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 Marks & Spenser, through its Marks & Spencers 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 Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Marks & Spencers 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 & Spencers 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 Marks & Spensers 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 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 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 & Spencers Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Marks and Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Car Insurance, but Marks and 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, Marks & Spencers Money can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of Marks & Spencers Money insurance products (Buildings Insurance, Car 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 Spenser insurance products in document format too.

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Floral Print Top, at M & S
A floral print adds a pretty touch to this soft pure cotton top.

Limited Collection Cotton Rich 3/4 Sleeve Top, at Marks and Spenser
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

Clocktower Pinot Noir 2007 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Medium Brunette Rag Doll, at Marks & Spencer
Not recommended for babies under 12 months Hair ribbon detail Floral frill dress Large button detail Suitable for ages 1 - 3 yrs This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Clos de Reynard 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Mixed Red Country of origin: USA Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Everyday Scales, at Mark & Spencers
Maximum capacity: 4kg/8lb Detachable bowl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lace Trim Midi Knickers, at Marks & Spenser
Characterised by a wonderfully flattering low leg, a lace design sets a smart tone for the soft, easy to care for comfort of these lovely midi briefs

Perfect Jewelled Collection - Table Lamp, at Marks & Spenser
Jewelled Crystal base Faux silk shade H 47 x Diam 30cm Bulb: 40W E14 SES This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Oxford Toe Cap Brogue Shoes, at M+S
Round toe Punch apron detail Toe cap design Lace up Block heel

Older Girls' Permair™ Bow Detail School Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Slip on Bow feature Flat sole Scuff resistant Permair™ micro porous coating makes the shoes scuff- and water-resistant and easy to clean, while allowing feet to breathe

Luxury Pure Cotton Fine Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
The superior quality, cut and detailing on this luxurious pure cotton shirt are inspired by Jermyn Street tailors. A sophisticated style with a great fit

Per Una Waterfall Front Cap Sleeve Blouse, at Marks & Spencers
A stylish scoop neck blouse featuring waterfall front design and a camisole

Large Square Jewellery Box, at Marks and Spenser
3 drawers Square design

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Mini Check Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this long sleeve shirt is made from cool comfortable cotton and features mini check design

Autograph Bone China Cereal Bowl, at Marks&Spencer
Plain Diameter: 23cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Blend Long Sleeve Boyfriend Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
A practical choice for school, this cotton blend long sleeve boyfriend cardigan is easycare for convenience

Plush Noisy Plane Toy, at Marks & Spensers
Plush toy Brightly coloured soft bus Textured fabric wings Realistic sound This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Droplets Silver Wedding Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Congratulations on your Silver Wedding Anniversary Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 176 x 126mm

Younger Girls' Classic Patent School Shoes, at Marks & Spenser
Round toe Floral detail Scallop trim Single ankle strap with rip tape fastening Flat sole Easy Clean

2 Pack of Plain Shorties, at Marks & Spencer
Easy to wear and easy to care for, these great value shorts are woven from pure cotton and have a gathered waist, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit throughout the night

Short Pillar Candle, at Marks & Spensers
Pillar shape Single wick Plain Non fragranced, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Pintuck Bib Jersey Top, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and stylish, this pintuck bib top is made from cool comfortable cotton, and features a contrast sleeve trim and button placket

Bring Your Own Whites Mix- Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
4 El Tidon Sauvignon Blanc 2008: Packed full of fresh, spicy flavour, this Spanish Sauvignon Blanc offers outstanding value for money. Aromas of citrus fruit and dried herbs are followed up by a dry, tangy palate and a soft-textured finish... 4 Sicilia Bianco 2007: Clean, fresh limey aromas with lively fruit on the palate. A really refreshing, fruit dry wine... 4 Ctes du Rhne Blanc 2008: With its appealing aromas of honeysuckle and baked pears, this soft and gently spicy white is classic Ctes du Rhne at a fantastically affordable price ... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Roberts SOUND 37 DAB Radio, at Marks and Spencer
Frequency ranges: FM/DAB wavebands Functions: DAB radio, CD, MP3/WMA playback Controls: Menu display selection of all major functions are clearly placed onthe front panel Output connectors: Headphone socket LCD Display: FM RDS station name display with dimmer control Mains power supply: Mains operation via AC adaptor (included) CD Bookmark: automatically remembers the last played position on the disc Station scan: Search/manual tuning Timer: Adjustable Sleep timer and adjustable Snooze timer Alarm: Wake to buzzer, radio or CD with multiple alarms Preset Stations: Up to 20 station presets Dimensions: W13.5 x H13.2 x D16.5cm Weight: Weight 1.03kg 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

Mixed Bead Short Row Necklace, at Mark & Spensers
Dual-strand feature Clasp fastening Adjustable length Mixed bead design Necklace lengths: 40cm, extendable by 8cm

Blue Harbour Swimming Briefs, at M&S
Practical and fashionable, these swimming briefs give a comfortable, flattering and secure fit

Aguasanta Carmènere 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Carmnere Country of origin: Chile Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Older Girls' Soft Fluffy Dressing Gown, at M+S
Perfect for bathtime, this cute dressing gown is made from soft, comfy towelling

North Coast Pure Cotton Marl Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Sony VGF-HS1E Home Server, at M & S
Hard Drive Capacity: 1000GB Hard Drive Speed: 7200rpm Hard Drive Type: Serial ATA Interfaces: 3USB, 1 compact flash, 1 SD slot, Memory Stick™ standard, Memory Stick™ Duo, Memory Stick™ PRO, Memory Stick™ PRO Duo, high speed data transfer Network: Ethernet 10 BASE-T/100 BASE-TX/1000 BASE-T Compatible multimedia formats: JPEG, BMP, PNG, WAV, MP3, ATRAC, ATRAC Advanced Lossless, AAC, WMA, AVCHD, MPEG2, HDV(MPEG2-TS) Special Buttons: ''Copy'' button for ''One Touch Copy'', ''Connect'' button for ''Remote Home Access'', ''Display'' button for change value of OLED display Dimensions: H7.1 x W27 x D27cm Weight: 3.1kg (approx)

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

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings 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 M&S, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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