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 Mark's & 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 & Spencers, 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 Car Insurance, M&S House Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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 Marks & Spencer are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spencers 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, House Insurance policies. Usually, UK House 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 House 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 House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Besides Marks&Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct House 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 Money Direct 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 Marks and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier House Insurance and Standard House 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.

Klara's Cat Engagement Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Engaged Inside message: Congratulations Approx size: 175 x 125mm

2 Pure Cotton Bath Time Motif Towels, at Marks and Spencer
Pack of 2 Bath Time motif Plain W40 x L60cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Milan Glass Shelf, at Marks & Spencers
Wall mounted H7 x W45.6 x D7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Floral Dress & Cardigan Set, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look.

Pom Pom Collar Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Chunky design Ribbon chain Tie fastening Necklace length: 109cm

Sweet Bergamot Lantern Candle, at Marks and Spenser
Sweet bergamot fragrance Includes wooden plate Burns up to 4 hours, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Facet Pod Stretch Bracelet, at Mark's & Spencer
Wide style Stretch fit Facet pod design

5 Shrug Style Long Sleeve Plain Bodysuits, at Marks and Spenser
Soft, plain and machine washable, these bodysuits are a perfect buy for your newborn

Malabar Nest of Tables, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 3 H61 x L63 x W46cm (largest) Made from solid mango wood Protective low-sheen lacquer finish for added durability Legs made from solid wood Delivered flatpack due to size 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

Same Difference - Pop CD, at Marks & Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Collezione Luxury Pure Cotton Flat Front Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on these trousers to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Luxury Orchid, at Marks and Spenser
Orchids are traditionally known as symbols of beauty and this deluxe version certainly lives up to its reputation. This beautiful twin stemmed multiflora orchid is planted in a contemporary glass vase with a pretty satin-finished ribbonAvailable for delivery between 1st April to 30th September 2009

DeLonghi EC270 Pump Espresso & Cappuccino Machine, at Marks & Spenser
High performance 15 bar pump pressure - ensures best tasting espresso and cappuccino with no limit to the number of cups produced Traditional stainless steel cappuccino milk frother Professional 2 in 1 filter holder suitable for ground coffee or ESE pods Cappuccino System - it mixes steam, air and milk producing a rich, creamy froth for a great cappuccino 3 different buttons: on/off, coffee and cappuccino Separate coffee and steam boiler thermostats for faster use and optimum temperature control Adjustable steam emission Incorporated crema device Self-priming system means machine is always ready to use Removable 1 litre water tank Stainless Steel removable drip tray Measuring spoon Includes free Illy Pods Stylish retro design Built to accommodate either a full sized cappuccino cup or 2 espresso coffee cups Cup warmer Easy to use 3 button operation 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

Pleated Bedset, at Marks & Spencers
Pleated design Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Jersey Top, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and stylish, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features a scarf neck design. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Hopskotch, at Mark & Spencers
10 foam pieces 2 hopscotch stones Suitable for indoor and outdoor use Suitable for ages 3-6 years, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Twin Pleat Trousers with Cashmere, at Marks & Spencer
A fine pure wool provides the perfect complement to the smart design of these twin pleated trousers. Providing formal versatility, they're the perfect choice for the office or smart occasions

Check Chenille Throw, at Marks & Spencer
Bold check design Fringed edges 150 x 200cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Occasions Pleat Clutch Bag, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and practical, this clutch bag is a useful accessory with bags of style!

Limited Collection Low Strap Shoe, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Mid heel Buckle fastening Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

M&S 24 Litre Shredder, at Marks & Spencer
Destroy important personal documentation Shreds credit cards, CDs and DVDs 15 sheet shred capacity Bin full indicator Finger safe system Auto start up Accepts paper clips and staples Reverse option One touch safety cut off Continuous shredding upto 2.5 minutes Easy to set up and operate 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

Albany Side Plate, at Mark & Spensers
Ideal for everyday use, durable Plain Diameter: 23cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Nintendo DS™ Need for Speed: Undercover, at Mark's & Spencer
Go Deep Undercover: Race into an action-packed story of pursuit and betrayal. Take on jobs and compete in races to prove yourself as you infiltrate and take down an international crime syndicate Highway Battle: Fight off the cops and others as you take down your prey in high-speed, high stake multi-car chases. New and vastly improved A.I. mechanics mean more aggressive and intelligent cops focused on taking you out fast and by any means necessary Own the Open World: Tear across the massive highway system and discover the open world of the Gulf Coast Tri-Cities area, with three unique cities connected by an extensive highway system Heroic Driving Engine: An all-new game engine lets you pull off amazing moves for the ultimate driving edge. 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 12 years of age or over to purchase this product, Platforms: Nintendo DS, ESRB Rating: Teen

Single Breasted 3 Button Peplum Jacket with New Wool, at Mark & Spencers
Chic and stylish, this single breasted jacket makes a great choice for work or smart occasions

Limited Collection Floral Jacquard Mini Skirt, at Marks and Spencers
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

Adored Floral Embroidered Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spenser
Delicate and stylish, this soft lace bra is gently supportive and exceptionally comfortable. Underwiring and padding give an enhanced natural shape. Feminine everyday lingerie

Buckle Jersey Knitted Gloves, at Marks and Spencer
Keep out the cold in style and comfort with these flattering soft stretchy jersey gloves finished with a buckle detail

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Pindot Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

2 Plain Non-Padded T-Shirt Bras, at Marks and Spenser
Soft and comfortable, these non-padded t-shirt bras are outstanding value

Portfolio Bobble Choker Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Choker style Clasp fastening Adjustable length Bobble design Necklace length 41cm, extendable by 8cm

M&S Money Direct 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 M&S Money Direct 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 & Spenser 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 M&S Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.