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 Spencer, through its Marks & Spencer 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 House 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 House Insurance or Car Insurance, but Marks n Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer Money website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Money Direct products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or Marks & Spencer Money loans, credit cards or House Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, Marks & Spencer Money can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of Marks & Spencer Money insurance products (House Insurance, Car 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 Mark & Spencers insurance products in document format too.

Besides Marks & Spencer Car Insurance, Marks & Spencer Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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.

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Rib Stripe Shirt, at M&S
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Classic Collection Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and stylish, this floral print blouse will give your look an instant lift. It looks lovely worn with plain skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic collection

Fairtrade Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spencer
2 for 8 offer excludes items in the sale Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade This stylish longer length short sleeve t-shirt is a good deal for you and for our Fairtrade farmers. It's made from 100% Fairtrade cotton, helping local farmers to invest in developing their own communities

Autograph White Hungarian Goose Down Pillow, at Marks & Spencers
W48cm x L76cm Soft to medium support Single pillow Highest quality class 1 Hungarian goose down 300 thread count cover 100% cotton downproof cover Machine washable at 40C Composition:Cover: 100% cottonFilling: 90% Hungarian goose down, 10% small Hungarian goose feather Care Instructions:Machine washable, tumble dry Fire Warning:Keep away from fire and flames, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

No VPL Floral Lace Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
For the ultimate no-show look, these stretchy modern shorts are made from super smooth lace with bonded edges. They don't dig in and there are no irritating labels, so they feel incredibly comfortable to wear

Les Orris Blanc 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Grenache Gris, Carignan Blanc Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Embroidered Bib Top, at Marks & Spencers
This short sleeve top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features pretty embroidered bib detail for a stylish casual look

Hard-Top Non-Storage Divan & M200 Mattress, at Marks & Spencer
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm 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: 41cm Mattress has a soft pillowtop layer Mattress Spring Count: 522 Hard-Top divan rigid, un-sprung frame gives a firmer feel. Recommended for use with selected mattresses 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

Portfolio Ruffle Front Blouse, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Mimosa trend. A beautifully elegant look featuring chic, muted tones such as cocoa, mink, saffron and purple. Striking prints are key to this feminine trend

Hastings Bedside Chest, at Mark's & Spencer
H58 x W47 x D43cm Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard 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

Autograph Pure Silk Long Sleeve Beaded Kaftan, at Mark & Spensers
Luxurious and exclusive, this sophisticated kaftan is beautifully designed in a flattering, fashionable silhouette for the ultimate in style. It's made from soft, comfortable fabric and finished with careful attention to detail

Wedding Band Duo Rings, at M&S
Add instant sparkling style with these gorgeous platinum plated rings set with dazzling diamant

5 Tactel® Plain Bikini Knickers, at Marks n Spencer
Renowned for its superior comfort and durability, Tactel provides a smart, practical base for these essential briefs. This pack of plain high leg bikinis is great value and perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

Gold Label Pinot Noir 2007 - Case of 12, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: France 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

Autograph Pure Cotton Fine Stripe Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Fruit Basket, at Marks and Spenser
A seasonal selection of high quality fruit Contents may vary seasonally Presented in a wicker basket lined with fabric Basket dimensions: H110 x W350 x D285mm Price includes delivery Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th June 2009 Looking to place a corporate bulk order? Please call 0845 6020602 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Stainless Steel Mini Whisk, at Marks & Spenser
Plain Loop handle for hanging Stainless steel design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Leather Sporty Ankle Boots, at Marks & Spenser
Square toe Stitch detail Block heel Ankle high Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

M&S 2400W Steam Generator Iron, at Marks & Spencer
2020 - 2400 watt 1.5 litre boiler capacity 1 litre water reservoir Up to 70 minutes of continuous steam Variable steam feature Power on/off switch with indicator light Adjustable thermostatic control Boiler refill indicator light Steam lock button Steam ready indicator light Pressure safety release valve Dimensions: H34cm Stainless steel soleplate 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

2 Autograph Assorted Stripe Slips, at Marks & Spencers
Featuring the best in modern fabric and contemporary design, these luxurious slips feel exceptionally comfortable and give a superior fashionable fit

Per Una Supersoft Scotty Dog Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spenser
Mule style Round toe Flat sole Scotty dog embellishments Contrast lining

Burgundy Celebration Cake, at MarksandSpencer
36 portions Fruit Cake: Made with vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Cake weighs 2.7kg. Can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Sponge Cake: All-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Cake weighs 1.7kg. Can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Cake size: 20.5cm square Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 68 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Per Una Short Sleeve Ditsy Lace Top with Camisole, at Marks & Spenser
A fashionable floral print top featuring a plain camisole, the crinkle design makes it extra stylish

Wool Rich Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and contemporary, these trousers are made from a special wool blend fabric for extra strength, comfort and durability

Handwoven Pencil Pleat Ribbed Curtains, at Marks and Spencer
Unlined Pencil pleat Comes in standard 130cm/51in (STD) and wider 168cm/66in (WDR) widths Also comes in three drop lengths: short (137cm/54in), medium (183cm/72in), long (229cm/90in) How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

First Reader Gingerbread Man Book, at Marks & Spenser
This popular story is part of the First Readers range. The Gingerbread man has runaway and can't be caught - or can he?

5 Pairs of Cotton Rich Contrast Heel & Toe Socks, at Marks & Spenser
Hardwearing and comfortable, these cotton rich socks are an ideal choice for school

Dry Cured Rack Joint with a Pomegranate Molasses Glaze, at Marks and Spencer
10 rib Serves 10-12 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 3kg As featured on page 37 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

XBOX 360® Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2, at M&S
Full PEC Experience: A greatly improved PEC experience - your character evolves online and offline, in both single-player and multiplayer modes. Terrorist Leaders are now a strategic target for Rainbow - leaders control respawns, so when you take out the leaders, enemies can no longer respawn. Terrorists Enemies have a wider variety of reactions and use ballistic shields. Team Rainbow Can use the Leap-frogging technique for safely approaching an area defended by an opposing force. Teammates cover each other successively when they move forward. Up to 16 players (360) and 14 players (PS3) Two-player split-screen mode 13 maps for co-op and adversarial play Including three maps from R6 Vegas, revamped maps from R6 Raven Shield and all-new maps All-new co-op experience. Co-op story mode, Jump-in-jump-out mode and Co-op terrorist hunt. New adversarial modes: Demolition - Attackers plant an explosive device at one of two predetermined locations and protect the bomb until it explodes Team Leader - Teams must keep their leader alive while they escort him to the extraction point while preventing the enemy from extracting their own leader You must be 16 years of age or over to purchase this product 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, Platforms: Xbox 360, ESRB Rating: Teen

Photographic New Home Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Enjoy your beautiful new home Inside message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150mm x 150mm

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 & Spenser are so useful. Marks & Spencer Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & 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, 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.