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

Besides Marks & Spencers Motor Insurance, Marks & Spencer Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencer Money Household 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 Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both Marks & Spencer Money Premier Household Insurance and Standard Household 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.

Autograph Silk Rich Pleated Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Elegant and feminine these flattering shorts are made from a luxurious silk rich fabric. The modern low leg styling gives a shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Pure Merino Wool Roll Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and stylish, this roll neck jumper is made from fine merino wool for luxurious warmth and softness

Suede Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers, at M+S
Double (4ft 6): W135 x L190cm King size (5ft): L150 x W200cm Super king size (6ft): L180 x W200cm Divan height: H41cm Sprung-edge divan - Can be used with any mattress Solid wooden frame Large drawers: H14 x W78 x D52cm Feet are castors Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Patent Mid Heel Elastic Panel Shoe Boots, at Marks and Spenser
Pointed toe Stitch detail Gusset feature Slip on Mid heel Heel height: 42mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half size

3 Authentic Woven Pure Cotton Boxers, at Marks and Spenser
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy boxers are ideal for everyday wear

Pure Cotton Thermal V-Neck Vest, at Marks and Spencer
Keep cosy in this soft thermal V-neck vest made from breathable cotton for improved comfort. Warm without being bulky, it makes the perfect extra layer for cold weather

Opaque Lace Trim Footless Tights, at Mark & Spensers
Fashionable and comfortable, these stretchy footless tights feature lace trim

Seville Antique Brass Tumbler, at Mark's & Spencer
Wall mounted, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Satin Spot Print Shirt with Belt, at M & S
This fab short sleeve shirt features a stunning spot and empire line design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - Case of 12, at M&S
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 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 Loretto Left-Hand Chaise, at Marks & Spenser
All-weather synthetic rattan Silver-effect rattan Quick drying foam seat pad made from 100% polyester H62 x W200 x D97.5cm Seat H30.5cm Suitable for indoor or outdoor use This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pearl Clam Vanity Purse, at Marks and Spencer
Pearl Calm design Bead puller Two inner zip sections Detachable mirror

Autograph Cotton Rich Denim Belted Mac, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in smart styles and high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Pastel Simi Cat Multipack of Mini Cards, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Design 1 - Just for you Design 2 - Hello! Design 3 - Thank you! Design 4 - with love xxx Inside message: blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Playmobil Dogs & Puppies Toy, at Marks&Spencer
Suitable for 4+ years Features 2 dogs, 3 pups, 1 child figure, kennel and accessories! This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Malbec Dark Brown Bonded Leather & Chrome Dining Chairs, at Marks and Spencer
H86 x W48 x D51cm Seat: H49cm Sold as pair Bonded leather seat Chrome effect legs Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Photographic New Home Card, at Marks and Spencers
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

Villa Maria Seddon Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006, Marlborough - Case of 6, at M&S
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Stelvin Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol Alcohol units per bottle 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product

125 Years Luxury Wool Rich Flat Front Trousers with Cashmere, at Marks & Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Fabulous vintage style inspired by our archives

Cashmilon™ Bardot Neck Jumper, at Mark & Spensers
Casual and modern, this long sleeve jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features a Bardot neckline

Autograph Sweet Avalanche+ Roses - Two Dozen, at Marks and Spencer
These extra-long stemmed, large-headed roses come in a selection of glorious shades. All of the rose bouquets are hand-tied and beautifully wrapped in frosted Autograph™ cellophane and black ribbon Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Catseye Goblet Necklace, at Mark & Spensers
Chain Cateye Pendant Necklace length: 53cm

National Parks Of Britain by Role Smith, at Marks & Spencers
Fascinating and wonderful. Every lover of the British countryside should have this book

Stain Defence™ Tab Detail Fashion Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this fashionable skirt is treated with Stain Defence™ technology which helps repel everyday stains. The adjustable waist gives a perfectly comfortable fit for longer

De Saint Gall Rosé Brut - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

High School Musical 2 - Disney Singalong CD, at Marks and Spencers
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Drop-Waist Pleated Skirt, at Marks&Spencer
Scoring top marks for its drop waist and smart pleats, this easycare skirt is outstanding value. An elasticated waist gives a comfortable fit

5 Pairs of Everyday Essential Plain Socks, at Marks & Spenser
Comfortable and durable, these cotton rich socks are outstanding value. They feature a reinforced toe and stretch fabric for an improved fit

Collezione Wool Rich Flat Front Plain Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit 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 this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Trace & Learn Wipe Clean Kids 123 Book, at Marks & Spensers
A wipe-clean pack that provides practice in handwriting. It provides numbers and letters for children to trace over, with red dots showing the starting point in each case. It also features assorted pictures to trace and complete

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is M & S Standard Motor Insurance. With Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer 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 n 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 Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.