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 & Spensers, through its M&S Finance 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.

M&S Finance 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 Buildings 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 Buildings 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 Finance Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

MarksandSpencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and Spenser 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 Finance 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 Finance loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 M & S insurance products in document format too.

Detachable Bra Straps, at Marks & Spencers
These clear bra straps can be attached to your multiway bras

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Pleated Bow Top, at Marks and Spencers
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features smart pleated bow design for a stylish casual look

Insect Repellent Formula Wipes, at Marks and Spencer
Deet free Repels mosquitoes and other biting insects Formulated with children in mind Dermatologically tested

Silver Plated Tiny Floral Sparkle Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
Butterfly fastening Diamant detail Floral design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Abbey Corner Chaise - Right-Hand, at Marks and Spenser
H95 x W291 x D106cm Chaise length L164cm, seat H54cm (all dimensions are approximate) Right-hand chaise - Chaise is on right side when viewed from the front of the sofa Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 with a dark finish 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Official ECB Pure Cotton Jersey Shorts, at M&S
Young cricket fans can show their support in these official shorts, featuring contrast trims and the England Cricket logo. A comfortable, easycare style in stretchy cotton jersey

Hearts on a String Stripy Husband Anniversary Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: With Love, To my wonderful Husband Inside message: Love from This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 125mm

Younger Girls' Hello Kitty Wellie Boots, at M&S
Wellie style Round toe Hello Kitty motif Cloud, sun and droplet print Handle detail Lined 1976-2009 SANRIO CO. LTD

Bold Butterfly Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencers
Bold, dark and oversized, these stunning shades make a fabulous way of wearing this seasons hot trend for classic glamour

DeLonghi Espresso Icona ECO310W Coffee Maker, at Marks & Spencers
High performance 15 bar pump pressure Stylish pearl white high gloss finish Traditional stainless steel cappuccino milk frother Professional 2 in 1 filter holder suitable for ground coffee or ESE pods Includes free illy pods Built in tamper and incorporated crema device for prefect crema Removable 1 litre water tank Built to accommodate either 2 full sized cappuccino cups or 2 espresso cups Stainless steel removal drip tray Separate coffee and steam boiler for faster use and optimum temperature control Adjustable steam emission Cup warmer Easy to use - 3 button operation Measuring spoon Dimensions: H38 x W29 x D34cm Boxed-product Weight: 6 Kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Straight Leg Centre Crease Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Simple and stylish, straight leg trousers are a modern classic. They are cut to skim the hips and thighs, giving a sleek flattering shape that's always in style

Autograph Bow Ballet Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Front bow Flat sole Comes in sizes 3-8

2 Piece Pure Cotton Stripe Polo Neck Outfit, at Mark's & Spencer
Fun and practical, this cute 2-piece outfit features a "4" motif. It's made from soft cotton to keep him comfy

Seasonal Tree Die Cut Calendar, at Marks and Spencer
Approx. size: 225 x 390mm

Plus Plain Full Slip, at Mark & Spensers
A fashion essential you can't do without! This slip enhances the look of dresses and stops them clinging or becoming see-through under light. All our slips are cling resistant and come in a number of lengths. Sizes 24-28 are exclusively available to our online customers

Hanging Bag & Cosmetic Purse Set, at Marks & Spencer
2 piece set Hanging bag with multi compartments Cosmetic purse with zip fastening Plain

Pure Cotton Check Shirt and Jeans Outfit, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this 2-piece outfit gives a well dressed look and feels comfortable to wear

Patent Leather Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable patent leather belt

Print Your Own Wedding Stationery: Cream Floral and Polka Dot Menu/Order of Service, at M&S
Contains: 10 x order of the day/service or menu cards, 12 x folded insert sheets, 10 decorative ties, 1 x instruction leaflet It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Follow the easy steps on the CD-ROM to create your personalised invitations. Print the insert sheets 2. Use the glue dots to secure the inserts inside the cards 3. Glue on the ribbon and tie in a bow to secure N.B. The CD-ROM is not included in the pack and is available separately Spend 10 on 'print your own' stationery and receive the CD-ROM FREE Please note: As this stationery is not intended for use as invitations, envelopes are not supplied in this pack Approx size: 218 x 154mm

Per Una Rosie Spot Jersey Dress, at Marks & Spencers
A stunning spot print dress in soft stretch fabric featuring a stylish tie waist design

Collezione Luxury Pure Cotton Flat Front Trousers, at Marks & 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

Pinstripe Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Pindot Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Fabulous and modern, these shorts are part of our Limited Collection lingerie. Theyre made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

2 Pairs of Fishnet Tights, at Marks & Spencer
Add some stylish flair to that chic skirt or dress and shape, lift and define your figure with this great value 2 pack of fishnet tights. A reinforced toe, comfortable sole and added stretch provide long lasting comfort and durability.

Casa Leona Rosé 2008- Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: Chile Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Stormwear™ Hooded Drawstring Packaway Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
A contemporary design makes this jacket a fashionable choice

Edwardian Lady Hand Finished Multipack of Cards, at Marks & Spencers
Cover Text: Design 1: Just to say Cover Text: Design 2: Especially for you Both designs: blank for your own message Pack Contains: 6 cards, 2 designs Approx. Size: 200mm x 80mm

Long Sleeve Cowl Neck Fleece Top, at M&S
Want style and comfort? This cowl neck fleece top looks fashionable and will keep you feeling warm, cosy and snug.

Formula HydraSkin Therapy Aqua Boosting Mask, at Marks and Spencer
Instantly moisturizes Revitalizes and energizes Restores suppleness and radiance Hypoallergenic Suitable for all skin types 75ml

Straight Leg Stitched Jeans, at M&S
Smark and stylish, these tailored trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. A practical and fashionable look for casual or smart occasions

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 & Spencers are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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, 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 Finance 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 Finance Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.