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 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 and Spencers, 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 Motor 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 Motor 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; Motor 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.

Shopping for financial products at M+S Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & 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 Motor 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 Marks & Spencer, 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.

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spenser
Feminine and pretty, this floral print top will give your look an instant lift. It looks lovely worn with plain skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic collection

Tree Pastry Cutter, at Marks and Spencer
Tree design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Button Pyjama Top, at Marks & Spencer
Luxurious and sophisticated, this modern pyjama top is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Made from the softest fabrics for the ultimate in comfort, it's beautifully designed and finished

Oval Nugget Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
Hook fastening Drop style earrings For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Andrew Lloyd Webber - 60 At 60 CD, at Mark's & Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Hunter Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and fashionable, this bag features useful compartments and adjustable straps for comfort

Hungarian Pinot Grigio Rosé 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Grigio Country of origin: Hungary Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Hamilton 2-Seater Sofa, at Mark & Spensers
50% reduction on Dakota Leather Espresso applied 21 May - 1 June 2009. 30% reduction on all fabrics applied 9 April - 20 May 2009. Higher prices applied between at least 25 February - 8 April 2009. H95 x W202 x D99cm Seat H49cm, arm H66cm, top back rail H73cm (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 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

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

Limited Collection Pure Silk Floral Print Top, at Marks&Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's LA Love trend. Feminine, soft and laid back, this is a fashionable LA look with a boho vibe. Beautiful fabrics and playful prints are key

PlayStation®3 Tomb Raider: Underworld, at Marks and Spencer
Master your surroundings: Reach new heights with the broadest range of acrobatic abilities and utilize objects within the environment to uncover new paths to explore Explore epic and unknown worlds: Discover ancient mysteries of the underworld hidden within the coast of Thailand, frozen islands of the Arctic Sea, the jungles of Mexico, and more What Can Lara Do?: Lara's skill-set has been drastically expanded to incorporate actions you would expect of a fearless, athletic adventurer. Lara now performs 1700 moves and is a far more intuitive character to controlWhat Can Lara Do?: Lara's skill-set has been drastically expanded to incorporate actions you would expect of a fearless, athletic adventurer. Lara now performs 1700 moves and is a far more intuitive character to control Treacherous and unpredictable challenges: Each level is an elaborate multi-stage puzzle masked within an interactive environmental playground offering more flexibility over how the area is solved New range of combat options: Choose to pacify or kill, target multiple enemies at once with the new dual-target system, and shoot with one hand while suspended with the other New state-of-the-art gear: Utilize the latest technology in Lara's upgraded inventory to navigate the world including: Sonar map: A revolutionary new tool that emits an active sonar ping to create a 3D image of Lara's surroundings, perfect for uncovering hidden items and locations Multi-purpose grapple: A claw-like device with a high-tension cable designed for climbing, rappelling, performing wall runs and manipulating objects within the environment All-terrain motorbike: Built to handle everything from the jungles of Mexico to the icy glaciers of the Arctic 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe 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 You must be 16 years of age or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, ESRB Rating: Mature

Pure Cotton Gathered Front Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this stripe shirt is made from cool comfortable cotton and features gathered front detail

Blue Harbour Short Sleeve Block Stripe Rugby Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Casual and relaxed, this stripe rugby shirt is made from cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Double Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

King Kong Blu-ray DVD, at Marks & Spencer
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

5 Scalloped Trim Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
Cute and trendy, this 5 pack of cotton knickers makes a great way to stock up on essential style

Supima® Satin Trim Vest, at Marks & Spencer
Supima cotton known as the world's finest cotton. It's renowned for its superior strength, enhanced durability and sumptuous feel

Mitchelton Crescent Mourvèdre Shiraz Grenache 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Mourvdre, Shiraz, Grenache Country of origin: Australia 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

Antares Luggage Large Rollercase, at Marks & Spencer
Free 5 year guarantee A smart option for travel, the wheeled design and retractable pull handle offer easy mobility no matter where you are in the world. A zip fastening helps keep your belongings secure

Barton Large 2 Seater Sofa, at Mark's & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and comfy, this practical pure cotton stripe t-shirt features an embroidered face motif. The shoulder poppers make it easier to dress him

Tonal Stripe Shower Curtain, at Marks & Spenser
Tonal stripe design L180 x W180cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Assorted Mow Cow Print Socks, at Marks and Spencer
These classic cotton rich socks are soft, breathable and comfortable. Added stretch gives a great fit

Sony Bravia RHT-G800 Home Cinema Surround Sound System, at M+S
S-Force PRO Front Surround Technology: 5.1 channel virtual surround sound from just two front speakers and a subwoofe Controls: Touch sensor Vibration-cancelling subwoofer: For superb bass without disturbing the neighbours Connection: Inputs to connect DVD player, set-top box and games system BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button Connectors: 2 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 3 x Opt Digital In, 1 x Coax Digital In, 1 x Composite In Audio/Video Weight: 59kg Dimensions: W111.4 x H49.5 x D40 cm For televisions up to 52'' DVD player and TV not included 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

Sun Formula Self Tan Facial Applicator Mitt, at Marks & Spencer
Water resistant barrier protects your hands from staining Hand wash for repeated optimum results This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Plain Flexilite Umbrella, at Marks & Spencer
Lightweight and easy to carry, this slimline umbrella is perfect for keeping at hand for effective protection from sudden downpours

Ruched Back Low Rise Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these pretty lace detail shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

Total Support Satin Band Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this non-wired bra gives all-round support and uplift with good coverage, extra wide straps and 3 hook-and-eye fasteners. It's secure but gentle and lightweight, an ideal choice for everyday wear

Wooden Body Care Styling Hair Brush, at Mark's & Spencer
Wooden design Rounded pins This brush is made with wood from well managed forests as certified by the Forest Stewardship Council

Blue Harbour Twin Pocket Short Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Stylishly smart casual, this comfortable shirt looks great dressed up or down

There are lots of ways to save money using M+S Money. Not least of these is Marks and Spenser Standard Motor Insurance. With M+S Money 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, which also has other features.

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