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 n Spencer, 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 Buildings 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 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 Buildings 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 Buildings 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 Financial Services Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

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 Mark's & Spencer are so useful. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & 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, Buildings Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 Buildings 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 Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Single Breasted 2 Button Plain Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
A style classic at a great value price, updated with a modern cut and contemporary detailing

Limited Collection Wide Leg Flat Front Trousers with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. Practical and fashionable, they make a great choice for work or smart occasions

Cotton Rich Button Tab Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Simple and stylish, straight leg trousers are a modern classic. This pair sits below the waist and are cut to give a flattering shape that's always in style. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Limited Collection Block Heel Buckle Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Heel height: 70mm Round toe Buckle fastening Mid heel Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

3 Pairs of Collezione Diamond Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Exclusively designed for M&S, these smart socks are inspired by Italy and feature a luxury cotton weave for the ultimate in style and sophistication

Heart Charm Bootleg Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
A fashionable choice for school, these stretch bootleg trousers feature a pretty heart charm

Dyson DC23 Animal Vacuum Cleaner, at Marks and Spencers
Suction power: 280 airwatts (constant) Bin capacity: 2 litres Root Cyclone™ technology: Dyson vacuum cleaners separate dirt from the air by centrifugal force. It spins the air incredibly fast and the dust and dirt is flung out into the clear bin™. Suction is maintained as there is no bag to become clogged No bags or filters: No extra costs and your vacuum doesn't lose power as you clean Hygienic and quick to empty: Dyson design minimises risk of contact with dirt Cord length: 6.5 metres Combination accessory tool: Debris nozzle converts to a brush tool for dusting Included in the box: Crevice tool, mini turbine head, stair tool, turbine head, operations manual, quick start guide Dimensions: 352 x 460 x 289 mm Weight: 8.75 kg 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

Perfect Autograph Essentials Sheer Lace Floral Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
These pretty pieces are perfect for everyday wear, but so feminine that you'll always feel special

Per Una Wool Blend Single Breasted 3 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable single breasted jacket in soft wool blend fabric featuring three button fastening

Luxury Non-Iron Pure Cotton 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

Mirrored Sink Unit, at Marks & Spenser
H80 x W59 x D42cm Sink and tap sold separately Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft, clean cloth This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portland Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spenser
H76 x W230 x D102cm Seat H52cm (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 Feet are castors 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 08457 624 624 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

Artificial Exotic Argumentum & Vase, at Marks and Spencer
Artificial exotic argumentum with short stem Presented in clear and frosted glass Square vase Stone effect Diameter: 51cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Multi Stripe Hooded Cardigan, at M&S
The fun multi stripe design makes this hooded cardigan extra special. The soft cotton knit will keep him warm and comfy

4 Windsor Champagne Flutes, at Marks and Spencers
Set of 4 Dishwasher safe 21cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Firm Control Lace Trim Magic Body, at Marks & Spencer
This clever body works like magic with targeted control areas to shape you where you need it most. It's comfortable, breathable and easy to move in and a special finish keeps you cool and dry

Portfolio Cotton Rich Bootleg Joggers, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Wentworth 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencer
H96 x W146 x D100cm Seat H50cm (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 Feet are castors 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 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Pure Cotton Chino Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these pure cotton chino shorts make a practical, fashionable choice. Made in an eco-factory, designed to use less energy and create less waste

Antigua Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spensers
H97 x W188 x D101cm Seat H50cm, arm H63cm, top back rail H79cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions made from Quallofil Extralife filling Other cushions made with polyester fibre Cushions are reversible Cushions covers are removable Frame made from solid hardwood wrapped with banana fibre. 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

3-Piece Aluminium Saucepan Set, at Marks & Spencer
Set contains 3 saucepans with lids 16cm (1.4L), 18cm (1.9L), 20cm (2.8L) Non stick aluminium Triple layer non-stick coating for low fat cooking and easy cleaning Tempered glass lids for easy visibility Riveted handles in cast stainless steel for strength and durability Soft touch silicone grips for style and comfort Always use wooden or plastic utensils to prevent scratching the non stick surface Dishwasher safe, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Floaty Linen Trousers, at Mark & Spencers
A stylish wide leg pair of trousers featuring an on the waist design and side tab feature

Jewelled Line Wedding Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Wedding Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Collezione Suede Moccasin Loafers, at Marks & Spenser
Square toe Raised apron stitch Plain Block heel

Pure Linen Button Fastening Pintuck Kaftan, at M & S
Pretty and feminine, this flattering kaftan is designed in the latest shape. A fabulous fashionable look

High School Musical 2 - Extended Edition, at Marks & Spencer
Rating Universal, suitable for all,

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Knitted Top, at Marks and Spencers
Comes with the necklece shown A fashionable 3/4 sleeve knitted top featuring lace trim

Sonoma Dark Extending Dining Table & 6 Alton Leather Chairs Set, at Marks & Spencers
7 piece set Table: H76 x L180 x W100cm Extends to L230cm Seats 6 people, comes with extension leaf to seat 8 people Extension leaf can be stored beneath the table top Chair: H99 x W46 x D56cm Chairs made from solid dark stained oak with plain dark brown leather seat Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Legs made from solid hardwood 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Frilled Spot Print Crook Umbrella, at Marks&Spencer
Brighten up rainy days with this colourful lightweight umbrella

Centre Crease Bootleg Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart and modern, these easycare bootleg trousers have an elasticated waist for a comfortable fit. A fashionable and practical choice for school

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

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings 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.