rear of the cleaner Weight: 9.5kg Dimensions: H1160.6 x W349.3 x D377.9mm 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 Free 2 year guarantee, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Signature Pot Pourri Box, at Marks & Spencers
Beautifully presented in a box, this sweet scented potpourri selection will instantly freshen any room in your home

Petite Cotton Rich Circle Print Top, at Marks & Spencer
Fresh and feminine, this short sleeve petite top features a stunning circle design. A vibrant new look, perfect for this season. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Puzz-Doku 150 Piece Jigsaw, at Mark's & Spencer
Number of jigsaw pieces: 150 Approx. size of completed puzzle: 300 x 210mm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

F300 Memory Foam Mattress, at M&S
Single (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 25cm Soft knitted cover adds extra comfort and works with the memory foam for optimum support Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body once warmed by body heat providing high levels of support Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress 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

1 Pair of Gel Pads, at Marks & Spencers
These clever gel pads help to prevent the burning pain you get when wearing high heels

Per Una Quilted Gilet, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable quilted gilet featuring a funnel neck and stitch detailing

Handcrafted Spots & Floral Mother's Day Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Mum Inside message: With lots of love on Mother's Day Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Divan Sets - M400S+SE 4 DRWS, at Marks and Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Band Wine Glass, at Marks & Spenser
Silver band Long stem Wide base Height: 27.5cm Capacity: 35cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dotty Daisy Shoes 50th Birthday Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover text: Fabulous at 50 Inside message: Happy Birthday! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 178 x 125mm

In Bloom Lime Blossom & Bergamot Fragranced Candle, at Mark & Spensers
Lime and bergamot fragrance Burn time: 20 hours, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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