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 & 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 Mark & Spensers, through its Marks & Spencers Money 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.

Marks & Spencers Money offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately Marks & Spencers Money Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor 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's & Spencer 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, or Tesco:

• 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 Motor 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 Marks & Spencers Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Besides Mark's & Spencer Motor Insurance, Marks & Spencers Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both Marks & Spencers Money 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.

Autograph Scratchy Spot Low Rise Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Sophisticated and feminine, these flattering shorts feature a scratchy spot design. The modern low rise styling gives a flattering shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Autograph Leather Weave High Heel Sandals, at Marks and Spencers
Open toe Cross over design Weave detail Elasticated ankle strap Backless High heel Heel height: 9cm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Made with Insolia technology, an exclusive innovation that makes high heels more comfortable to wear and better for your body's alignment and balance. They work by taking the weight off your toes, so there's less pressure and more stability. Your legs, back and feet stay more comfy all day

Autograph Silk Rich Pleated Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine, these flattering shorts are made from luxurious stretch silk. The modern low leg styling gives a shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Collezione Italian Pure Silk Kennedy Stripe Tie, at M&S
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

Per Una Wool Blend Single Breasted 3 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable single breasted jacket in soft wool blend fabric featuring three button fastening

Machine Washable & Tumble Dry Single Breasted 2 Button Plain Navy Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Put an end to trips to the dry cleaner with our Machine Washable range. Each suit's stylish cut and fit is combined with the convenience of its high quality fabric that can be machine washed and tumble dried

Autograph Essentials Wool Rich Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious and contemporary, these smartly tailored wool rich wide leg trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph range

Autoritas Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry, crisp and fresh Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Vriesenhof Kallista 2003 - Case of 6, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Medium Bodied Grape variety: 35% Cabernet Franc, 34% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 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

Nokia 2630 - Vodafone Pay as you talk Mobile Phone, at Marks & Spencers
A maximum of 2 phones per customer may be purchased Talk Time: Up to 6 hours Stand-by Time: Up to 320 hours Screen: 128 x 160, TFT with up to 65,536 colors Ringtones: Pre-installed MP3 and 24-voice polyphonic MIDI ringtones Camera: 4x zoom Battery: Nokia battery BL-4B, 700mAH Dimensions: L10.4 x W4.5 x D0.9cm Weight: 66g (with battery) Memory 11 MB user available memory Vodafone Pay as you talk: Your mobile service provider will be Vodafone. A Vodafone SIM card is included with this handset. Click here to view Vodafone's Pay as you talk tariffs. Click Click here here for information on Vodafone's Pay as you talk price plans and tariffs Radio: FM radio with One Touch shortcut access key Video: Video recorder with dedicated button Applications and games: Native email, converter, calculator, world clock, download, Nokia FM radio Email Access your work and private email on the move Messaging: SMS and MMS Included in the box: Nokia Travel Charger AC-3, Nokia stereo headset HS-47 and Nokia 230 handset 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

Autograph Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Twill Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail makes it a superior and stylish modern classic

First Readers The Gingerbread Man, at Marks and Spenser
First readers help beginner readers to enjoy their favourite fairy tales. Sharing the main story and the delightful pictures with your child will develop familiarity with the words and phrases. Your child will soon be ready to read the short, simple sentences on each right-hand page. A gingerbread man eludes the hungry grasp of everyone until he meets a clever fox.

Wool Blend Double Breasted Coat, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and practical, this double breasted coat is fully lined and features front flap pockets. A comfortable, easycare style

Collections - LOTUS FL FILLED, at Marks and Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

All Reds - Case of 12, at M & S
2 La Tentation de Richelieu 2005: A powerful Bordeaux red which offers a wonderful combination of traditional flavours with ripe fruit concentration... 2 Chianti Riserva 2004: With its subtle, engaging flavours of sour cherry, dark chocolate and baked herbs, this is classic Chianti made in a highly approachable style... 4 Turn the Table Shiraz 2007: A deliciously juicy, fresh style of South African Shiraz that sets a new quality standard for affordable Cape reds... 4 El Tidon Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: A fresh and deliciously fruity red blend from the sunny vineyards of Castilla La Mancha in central Spain... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

125 Years Stormwear™ Pure Cotton Trench Coat, at Marks&Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection. These exclusive garments have been inspired by some of the beautiful pieces in our archive and reference the iconic decades of the 20th century. Retro styling has been given a contemporary twist for the modern day

White Ceramic Collection Toilet Brush, at Marks and Spencers
Plain H39 x Diam 10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Claret Christian Moueix 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spenser
Grape variety: 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc Country of origin: France Closure: Natural Cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Woven Silk Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart stripe tie in pure silk

M&S 1.5m Gold-Plated HDMI Cable, at Marks & Spencer
1.5 meter cable Conects HDMI to HDMI Gold-plated 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 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

Nan Ribbon Basket Card, at Mark & Spensers
A beautiful and hand-finished design complete with woven ribbon, wire heart and sequinned flowers Cover reads: Nan x Inside message reads: Especially for you on your birthday Approx size: 125mm x 175mm

7 Pairs of Fresh Feet Days of the Week Socks, at M&S
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

Ingredients Coconut Body Polish, at Marks & Spenser
Exfoliating scrub Coconut scented 200ml

Traidcraft Embroidered Mum Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover Text: Mum Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 138 x 138mm

V-Neck Plain Knitted Jumper, at MarksandSpencer
Soft and comfy, this v-neck plain jumper is outstanding value. A fashionable easycare style

Long Sleeve Butterfly Beaded Top, at Marks & Spencers
A butterfly beaded design adds a pretty touch to this top.

Linen Blend Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Chic and modern, this long sleeve shirt is made from a cool crisp linen blend and features a stripe print

Autograph Mock Crocodile Padlock Jewellery Box, at Marks & Spencers
Carry handle Padlock Mock crocodile effect Internal mirror Various sized compartments 3 drawers 23 x 17.5 x 14cm

Artificial Orchid in Round Mirror Vase, at Marks and Spencer
Round vase Mirrored design with clear centre Artificial orchid stem H36 x Diam 30cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Detroit Extending Dining Table & 6 Alton Damask Chairs Set, at Marks and Spencers
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

Marks & Spencers Money 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, Marks & Spencers Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.