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

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 Motor 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; Motor Insurance and Property 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 Property 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M+S Money. Not least of these is Marks & Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M+S Money you can keep the cost of your Motor 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 Motor Insurance cover from M+S Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spencer, 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 Motor Insurance from Marks & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Classic Collection Long Sleeve Plain Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and so comfortable, this cardigan in softest cashmilon™ feels as good as it looks and the smart button fastening adds the perfect finishing touch

Autograph Pure Cotton Necklace Print Top, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Sony Bravia 32'' KDL-32S5500 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready 1080i: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 2 with a 32 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Dynamic Contrast: 25000:1 Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Watch digital TV with the integrated standard definition digital terrestrial tuner (MPEG-2, also receives analogue) Dimensions: With table stand: W80.7 x H55.7 x D22.2cm, without table stand: W80.7 x H50.8 x D94cm Weight: inc. stand 12.7kg, without stand 11.4kg Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: HDMI™ Inputs x 3, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2 BRAVIA Engine 2: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 2 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Picture Mode: Share your favourite photos and music on the big screen with the easy-to-use USB Photo Viewer and Music Player Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Slim Leg Peg Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Slim and stylish, these tailored trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. A practical and fashionable look for work or smart occasions

Tonal Flower Padded Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
Sleek and contemporary, this modern pinstriped bra gives a perfectly smooth outline under clothes. Light padding and underwiring give an enhanced natural shape. Designed for a streamlined silhouette

Autograph Pure Silk Taj Mahal Tie, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

The Pleated Hem Skirt, at Marks & Spensers
Wear this fabulous full skirt for a feminine, flattering and retro look that's firmly back in fashion. The layers at the hem are a chic finishing touch to this wear-anywhere style

Ponticello, Pinot Grigio di Sicilia 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Grigio Country of origin: Italy Closure: Synthetic closure Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Girls Only My Amazing Life In Photos, at Marks and Spencers
Make your photos even more fabulous with this software for PC or Mac which edits and adds special effects

Artificial Large Willow Twigs With Lights, at Marks and Spencer
String tied base Ready Made arrangement that needs no after care H123cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Lilly Print Kimono, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and feminine, this pretty kimono is made from soft fabric so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Ultimate Non Iron Pure Cotton Royal Oxford Shirt, at Mark's & 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

Cashmilon™ 3/4 Sleeve Slash Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and flattering, this 3/4 sleeve slash neck jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features a ruched front detail

Seville Antique Brass Towel Ring, at Marks n Spencer
Wall mounted H17.3 x W20.5 x L3.6cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted Twill Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione jacket is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques

Norton AntiVirus™ 2009 1 Year Protection for up to 3 Home PCs, at Marks n Spencer
Core Security: Protects against viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, worms, bots, and rootkits. Reduces scan time with smart scanning, so you can work and play uninterrupted Advanced Security: Protects against the latest threats with a proactive, multilayered protection system, prevents others from taking control of your PC and using it to attack other PCs Networking: Helps secure and monitor your home network. Automatically secures your PC when connecting to public wireless hotspots Support: AutoFix technology will diagnose and fix common problems for you Suitable for 3 pcs for 1 year 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Handcrafted Winnie the Pooh Valentine Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover Text: Happy Valentine's Day Inside Message: Lots of love and a hug or two Approx size: 178 x 127mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Long Sleeve Ruffle Stripe Cardigan with Angora, at M & S
A touch of angora adds fluffy softness to this modern ruffle stripe cardigan. Snuggle up in style

Classic Collection Floral Embroidered Slippers, at Marks n Spencer
Round toe Embroidered floral detail Pump style Flat sole Slip on

Exotica Print Hipster Bikini Briefs, at Marks & Spencers
Sophisticated and elegant, these fashionable bikini briefs features a striking exotic print. A fabulous fashionable look

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

M&S Quick Pitch Floral Pop Up Tent, at M&S
Take some of the hassle out of camping with this handy pop-up tent. There's no assembly required, you simply twist and the tent pops open. It fits two people and packs flat into a carry case so it's easy to store and carry. With its unique single skin design camping has never been easier

Woven Silk Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary multi stripe tie in pure silk

4 Maxim Tall Tumblers, at Marks and Spenser
Pack of 4 H14cm 35cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Eco-Sleep Mattress Protector, at MarksandSpencer
Kinder to you, kinder to the earth Supreme softness and comfort, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bamboo Cotton Blend Striped Dressing Gown, at Mark & Spencers
A great option for evening snuggling, this surprisingly soft bamboo blend dressing gown features two handy front pockets and a practical waist tie

Ben 10 Wrap Pack, at Marks and Spencers
2 sheets, 2 tags Each sheet: 495 x 695mm Tags: 80 x 55mm (folded) TM & 2008 Cartoon Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved

Herringbone Printed Bedset, at Marks & Spencer
Herringbone print Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in)and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure Wool Single Pleat Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Younger Girls' Dora Swim Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this swim bag features drawstring fastening. It's easy to carry and there's lots of room for all the essentials

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 Mark's & Spencer are so useful. M+S Money 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Property 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 Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.