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 Spenser 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 Finance website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor 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.

Besides Mark & Spensers Motor Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Buildings & Contents 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 Finance 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 M+S purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Finance Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents 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.

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

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Finance loans, credit cards or Buildings & Contents Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Finance 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 Finance insurance products (Buildings & Contents 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 Marks and Spencers insurance products in document format too.

Per Una Spot Print Balcony Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
Feminine and delicate, this stylish bra features lace detail and spot print. The padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape. Pretty everyday fashion

M&S Wireless Speakers, at Marks & Spencer
Compatible with all iPods and MP3 players Suitable for indoor or outdoor use 30 metre range Up to 5 hours battery life Easy to set up and use Includes remote control Dimensions: H24 x W16 x D15cm 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

Big & Tall Single Pleat Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
No more trips to the drycleaners! These smart, fashionable trousers can be machine washed and tumble dried. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Autograph Leather Zipped Washbag, at Marks and Spencers
Stylish and contemporary, this leather wash bag is a fashionable and practical must-have

Smocked Henley Neck Frill Top, at Marks & Spensers
The frill detail is a key trend this season. This soft fabric top makes a stylish way to get the look

Cracked Shell Heart Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Multi-strand design Cracked shell heart design Adjustable length Clasp fastening Necklace length 43cm, extendable by 7cm

Firm Control Low Leg Briefs, at Marks & Spenser
Look slimmer in seconds! These firm control knickers gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

Wide Fit Leather Apron Loafers, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Contrast apron stitch Twin gusset Slip-on Wide fit

Butterflies on Spots and Stripes Hand Finished, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: Both designs: blank Inside Message: Both designs: blank for your own message Pack Contains: 6 cards, 2 designs Approx. Size: 200 mm x 80 mm

Long Sleeve Spot Print Satin Pyjamas, at M+S
Feminine and elegant, these sleek satin finish pyjamas feel comfortable and give a flattering fit. A gorgeous, glamorous look

Pure Silk Textured Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart multi stripe tie in pure silk

Pure Cotton Tatty Teddy Denim Skirt, at Marks and Spencers
Cute and comfy, this pure cotton tatty teddy denim skirt is made from denim for a fashionable casual look

4 Cup Le Teapot, at Marks and Spenser
Built-in filter Borosilicate glass bowl Heat resistant L21cm x W14cm x H23cm Diameter: 11cm 4 cup capacity, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gold Plated Filigree Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencers
Diamant detail Filigree design Stretch style

Girls' Night Out Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Girls night out Inside message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Limited Collection Plain Underwired T-Shirt Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Fun and fabulous, this t-shirt bra is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. It's perfectly smooth so you won't get any visible lumps and bumps under your clothes. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Pure Cotton 'The Muppets' Bodysuit, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and practical, this bodysuit is great value. Popper fastenings and envelope necklines make quick changes easy and the soft cotton fabric will keep her feeling comfy and happy

Panasonic DMR-EZ28 DVD Recorder with Digital Tuner, at Marks and Spencers
High Quality Picture with 1080p Up-Conversion, DVB-T Adaptive Noise Reduction and Deep Colour Easy Recording and Playback with VIERA Link (Direct TV Rec.) Easy operation with VIERA Link Intelligent i/p Conversion 384 Kbps Audio Recording with SP mode Super Multi-Format Recording & Playback (DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, +R, +R DL, +RW discs) Power Consumption(W approx.): Normal Use: 25.0, Power Save Mode: 2.0 Power Supply: AC 220-240V, 50Hz Dimensions: W43 x H6 x D33cm USB terminal SD card slot 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 Leather Hip Coin Wallet, at M&S
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

Textured Single Breasted 2 Button Piped Jacket, at Marks&Spencer
Chic and stylish, this single breasted jacket makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Suede Sprung-Edge Non-Storage Divan & M400 Mattress - Medium, at Mark's & Spencer
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 L90cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan Height: 41cm Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give the mattress edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs 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

Blue Harbour Pure Lambswool Grid Check Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
An extremely comfortable crew neck grid check design jumper. It's made from extrafine lambswool which is spun for the softest feel. Conveniently, it can be machine washed and tumble dried and it resists bobbling

Linen Blend Wide Leg Belted Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to fit and flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. A look you can dress up or down

Flower Embellished Bed Set, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Floral Polka Dot Wedding Guest Book, at Marks and Spencer
Wedding guest book Gift box Guest book: H210 x W290mm Gift box: H225 x W305mm

Spot Fleece Long Sleeve Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencer
Wrap up and relax in this soft dressing gown featuring spots for a pretty look

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

Multi Floral Padded Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spenser
Sleek and stylish, this bra is perfectly smooth so there are no visible outlines under clothing. Light padding and underwiring give an enhanced natural shape. Designed for women who want a streamlined silhouette

Pure Cotton Sleeveless Broderie Vest, at Marks and Spencers
A broderie design makes this soft cotton vest top fabulously fashionable

Autograph Veneto Glass Dining Table, at Mark's & Spencer
H73 x D120cm Seats 4 - 6 people Chrome base Top made from toughened clear safety glass Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy these chairs as part of a set. Click here to view the Autograph Veneto Collection Set. , 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 Finance 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, 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 Finance 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 Finance Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.