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

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Finance. Not least of these is Mark & Spensers Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Finance 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 M&S Finance, 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 Finance, you get more, and you pay less.

Ultimate Bond Collector's Edition DVD Box Set, at Marks and Spencers
Rating Suitable for 15 years and over,

Autograph Pure New Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket by Timothy Everest, at Marks & Spensers
This luxurious Pure New Wool suit is part of an exclusive collection by Timothy Everest, one of London's leading tailors. This sought-after collection features the impeccable quality, styling and attention to detail of his signature work

Pure Cotton Straight Leg Boxer Jeans with Keyring, at MarksandSpencer
Jeans are a wardrobe essential and this straight leg pair make a fashionable and practical choice

Blue Harbour Pure Lambswool V-Neck Stripe Jumper, at Marks & Spenser
An extremely comfortable jumper. It's made from extrafine lambswool which is spun for the softest feel. Conveniently, it can be machine washed and tumble dried and it resists bobbling

Older Girls' Widefit Permair™ Leather Flower Bar School Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Floral detail Riptape fastening strap Flat sole Scuff resistant Permair™ micro porous coating makes the shoes scuff- and water-resistant and easy to clean, while allowing feet to breathe

Per Una 3 Piece 3/4 Sleeve Botanical Bolero Set, at Marks and Spencers
A modern 3/4 length sleeve 3 piece set featuring a floral printed top, plain inner camisole with lace trim and a tie front bolero

Non-Iron Short Sleeve Plain Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Style, convenience and quality, you can have it all with this smart non-iron shirt, providing you with a hassle-free start to your work day

Limited Collection Long Sleeve Waterfall Collar Check Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this tailored check jacket features a waterfall collar. A smart and stylish choice

Kitchen Island & Granite Top Set, at Marks and Spencer
H90.5 x W100 x D80cm 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

Sonoma Office Desk & Desk Tidy Set, at Marks&Spencer
*Save 25% when you buy this set. Individually 648. Save 162. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer Tidy: 2 drawers and fixed glass shelf Tidy: H16 x W106 x D22.5cm Desk: 1 large pull out drawer with fold down front, ideal for a keyboard Desk: H77 x W131 x D65cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Top, at Marks and Spencer
This 3/4 sleeve top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a pretty floral print design for a stylish casual look

Classic Collection Ruffle Front Crinkle Blouse, at Mark & Spencers
Feminine and pretty, 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

Per Una Speziale Tartan Coat, at Marks and Spencer
A fabulous knee-length coat in a soft wool blend. Buckle fastening details give it the Per Una touch

Frilled Spot Print Crook Umbrella, at Marks & Spencer
Brighten up rainy days with this colourful lightweight umbrella

Per Una Short Sleeve Top with Silk, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable short sleeved top in luxurious silk mix fabric featuring a tie neck design

Pure Chronos CD Clock Radio, at M&S
Frequency ranges: Band III 174-240 MHz, FM 87.5-108 MHz CD Player: CD-R and CD-RW playback. Support for CD Text and 20 track audio CD playlist. Multiple playback modes (repeat, shuffle, etc). MP3/WMA playback, including support for ID3 tags Speakers: Two 3" x 1.5" custom-wound oval drive units Input connectors: 9V DC power adaptor socket (230V supplied). 3.5mm Line-in for auxiliary devices Output connectors: 3.5mm stereo output for headphones Controls: Power on/standby, sleep, source, tune/select, menu, alarm, info, presets, volume, play/pause, stop, fast forward, rewind and snooze Remote: Infrared remote control LCD display: LCD display with 16 x 2 characters, plus additional function icons (volume, time, alarms, signalstrength, source selected, repeat and shuffle) and large clock. Features adjustable backlight (active and standby mode) with auto-dimmer Mains power supply: 230V AC to 9V DC external power adapter Aerial: Wire aerial attached Alarm: Four independent alarm settings, with wake to tone, DAB, FM or CD options Light sensor: Adjusts the display brightness to suit the ambient light in your room MP3/WMA: Play MP3 or WMA files from CD or CD-R/RW. Supports ID3 tags Text scan: textSCAN™ - pause and control scrolling text RDS: RDS support for station name display on FM and RDS scrolling text Dimensions: H12.5 x W19.5 x D18.5cm 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

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Tile Print Dress with Wool, at Marks & Spenser
A pretty 3/4 sleeve dress featuring a tile print and back tie feature

Indian Summer Leaf Embroidered Cushion, at Marks and Spencers
L50 x W50cm Square Leaf embroidered design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ultimate Non Iron Pure Cotton Classic Bengal Shirt, at Mark & Spensers
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Perfect Double Button Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Wide leg trousers work with boots or heels for a feminine, flattering silhouette. Button detailing gives this pair extra style

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Scallop Trim Camisole Vests, at Marks & Spencer
Stock up on stylish essentials with this 5 pack of cotton camisole vests featuring scallop trim details

Photographic Puppy Aunty Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Aunty... Hope you have a relaxing birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

Boxed Mirror Photo Frame H29 x W24cm (4 x 6''), at M+S
Boxed mirror glass design H29 x W24 x D3cm Aperature: 10 x 15cm (4x6'') 1.3kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Watercolour Floral Print Bikini Top, at Marks & Spencers
Stylish and elegant, this fashionable bikini top features a striking floral print. A fabulous fashionable look

Sapporo Side Table, at Marks & Spencer
H45 x W45 x D45cm Made from solid bamboo and bamboo veneer Finished with a matt lacquer that provides the pieces with extra protection and durability Legs made from solid wood All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings 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

Silver Text on Red Our Ruby Wedding Anniversary Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: On our Ruby Wedding, Forty wonderful years together... Inside message: ...may our love story never end Approx. size: 220 mm x 220 mm

Silver Plated Double Link Pendant Necklace, at M & S
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Double link pendant Necklace length 41cm, extendable by 8cm

Panasonic DMR - EX79 DVD Recorder with 250GB HDD, at Marks n Spencer
250GB capacity for a max recording of 330 hours onto the Hard Disk Drive Integrated Digital and Analogue Tuner VIERA link Jukebox with Gracenote 1080p Up-Conversion and adaptive HD Enhancer Auto Preset Down Load Connect a DIGA DVD recorder to your VIERA TV via an HDMI cable Navi Link Search To record a programme from the TV listings Intelligent Auto Standby USB & SD Card slots Dimensions: W43 x H5.9 x D28.6cm

50 Golf Tees In A Pouch, at Marks & Spencer
50 golf tees in a drawstring bag. Complete with karabiner clip, the pouch can be attached to any golf bag for convenience of use during a round

Barton 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spencers
H90 x W158 x D90cm Seat H51cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion 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 Includes 2 matching fibre scatter cushions Feet are castors with antique-brass effect 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 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Also, on both M&S Finance 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.