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 & 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's & Spencer, 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 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 Direct offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Direct Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor 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&Spencer 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, or Tesco Direct:

• 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 Motor 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.

Marks & Spensers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Property Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks & Spenser 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 Direct website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Money Direct products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money Direct loans, credit cards or Property Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money Direct 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 Direct insurance products (Property Insurance, Motor 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 Mark's & Spencer insurance products in document format too.

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Limited Collection Animal T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Show you care with this fashionable Limited Collection longline t-shirt supporting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. 30% of the price of this product is donated to Breakthrough Promotions

Humbug Bead Necklace, at M & S
Clasp fastening Multiple bead design Necklace length 41cm, extendable by 8cm

Nokia 2630 - Orange Pay as you talk Mobile Phone, at Marks & Spenser
A maximum of 2 phones per customer may be purchased Talk Time: Up to 6 hours Stand-by Time: Up to 320 hours Screen: 128 x 160, TFT with up to 65,536 colors Ringtones: Pre-installed MP3 and 24-voice polyphonic MIDI ringtones Camera: 4x zoom Battery: Nokia battery BL-4B, 700mAH Dimensions: L10.4 x W4.5 x D0.9cm Weight: 66g (with battery) Memory 11 MB user available memory Radio: FM radio with One Touch shortcut access key Video: Video recorder with dedicated button Applications and games: Native email, converter, calculator, world clock, download, Nokia FM radio Email Access your work and private email on the move Messaging: SMS and MMS Included in the box: Nokia Travel Charger AC-3, Nokia stereo headset HS-47 and Nokia 230 handset

Footglove™ Leather Sporty Ankle Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail Block heel Ankle high Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Big & Tall Cotton Rich Joggers, at Marks and Spenser
Whether you're active or relaxing, do it in style and comfort in these cotton rich joggers. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Formula Revivial Cosmetox Eye Lift, at Marks and Spencer
Proven results after 4 weeks Collagen-boosting actives to improve your skin's structure Hyaluronic acid filling spheres to plump your skin Matrixyl™ , a natural peptide to rejuvenate skin and leave facial wrinkles diminished Argireline™, a protein that discourages muscle contraction to prevent formation of wrinkles Hypoallergenic 10ml

Pear Necklace and Earrings Set, at Marks and Spencers
2 part set Adjustable length pear design necklace with a clasp fastening Hook fastening pear style drop earrings

Panasonic Blu-ray Home Cinema System, at Marks & Spencer
Output Power: 1000W (RMS) Audio: Dolby Digital Decoder, DTS Decoder, Audio D/A Converter, Dynamic Range Compression Blue-Ray Video features: PHL Reference Chorma Processor Plus, Picture Adjustment, 1080/24p Playback, High Precision 4:4:4 Multi-Format Playback: DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW/ -R (DL), +RW,+R (DL), CD, CD-DA, CD-R/RW, MP3, JPEG, MPEG4, DivX USB Terminal Connectivity: MP3, JPEG, MPEG4 and DivX Input: Analogue audio, Digital audio, Ethernet terminal, Wireless terminal, USB terminal Output: HDMI, Video, Component video out (Y, PB, PR), Phone out SD memory card [SDHC/SD]: AVCHD/ JPEG/ MPEG2 Television signal system: PAL625/50, PAL525/60, NTSC VIERA link:HDAVI Control 4 Dimensions: Set W440 X H63 X D327mm, subwoofer W181 x H361 x D315, speaker (front) W92 x H1280 x D81mm, speaker (center) W250 x H94 x D81, speaker (surround) W92 x H128 x D81 Weight: 4kg Universal dock for Ipod Whisper-mode surround Digital amplifier Digital synthesizer tuner 4 EQ presets Viera cast Smart Setup Bamboo cone speakers Ecology and economy circuit

Pink Leaf Damask Duvet Cover, at Mark & Spensers
Leaf design Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6'), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Taste of M&S, at Marks & Spencers
Belgian chocolates (70g) Organic milk chocolate & toffee biscuits (150g) Organic All Butter Shortbread Bites (200g)" Lemon curd (325g) Seville orange medium cut marmalade (454g) Strawberry conserve (340g) Fairtrade pure origin ceylon teabags - pack of 40 (125g) Looking to place a corporate bulk order? Please call 0845 6020602 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

5 No VPL High Leg Briefs, at Marks & Spensers
For the ultimate no-show look, these stretchy modern briefs are perfectly smooth. They don't dig in and there are no irritating labels, so they feel incredibly comfortable to wear

Portfolio Faux Leopard Skin Bugatti Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this faux leopard skin bugatti bag is a useful accessory with bags of style!

Body Formula Luxury Shaving Butter, at MarksandSpencer
Ideal for legs, bikini and underarms Shea butter fragrance 200ml

Chunky Animal Slab Rope Necklace, at Marks & Spencers
Button fastening Chunky animal slab Rope necklace Necklace length 48cm

M&S 8 in 1 Accessories Pack for Nintendo™ Wii™, at Marks & Spensers
8 accessories compatible with Nintendo™ Wii™ Includes accessories for Wii™ tennis, Wii™ baseball, Wii™ golf and Wii™ Mario cart Also includes 2 padlock straps, protector cover and controller grip for Wii™ control panel Please note- this product is not made or endorsed by Nintendo™ 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

Autograph Textured Bootleg Trousers, at Marks n Spencer
Part of Autograph's Luxe Tradition trend. Luxurious and contemporary with a sense of British heritage, this trend features a soft colour palette, modern prints and beautiful fabrics. A sophisticated look for the new season

Classic Ceramic Tumbler, at Marks and Spenser
Ceramic tumbler Chrome effect Wall mountable H14 x W11 x D10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Faux Snakeskin Square Watch, at Marks and Spenser
Buckle fastening Analogue Square face Faux snakeskin style strap

Autograph Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spensers
This luxurious jumper is made from pure cashmere for ultimate softness and comfort. Innovative construction means it can be machine washed. Part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Cheeky Monkey Mirror Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Happy birthday, Thought you'd like a card with a cheeky little monkey on it... Inside message: So here you are! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Portfolio Petite Lace Ponte Dress, at Mark & Spensers
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.

5 Pairs of Older Girls' Cotton Rich Assorted Design Socks, at Marks and Spencers
Stock up on stylish essentials with this pack of 5 pairs of cotton rich socks

The Mini Crossword Puzzle Book, at Marks and Spencer
There is probably no more satisfying a puzzle to solve than a crossword. Whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare, this superb collection of puzzles will challenge and entertain

Airflex™ Comfort Lace Up Shoe, at Mark & Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Lace up Eyelets Unique Airflex™ airflow system for unbeatable comfort

Abbot Chair, at Marks & Spensers
H78 x W76 x D78cm Seat H43cm, arm H71cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 Solid birch feet with a medium dark finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - 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

Pure Silk Abstract Print Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary abstract print tie in pure silk

Pure Cotton Batman Mock Layer T-Shirt with Cape, at M & S
Fans of Batman will love this pure cotton mock layer t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Autograph Leather Double Front Pocket Hobo Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Luxurious and beautiful, this hobo bag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's made from soft hardwearing leather, and is useful and practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Older Boys' Permair™ Lace Up Tramline School Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Tramline detail Lace up Flat sole Scuff resistant Permair™ micro porous coating makes the shoes scuff- and water-resistant and easy to clean, while allowing feet to breathe

Altena Cortese 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
Grape variety: 100% Cortese Country of origin: Italy Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 11.5% vol Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

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