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 Spencers 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 Financial Services 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.

M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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:

• 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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 Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make M&S 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Financial Services Home 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 Financial Services Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Diamanté Cross Christening Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover text: With love on your Christening day Inside message: Wishing you a special day Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Pure Cotton Basic Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Comfortable and practical, these plain jeans are outstanding value!

Brush Stripe Pencil Pleat Curtains, at Marks & Spenser
Textured stripe design Lined Comes in standard 168cm/66'' (STD) and wider 219cm/86'' (WDR) widths Also comes in three drop lengths: short (137cm/54''), medium (183cm/72''), long (229cm/90'') How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Floral Bursa throw, at Marks&Spencer
Floral design Fringed edges, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Simple Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this long sleeve stripe shirt is made from pure cotton

Amazing Dinosaur Discovery Book, at Marks and Spencer
Join Tom and his Dad on a trip to the Dinosaur Museum. Peep inside his scrapbook to read fun facts, uncover the meaning of dinosaur names and pull the tabs to make them come alive. Helps kid's learn more about the mysterious world of dinosaurs

Rosina Corner Group, at Marks & Spencer
H82 x W252 x D97cm (actual length 252cm from end to back) Seat H45cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - 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 feature reversible cushions 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 finish Can be arranged to fit both left and right room corners 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

Pacific Large 2 Seater Sofa AU09 Newness, at Marks and Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Night Shiraz Cabernet 2007 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spensers
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz Country of origin: Australia Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle:10.9 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

Perfect Bootleg Trousers with Piping Detail, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and timeless, the clean styling of these bootlegs make them a versatile essential you'll wear again and again

Extra Wide Open Toe Sports Sandals, at Mark's & Spencer
Open toe Rip tape fastening Flat thick sole Contrast stitch Extra wide fit

Machine Washable Diagonal Multi Stripe Tie, at M+S
Combining machine washable convenience with a contemporary design, this stunning tie will make a valuable and versatile addition to your smart wardrobe

Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Camouflage Hat, at Marks & Spencer
Add a stylish finish with this camouflage pull on hat

Little Sweetheart Pencil Pleat Curtains, at M+S
Heart detail Floral print hem Pencil pleat Comes in standard 168cm/66in (STD) Also comes in two drop lengths: short (137cm/54in) and medium (183cm/72in) How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Coolmax® Pillowcase, at Marks and Spenser
Plain Easycare Perfect for use with our range of cool cotton duvets and protectors 220 thread count for a smooth crisp finish that requires minimal ironing, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Cotton Rich Cropped Leggings, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these cotton rich leggings are outstanding value!

7 Pairs of Freshfeet Stripe Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks and Spenser
Our odour control Freshfeet socks are now better than ever with a new Sanitised Silver finish. Known for its natural antibacterial properties, silver helps reduce the presence of bacteria that causes smelly odours, so your feet stay fresh with every step and it keeps working for the lifetime of the socks

Ivory Leather Wedding Guest Book, at Marks and Spencer
Wedding guest book Gift box Guest book: H210 x W290mm Gift box: H225 x W305mm

Baroque Jacquard Quilt, at Marks & Spensers
L250 x W265cm Jacquard print Quilted design Padded quilting Cotton rich, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Griffin iClear Touch Case, at Marks and Spenser
iClear's transparent and unobtrusive design protects your iPod with a tough polycarbonate shell, strong enough to take the daily abuse of active lifestyles

Triple Layer Victoria Sandwich, at Marks&Spencer
14 pre-cut slices Serves 14 Ready to eat 2.1kg Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 52 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Rosina Large 2-Seater Occasional Sofa Bed, at Marks and Spencer
H85 x W196 x D97cm (opens to L233cm) Seat: H47cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - 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 feature reversible cushions 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 finish Mattress: L180 x W130 x D6cm Foam mattress rests on polypropylene base Mattress recommended for occasional use Sofa bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg 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

Autograph Bead Trim Tankini Top, at M & S
Fabulously fashionable, this flattering tankini is designed in the latest shape. Designed to fit and flatter

Classic Letters 40th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Approx. size: 230 x 114mm Cover text: On your 40th birthday Inside message: Have a very special day

Schoolwear Plus Fit 3 Easycare Long Sleeve Blouses, at Marks & Spencer
This 3 pack of larger sized easycare long sleeve blouses is outstanding value. Reinforced seams give extra strength and durability View Plus Schoolwear Size Guide. Find out more

Autograph Precision Lash Mascara, at M&S
Smudgeproof Hypoallergenic

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Spencer Bear Pyjamas, at M & S
Pretty and feminine, these pure cotton Spencer Bear pyjamas are made from soft breathable pure cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Pull Along Dog n' Bone Phone, at Marks & Spenser
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Featuring a flashing nose, shaking head and fun 'walking' action Removable phone rattle with fun noises and melodies on the keypad This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Suede Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & Autograph M500 Mattress - Firm, at Marks & Spencers
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 28cm Divan height: H41cm Large drawers: H14 x W78 x D52cm Mattress is entirely handmade Individually pocketed springs Mattress features deep pillowtop layer containing high quality fillings of cashmere, silk and super-soft reflex foam Two further layers of cotton and polyester underneath the pillowtop layer Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges of the mattress Mattress spring count: 1225 Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are 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

Autograph Flat Front Plain Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
A flat front and black tones give them a modern look and feel that can be worn in the office or when out and about. Plus, the crease resistant fabric with stretch makes them ideal for everyday wear

Besides Marks & Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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 & Spensers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services 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.