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

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

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money Direct loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct insurance products (Buildings 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 Spencer insurance products in document format too.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks & Spensers Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Motor 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 Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from M+S, 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 Motor Insurance from M&S Finance, you get more, and you pay less.

2 Fairtrade Spotted Rich Cotton Vests, at Marks and Spencer
Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade Fairtrade certification shows that suppliers have been paid a fair price for their products and their work. Buying Fairtrade helps support farmers in developing countries and their communities

Thank You Teacher Wrap Pack, at Marks and Spencer
2 sheets, 2 tags Each sheet: 495 x 695 mm Tags: 85 x 55 mm

Flexilite Paisley Print Umbrella, at Marks & Spencer
Brighten up rainy days with this stylish lightweight umbrella

Perfect Pleat Front Satin Shell Top, at Marks & Spenser
It's all about shades of green this autumn. This pretty satin shell top is perfect for adding a flash of colour under a suit

Baby Bunny Stripe Flat Sheet, at Marks and Spencer
Stripe design Baby bunny motif Wide Trim Pure Cotton, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Firm Control Lace Trim Magic Body, at Marks & Spencers
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

Sprung-Edge Divan on Legs & M400 Mattress - Medium, at Mark & Spensers
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190 cm 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 L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 31cm 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 Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel Mattress spring count: 1054 Sprung-edge divan 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

Assorted Bead Necklace & Earrings Set, at M & S
2 part set Mixed bead necklace with adjustable length and clasp fastening Stud earrings Assorted bead design

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Mock Layer Monkey Top, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this pure cotton crew neck top features a fun monkey motif. A practical easycare style

North Coast Pure Cotton Cargo Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Relaxed and casual, these fashionable trousers are made from comfortable cotton and feature cargo style pockets

Cotton Blend Tummy Control Vest, at M&S
This tummy control vest gives a flattering shape - great under close fitting tops. The hidden panel shapes the waistline and flattens your tummy while the longer length helps prevent it rolling up

3 Pairs of 15 Denier Ladder Resist Sheer Knee Highs, at Marks & Spenser
An M&S exclusive. Amazing yarn stops holes turning into ladders. Three way stretch gives a perfect fit. The comfort top is designed to keep them in place without leaving marks

XBOX 360® UEFA EURO 08 Game, at Mark & Spencers
Win UEFA EURO 2008 - Compete as one of 52 teams from qualification right through to a virtual reproduction of UEFA EURO 2008 in Austria and Switzerland Captain Your Country - Play as yourself on the same team with up to three friends, all playing individual positions on the pitch. Compete collaboratively to win games but compete against each other for the captaincy. Develop your player through eight status levels to earn the captaincy of your country and the right to lead your team Create Yourself - Play alongside your heroes by customizing yourself in game. Place your name on your jersey, then earn experience points to enhance your skills and reputation Battle of the Nations - Represent your country online against your rivals around the world to win global supremacy. Earn individual and team points. Think your nation is the best? Now you can prove it! EURO Online Knockout Draw- Battle gamers from other nations online in 16-team single elimination tournaments to gain points for your nation Enhanced Penalty Kicks - Experience the challenge of a penalty shoot-out as if you were on the pitch. Master your nerves to score the goal that puts your team in the UEFA EURO 2008 final Interactive Celebrations - Score a goal and then control your player's movements and actions to celebrate the way you want to Dynamic Rain and Mud - Winter weather from across Europe is authentically re-created to simulate real-world playing conditions. Experience driving rain that creates sloppy, muddy pitches which dramatically impacts passing and player performance Authentic Stadiums - Compete in all 8 official stadiums of UEFA EURO 2008 Team Managers - Watch reactions from team managers on the sideline as they shout encouragement or become disappointed in your team's performance

Per Una Pintuck Skirt, at M & S
A casual knee length skirt in a soft cotton blend featuring a pintuck design

Dualit Dome Kettle - Cream, at Marks and Spencers
3000 watt rapid boil concealed element 1.7 litre capacity Water level viewing window High quality 18:8 grade stainless steel body Laser cut stainless steel water filter Boil dry safety feature Heatproof handle, knob and finger-guard Ergonomic handle for easy pouring Non-drip spout Cordless operation with axis rotary base and cord tidy Dimensions: H25cm 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

Tummy and Waist Control Vest, at Marks & Spensers
This tummy control vest gives a flattering shape - great under close fitting tops. The hidden panel shapes the waistline and flattens your tummy while the longer length helps prevent it rolling up

Limited Collection Modal Blend Padded Bra, at Mark & Spencers
Fun and fabulous, this modal blend bra is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Portfolio Stripe Border Cardigan, at Mark & Spensers
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

Bubble Base High Ball Glass, at Marks and Spencer
Bubble base design Hand made glass with heavy base Height: 15.5cm Capacity: 340ml (34cl), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Enamel Butterfly Compact Mirror, at M&S
Circular shape Butterfly design Push clasp fastening

Autograph Liquid Eyeliner, at Marks & Spencer
Easy-application liquid liner with a fine brush for dramatic eyes Hypo-allergenic

Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Bunny Pyjamas, at Marks & Spencers
Cute and comfy, this pack of 2 pure cotton pyjamas features a bunny motif and floral print

White Pearl Damask Place Cards - Pack of Ten, at Marks and Spencer
Contains: 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: Flat: 90 x 90mm Approx size: Folded: 45 x 90mm

Portfolio Sleeveless Leapord Print Dress, at Marks and Spencers
Chic and contemporary, this sleeveless dress features a leapord print. A fabulous fashionable look

Perfect Short Sleeve Mini Spot Print Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Wear this cute, versatile shirt under a dress or tank top, or team it with a skirt or trousers. Any way you wear it, you'll be right on trend

Cut Velvet Wave Cushion, at Marks and Spenser
Square shape Wave design L50 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Filigree Collection - 3-Arm Chandelier, at Mark & Spencers
3 light chandelier Clear glass droplets Tiered H 75 x Diam 36cm Bulb: 5 x E14 Golf Ball 60W This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Skinny Jeans, at Mark's & Spencer
Long and lean, skinny jeans are an edgy modern style. This stretchy pair sits below the waist and is cut to fit and flatter. Wear with some volume on your top half to balance the shape and give an even leggier look

Lobster Thermidor, at Marks and Spencer
Serves 2 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 280g As featured on page 38 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Yalumba Australian Shiraz 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap 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

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 & Spencers are so useful. M&S Money Direct 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 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 Money Direct 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 Money Direct Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.