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 & 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&Spencer, through its M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Mark & Spencers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Financial Services you can keep the cost of your Car 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 Car Insurance cover from M&S Financial Services, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and 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 Car Insurance from M&S Money Direct, you get more, and you pay less.

Pure Linen Flat Cap, at Marks and Spencer
A traditional British classic, this is a versatile style that looks great worn smart or casual

25 Lotus Flower Room Scenters, at Mark & Spencers
Pack of 25 Lotus flower scent, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Lightweight Brush Stroke Scarf, at Marks and Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant brush stroke print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Detroit Triple Wardrobe & 2 Bedside Chests Set, at Mark's & Spencer
3 piece set Triple Wardrobe: H195 x W129 x D59cm Bedside Chest: H64 x W46 x D40cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Solid oak doors Shelves made with oak veneer Side panels made with oak veneer Top panels 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

Big & Tall Wool Rich Single Breasted Puptooth Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this wool rich jacket is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

2 Classic Stripe Underwired Bras, at Marks & Spencers
Soft and comfortable, this pack of 2 stripe bras is great value. They're designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

Autograph Pure Cotton Oxford Pinpoint Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

3 Melamine Utensils, at Marks & Spencer
3 piece set Includes spoon, slotted spoon and turner Size: L30 x W7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bubble Base Decanter, at Marks & Spencer
Bubble base design Hand made glass with heavy base Height: 25.5cm Capacity: 750ml (75cl), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Short Sleeve Crew Neck Vest, at Marks & Spencers
Ideal for layering, lounging or sleeping in, these comfortable, easy to care for vests are an essential part of any modern man's wardrobe

Reggiano Rosso Single Estate 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spensers
Style: Light bodied Grape variety: Lambrusco Country of origin: Italy Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Teddy Car Son Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text reads: To a very special son Inside message: On your very special birthday x Approx size: 175 x 127mm

5 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Dog Embroidered Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Stock up on stylish essentials with this pack of 5 pairs of embroidered dog design socks

First Readers Sleeping Beauty Sticker Book, at Marks and Spencer
First Reader sticker books are a fun way to help develop your child's early reading skills. With over 60 stickers, they provide interactive learning fun, promoting word prediction & joining in. The sticker books support the First Readers story books

3 Cotton Rich Short Sleeve Polo Shirts, at Marks and Spenser
This pack of 3 easycare polo shirts is outstanding value. They're made from a soft cotton rich mix, ideal for everyday wear

Airflex™ Leather Saddle Moccasin Shoes, at Marks & Spenser
These shoes are specially designed with the Airflex™ sole system using the latest technology to provide your feet with utmost comfort, support and grip

5 Pure Cotton Assorted Monster Bodysuits, at Marks & Spencers
Cute and practical, this pack of 5 bodysuits is great value. Popper fastenings and envelope necklines makes quick changes easy and the soft cotton fabric will keep him feeling comfy and happy

Limited Collection Bond Bowler Bag, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and fabulous, this bowler handbag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's strong and practical as well as a trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Perfect Sleeveless Belted Seam Dress, at Mark's & Spencer
Power dressing for the Noughties...this seam detail jacket and belted dress will have you feeling razor sharp

Autograph Pure Cashmere Stripe Hooded Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and snuggly, this practical pure cashmere hooded cardigan will keep her feeling warm and comfortable. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Heritage Collection - Wall Light, at M & S
Candle effect shades Twisted stem Wall fitting 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Mock Wrap Front Tunic, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable short fril sleeve tunic featuring embroidered floral design, finished with a front mock wrap and lace trim

Collezione Luxury Leather Messenger Bag, at Mark's & Spencer
Whether you're heading off to school, work or simply the beach, keep your essential items within easy reach with the functional, stylish design of this great day bag

Adored Comfort All Over Lace High Leg Knickers, at M+S
Soft and pretty, these lace trimmed knickers are made from a soft stretchy blend of modal and cotton

Philips QG3190 Grooming Kit, at Marks & Spencers
9 attachments for unlimited style options Storage stand Full size trimmer blade Mini shaver 9 position hair clipper comb 9 position beard and moustache comb Nose and ear trimmer Precision trimmer Fine detailing blade 4 position eyebrow comb Rechargeable cordless operation Maintenance free - No oil needed

Elephant & Cat Multipack of 8 Cards, at Marks&Spencer
Cover Text: All designs - blank Inside Message: All designs - blank for your own message Pack Contains: 8 cards, 3 designs Approx. Size (folded): 95 x 80 mm Approx. Size (unfolded): 200 x 80 mm

Shark Jelly Sandals, at Marks and Spenser
Contrast buckle fastening Shark motif Flat sole

Autograph Exclusive Rainbow Stripe Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spenser
Luxurious and exclusive, these glamorous bikini bottoms are beautifully designed in a flattering, fashionable silhouette for the ultimate in style. They're made from soft, comfortable fabric and finished with careful attention to detail

Big And Tall Suedette Rib Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this single breasted jacket is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

Collezione Leather Monk Shoes, at Marks&Spencer
Luxurious and contemporary, these leather monk shoes are part of Collezione, inspired by Italian style. Their superior design, quality and hand finishing make them a sophisticated and fashionable choice

Marks and Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Home Insurance or Car Insurance, but Marks and Spencer 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 Financial Services 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 Financial Services loans, credit cards or Home Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services insurance products (Home 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 & Spencers insurance products in document format too.