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 & 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 & Spensers, through its M&S 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 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 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 Car 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; Car 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 Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M&S Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spencer, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Footglove™ Leather Panel Trouser Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Panel design Stitch detail Buckle feature Slip-on Heel height 48mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

3 Pack Easycare Long Sleeve Shirts, at Marks & Spensers
Woven in a no-fuss easycare fabric, long sleeves and double button cuffs add a smart focus to your office look. A practical and convenient choice for everyday wear

Ruby Teapot - Red, at MarksandSpencer
Suitable for everyday use Stripe design Detachable lid H15cm 6 cup capacity, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Printed Stripe Bikini Briefs, at M+S
Pretty and feminine, these bikini briefs are fashionably detailed with a stripe design. A sleek, shapely look

Sleeveless Plain Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Get a sophisticated modern look with this sleeveless shirt. Perfect for mixing and matching with skirts or trousers

Autograph Damask Bedcover, at Marks & Spencers
Embroidered design Contains padded quilting L250 x W265cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Oslo Tall Tumblers, at Marks & Spenser
Set of 4 Dishwasher safe H15cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Mirror, at Mark & Spensers
H85 x W128 x D3cm Wide frame Oak veneer Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats durable, clear lacquer of low sheen 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

Brushed Metal Bling Wall Clock, at Marks and Spencers
Round face Standard numerals Brushed metal, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Plated Barrel Snake Drop Earrings, at Marks & Spencer
3 strand design Barrel feature Butterfly fastening

Antigua 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spenser
H97 x W170 x D101cm Seat H50cm, arm H63cm, top back rail H79cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that gives long-lasting performance and helps to maintain the cushions look and shape. Provides improved resilience without compromising on softness. Easy-care and springs back to its original shape after re-fluffing 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 Cushion covers are removable on this range 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 Wooden feet wrapped with rattan 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

Blue Harbour Linen Short Sleeve Plain Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and stylish, this check design shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

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

Sony Ericsson W350i - Orange Pay as you talk Mobile Phone, at MarksandSpencer
A maximum of 2 phones per customer may be purchased Talk time: Up to 8 hours Stand-by time: Up to 360 hours Dimensions: 10.3 x 4.2 x 1.1cm Weight: 80g Bandwidth: 900/1800/1900 Orange Pay as you Go: Your mobile service provider will be Orange. An Orange SIM card is included with this handset. Standard features: Memory slot, memory card, Bluetooth, hands free, voice activated dialling, Triband, GPRS, organiser and alarm Special features: Active flip, downloadable realtones, data modem, voice memo recorder and webmail Fun features: 1.3MP camera, games, polyphonic ringtones and mp3 player

Autograph Zip Pocket Overnight Bag, at Marks & Spenser
Luxurious and beautiful, this plain print handbag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's zipped pockets make handy compartments useful and practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Diamond Sleeveless Pointelle Vest, at Marks & Spenser
Diamond pointelle adds pretty femininity to this warm easy care vest. Perfect as an extra layer this winter

Pure Silk Ethnic Rio Print Scarf, at Mark & Spensers
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk ethnic print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

2 Piece Cotton Rich Floral Dress Outfit, at Mark & Spencers
Modern and pretty, this sleeveless dress and cropped plain leggings look fabulously fashionable worn together or separately

Silk Blend Luxury Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spenser
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart stripe tie in a silk blend

Cotton Blend Short Sleeve Hello Kitty Top, at Marks & Spencer
Fans of Hello Kitty will love this cotton top featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style.

Pure Cotton Waffle Hooded Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Knitted in pure cotton, this hooded waffle cardigan will keep him warm and comfy. It looks cuddly too!

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Crew Neck T-shirt, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and relaxed, this crew neck t-shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Per Una Linen Blend Lightweight Jacket with Scarf, at Mark & Spensers
A smart single breasted lightweight jacket in a cool linen blend fabric. A woven scarf makes it extra stylish

Collezione Pure Wool Single Pleat Stripe Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Add a smart dimension to your formal wardrobe with these single pleat trousers. Allowing for more hip room, they provide a clean, crisp and well turned out look

Deep V-Neck Embellished Tankini Top, at Marks&Spencer
Feminine and glamorous, this flattering tankini top is designed in the latest shape. Make a splash!

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and relaxed, this short sleeve polo shirt is made from pure cotton it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Fraser Armchair, at Marks and Spencer
H99cm x W107cm x D102cm Seat: H48cm (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 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

Spot Print Frill Crook Umbrella, at Mark's & Spencer
Brighten up rainy days with this stylish lightweight umbrella

Easy Pasta, at Mark's & Spencer
Passionate about pasta? Enjoy a great collection of quick and easy-to-make recipes that can be ready in minutes

Fitou 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Carignan, Grenache Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians 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

Shopping for financial products at M&S 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 M&S Money website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Property 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 M&S Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Money website.