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 M&S 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 & Spenser, 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money Direct website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S House 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 and 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 Direct in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Money Direct website.

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 Mark & Spensers 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.

Corkscrew, at M&S
Rubber grips This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Firm Control Cotton Rich Thigh Slimmer, at MarksandSpencer
Look slimmer in seconds! These clever slimmers gently shape tums, thighs and bums for a smooth, sleek silhouette

Vinalta Malbec 2008 - Case of 12, at M&S
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Malbec Country of origin: Argentina 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

2 Pairs of Light Control Tights, at MarksandSpencer
Flatter those legs with the light support of these terrific tights. Their comfortable fabric is strong enough to wear over and over again. These tights have a factor 6 support level. Support tights have been clinically proven to keep your legs feeling energised, younger and healthier. Circulation is improved, ankle swelling is reduced and legs feel less tired so they're ideal for travelling

7 Pairs of Freshfeet Cotton Rich Socks with Silver Technology, at Mark's & Spencer
Our odour control Freshfeet socks are now better than ever with a new Sanitised Silver finish. Known for its natural antibacterial properties, silver helps reduce the presence of bacteria that causes smelly odours, so your feet stay fresh with every step and it keeps working for the lifetime of the socks

Lace Embroidered Push Up Multiway Bra, at M+S
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Bunny Pyjamas, at M & S
Cute and comfy, this pack of 2 pure cotton pyjamas features a bunny motif and floral print

Embroidered Short Sleeve Kaftan, at M+S
Fresh and feminine, this flattering kaftan is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Brushed Metal Bling Wall Clock, at Marks & Spencer
Round face Standard numerals Brushed metal, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Essentials Pure Silk Animal Print Shift Dress, at Mark & Spencers
Feminine and elegant, this shift dress is beautifully designed and detailed with animal print. An exclusive, luxurious look from Autograph

Cotton Rich Funnel Neck Large Button Jumper, at Mark & Spensers
Contemporary and casual, this funnel neck jumper is made from comfortable breathable cotton rich fabric. Wonderfully warm and cosy

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

Bridal Party Outfits Wedding Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Wedding day Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 178 x 126 mm

Nectarine & Orange Filled Candle, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

White Pearl Damask Large Wedding Photograph Album, at Marks & Spensers
Pack contains: 1 album, 500 glue dots, Gift box, 700Mb CD-R Approx size: Album: H290 x W290 x D45mm, Box: H295 x W295 x D55mm

Christening Letters Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: On your Christening day xx Inside message: With lots of love This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 215mm

De Saint Gall Champagne Premier Cru Brut - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay 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

Blue Harbour North Coast Pure Cotton Bomber Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Casual and contemporary, this long sleeve jacket makes a fashionable and practical choice

Younger Boys' Lizard Sunglasses, at M & S
Fashionable and fab, these lizard sunglasses give 100% UV protection for safer style in the sun

Autograph Weekend Boyfriend Cardigan with Wool, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

DD-G Lace Overlay Padded Bra, at Marks & Spenser
Soft and comfortable, this lace bra is ideal for everyday wear. Underwiring and padding give an uplifted and enhanced natural shape

Older Girls Cotton Rich Spot First Bra & Shorts Set, at Mark's & Spencer
A pretty matching set in cotton rich fabric. The spot print bra is designed for a supportive and comfortable fit. Non-wired designs are the best choice for first bras

Cable Knit Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Marks and Spencer
Square shape Cable knit L50 x W50cm Lined, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Short Sleeve Nehru Collar Blouse, at Marks&Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Chintz Tea Party Hand Finished Multipack of Cards, at Marks & Spenser
Pack contains: 6 cards, 2 designs Cover text: Both designs blank Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 200 x 80 mm

Linen Blend Short Sleeve Pleated Bib Top, at M & S
This short sleeve top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features pretty pleated bib design for a stylish casual look

Gold Finish Wood Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at Marks and Spencer
Rectangle shape Pine wood border Gold finish Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7") Dimensions: H19.1 x W24.2 x D2.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Faux Pearl Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style Faux pearl detail Bow design

Ultimate Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Plain Jacket, at M&S
This high performance suit is made to work as hard as you do. It's extra durable and added stretch keeps it in great shape while giving you enhanced comfort and ease of movement

Maternity 3/4 Sleeve Wrap Jersey Dress, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and modern, this 3/4 sleeve wrap dress is designed to flatter you and your bump. Added stretch and a clever cut give a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. Enjoy your pregnancy in style!

M&S Money Direct 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 Car 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; Car Insurance and House 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 House 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 Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.