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

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 Marks and Spenser are so useful. Marks & Spencer Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & 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, 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Shopping for financial products at Marks & Spencer Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks n Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the Marks & Spencer Money website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from Marks & Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting Marks & Spencer Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the Marks & Spencer Money website.

Autograph Fliptoe Slip On Shoes, at Mark & Spencers
Square flip toe Stitch detail Slip on Block heel

Seasonal Tree Die Cut Calendar, at Marks and Spencer
Approx. size: 225 x 390mm

Autograph Orange Infusion Sticks, at Marks & Spensers
Glass container Long lasting infusion sticks Orange fragrance Presented in a box, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Spot Print Bikini Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Fabulous and modern, these comfortable bikinis are part of our Limited Collection lingerie. They're made from soft stretch cotton and the low rise style is perfect for wearing with hipsters. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Diamanté Detail Hello Kitty Watch, at Marks and Spencers
Buckle fastening Round face Diamant detail 'Hello Kitty' motif Analogue 1976-2009 SANRIO CO LTD

Formula Revivial Cosmetox Eye Lift, at Marks & 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

Limited Collection Short Sleeve Top, at M & S
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Zebra Print Jacquard Scarf, at Marks and Spenser
Add some sheer glamorous sparkle to your look with this elegant zebra print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Zinfandel Rosé Tarantino 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Zinfandel (Primitivo) Country: Italy Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

3 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Assorted Trunks, at Marks & Spencers
Made from soft breathable stretch cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

Bright Prints Lunch Bag, at Marks & Spenser
This bright green and blue bag is a great way to keep your sandwiches cool and fresh until lunchtime. The top of the bag rolls down and is secured with hook and loop fabric, and the bag is insulated to keep food cool

Per Una Supersoft Cat Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spenser
Mule style Round toe Flat sole Cat embellishments Contrast lining

Per Una Styled Embroidered Shorts, at Marks n Spencer
Feminine and delicate, these stylish shorts are made from soft stretch lace. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Baby Boy in Box Card, at M+S
Cover text reads: Baby boy Inside message: Congratulations on your special delivery! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future 175 x 127 mm

Black & Ivory Die Cut Rose Wedding Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Wedding Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

M&S Compact Blender, at Marks & Spencers
800 ml capacity 300 watt 2 speeds Pulse button Stainless steel Includes glass jug Dimensions: H32 x W20 x D32cm 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Kitchen Corner Unit & 70cm 3 Drawer Base Unit with Oak Tops Set, at Marks and Spencer
Corner Unit: H87.5 x W87 x D87cm Corner Worktop: H10.5 x W93 x D93cm 3-Drawer Base Unit: H87.5 x W70 x D52cm Base Unit Worktop: H10.5 x W70 x D60cm Corner unit includes 1 shelf and can be fitted left or right hand Worktop thickness: 3cm Made from solid oak and oak veneer Finished with a protective low-sheen lacquer for added durability Adjustable feet on base unit Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Pleat Wing Collar Shirt, at M+S
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Underwired Piped Bikini Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Stunningly stylish, this flattering bikini top is underwired for a flattering, supported shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Easy Iron Poplin Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this formal shirt features an odour fighting stayfresh finish that makes it easy for you to stay cool, crisp and comfortable throughout the day

Ceriso Frill Trim Satin Bikini Knickers, at Marks & Spenser
Sassy and glamorous, these modern bikinis feature a frill trim and centre bow. The low rise style gives a flattering, shapely fit, perfect for wearing with hipsters. Designed for women who want the latest look

Pure Cotton Check Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
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

Diamanté Thong Sandals, at Marks and Spencers
Thong style Open toe Diamant detail Flat sole

Sony CMT-LX401 Micro Hi-Fi, at Marks & Spencer
AM/FM/DAB radio 2 x 5w (RMS) power output CD+ -R/CD+ -RW playback Digital input 4 graphic equaliser presets Enables you to operate your equipment from a remote handset Hi-Fi unit dimensions: D20.5 x H22.1 x W20cm Weight: 8.6kg This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

Cotton Blend Shawl Collar Longline Cardigan, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this casual longline cardigan makes the perfect light extra layer. It features shawl collar with attached pockets for a fashionable touch.

Digital Alarm Clock, at Marks & Spencer
LCD time and alarm display Rectangular design Front buttons Dimensions: 10cm x 16cm x 6.5cm 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Short Sleeve Panel Tunic Top, at Marks & Spencer
This simple panel dress is a key style for autumn. Wear it with leggings for a fashion forward look

Newborn Animal Feet Daywear & Hat, at Mark's & Spencer
A great choice for active babies, this soft cotton romper suit is comfortable and practical. The animal feet designs add a cute finishing touch

Older Girls' Cotton Rich Butterfly Print Bra & Shorts Set, at Marks & Spencer
A fab and fashionable matching set in a soft cotton blend featuring a cute butterfly print design

Autograph Addison Console Table, at Marks & Spensers
H80 x W110 x D40cm With 2 drawers Made from American Black Walnut solids and veneers, with Beech veneer on unseen faces Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawer pulls are solid wood due to their shape All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 Mark's & 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 Marks & Spencer Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.