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 Mark & 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 & 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 Car 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.

Marks and Spenser may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Car Insurance, but Mark & Spencers 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 Direct 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, 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 Marks n Spencer insurance products in document format too.

M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 Marks & Spencer 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, Sainsbury's, 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 Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Cherry Mobile Phone Charm Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: A special birthday treat! Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Large Tear Drop Gemstone Photo Frame, at Marks and Spencer
Round shape Multifaceted faux gemstones Tear-drop gem design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of Cotton Rich Week Days Trainer Liner Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Comfy and practical, these soft cotton rich socks are designed to hide neatly inside trainers

Limited Collection Swirl Design High Heel Shoes, at M & S
Round toe Buckle fastening Heel height: 90mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Portfolio Bow Wedge Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Heel height: 50mm Almond toe Flat bow feature Slip-on Wedge heel Faux snake print Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Ribbon Detail Corsage Hat, at M&S
Keep ahead of the trends with this contemporary ribbon detail corsage sunhat, an essential look for style in the sun

Boy Washing Line with Teddy New Baby Card, at M&S
Cover text: Baby boy Congratulations Inside message: With love Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Boys' Adventures Duo Multipack of Cards, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Design 1: Happy Birthday, Design 2: blank Inside message: blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 138 x 138mm

Pure Silk Geometric Swirl Lightweight Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk geometric swirl print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

M&S 50 Laminator Pouches, at Marks and Spencer
Pack of 50 A4 size Clear laminator pouch quality ensures true to original colour reproduction Can be used for photo documents 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

Round Wall Clock, at Marks and Spencer
Round face Standard numerals H26 x D26 x W4cm Weight: 0.5kg 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Leather Three Button Pumps, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Button detail Slip on Flat sole Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Mixed Bead Multi Layer Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Adjustable length Clasp fastening Mixed chunky beads Multi layer

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Future Hunk Top, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and modern, this long sleeve t-shirt in soft cotton features a fun slogan and motif. A practical easycare style

Headboard - King Size (5ft), at Marks and Spencer
H77cm (without struts) x W163cm (all dimensions are approximate) Upholstered in your choice of fabrics or leathers Designed to fit most standard divans Mattress and divan sold separately Detailed care instructions are included 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 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 samples: 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

Elegant Collection - Table Lamp, at Marks and Spencers
Conical shade Shaped neck Round base H57 x Diam 35cm Bulb: 60W GLS 11W CFL This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Washable Single Pleat Plain Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Put an end to tiresome trips to the dry cleaners. Our range of machine washable and tumble dry suits combine the best in convenience and contemporary style

Handcrafted Black Dots Mother's Day Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: For a wonderful Mum Inside message: With lots of love Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Outdoor Rose Square Basket, at Marks and Spenser
Planted in an attractive, white-washed woven basket, these roses make a great garden decoration Available for delivery until 30th September 2009

Linen Blend 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Cardigan, at Mark's & Spencer
Contemporary and casual, this 3/4 sleeve cardigan is made with cool comfortable linen and features crochet detail for a fashionable look

Per Una Cap Sleeve Stripe Top, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable mandarian collar top. Curved neckline gives it Per Una touch

Detroit Extending Dining Table & 6 Alton Damask Chairs Set, at Marks and Spencer
7 piece set Table: H75 x W90 x L160cm (extends to L205cm) Chair: H99 x W46 x D55cm Table seats 6-8 Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Table top panel made from oak veneer with a solid oak edging for strength 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

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Simple Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this long sleeve stripe shirt is made from pure cotton

M&S 8 in 1 Accessories Pack for Nintendo™ Wii™, at Marks & Spencer
8 accessories compatible with Nintendo™ Wii™ Includes accessories for Wii™ tennis, Wii™ baseball, Wii™ golf and Wii™ Mario cart Also includes 2 padlock straps, protector cover and controller grip for Wii™ control panel Please note- this product is not made or endorsed by Nintendo™ 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

Mirror Blocks Photo Frame 7.5 x 7.5cm (3 x 3"), at Mark & Spensers
Square shape Mirror blocks design Aperture: 7.5 x 7.5cm (3 x 3"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Millionaire's Shortbread Dessert, at Marks and Spencers
Serves 6-8 Ready to eat Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Comes in a table-presentable bowl 750g total weight As featured on page 49 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Pure Cotton Active Woven Trousers, at M&S
As worn by GB Olympic pentathletes. Comfy and practical, these quick drying elasticated joggers are great for active workouts

Shell Bloom Necklace, at M & S
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Fabric strap Shell flower with turquoise gemstone centre Necklace lengths: 41cm, extendable by 5cm

Blast From The Past Card Game, at Marks & Spencer
Number of players: 2+ teams, minimum 4+ players Suitable for ages 8+ Pack contains: 120 cards (5 decades), score pad, pencil, sand timer and instructions Approx. card size: 58 X 88mm 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

Sparkle Jacquard Tassel Scarf, at M&S
This sophisticated lightweight scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The sparkle detail adds a stylish finishing touch

Besides Marks n Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Buildings 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 Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings 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.