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 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 & Spencer 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 Property 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 Mark's & Spencer are so useful. Marks & Spencer Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & Spencer 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Marks & Spencer Money Property 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 Marks & Spencer Money Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Besides Marks and Spencers Motor Insurance, Marks & Spencer Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencer Money Property 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 & Spencer 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 & Spencer Money Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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.

Satin Spot Print Shirt with Belt, at Marks & Spencers
This fab short sleeve shirt features a stunning spot and empire line design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Mirrored Floor Cabinet & Sink Unit, Sink & Tap Set, at Mark & Spensers
H88 x W40 x D36cm Sink Unit: H89 x W60 x D43cm Floor cabinet comes with 1 shelf All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item 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

Autograph Knot Cushion, at M & S
Rectangular shape Embroidered mink knot design Lined Dimension: L30 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Rescuers DVD, at Marks & Spencer
Rating Universal, suitable for all,

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

Thin Frame Tinted Reading Glasses, at Marks & Spencer
Marks and Spencer reading glasses have optical quality magnifying lenses to aid close work and reading

Plain Black Flexilite Umbrella, at Marks and Spenser
Lightweight and easy to carry, this slimline umbrella provides you with effective protection from those sudden downpours

Isis Deodorising Body Spray, at Marks and Spenser
To Use: Shake well. Spray 15 cm from your body Deodorising body spray 150ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Tonal Floral Shorts, at Mark & Spensers
These pretty floral print shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

Lace Wing Multiway Push Up Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Flattering and comfortable, this push-up bra is designed to give a fuller uplifted shape and enhanced cleavage. It's perfect under tricky summer clothes as it can be worn in 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder

7 Pair of Freshfeet Stripe Sole Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks & Spenser
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

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 1 Small + 1 Large Drawers & F400 Coolmax® Pocket Memory Foam Mattress, at M&S
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Small drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Individually pocketed springs Mattress features a layer of resilient foam and memory foam, and also polyester fibre Mattress has foam layers to encourage air circulation Two rows of hand side-stitching give edge-to-edge support on the mattress Quality Belgian fabric for added durability Coolmax stretch knit cover helps regulate body temperature and adds a soft feel to the mattress Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body once warmed by body heat providing high levels of support Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Mini Check Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this long sleeve shirt is made from cool comfortable cotton and features mini check design

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Embellished Jersey Top, at Marks n Spencer
A beautiful jersey top, featuring a sequin and suedette ribbon neckline embellishment

Auto Photoframes - SP TWIG 8X10, at Marks & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Geometric Print Sarong, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and pretty, this sarong with a geometric print gives a fabulous fashionable look. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Bon Voyage T-Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Cute and fun, the Bon Voyage motif and slogan makes this t-shirt extra special. It's made from soft cotton fabric and feels comfy to wear. The popper fastening makes it easier to dress him

44-Piece Autograph Chartwell Cutlery Canteen, at Mark & Spensers
Set of 44 - 6 cutlery place settings and 2 serving spoons In a presentation box 6 knives 6 forks 6 teaspoons 6 dessert knives 6 dessert forks 6 dessert spoons 6 soup spoons 2 serving spoons 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Roll Up Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks&Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these roll up pyjamas are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Knitted Double Breasted Military Wrap, at Marks&Spencer
Keep warm without compromising on style! This fashionable double breasted military wrap feels soft and cosy and makes a great way to add an extra layer

Autograph Pure Silk Paisley Print Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Autograph's Luxe Tradition trend. Luxurious and contemporary with a sense of British heritage, this trend features a soft colour palette, modern prints and beautiful fabrics. A sophisticated look for the new season

Casino Royale Blu-ray DVD, at Marks and Spencer
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton T-Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and relaxed, this plain t-shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Pirque Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 15% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 11.3 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Lace Non-Padded Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and delicate, this stylish bra features stretch lace fabric and a floral lace trim. It's underwired and structured for great support and an enhanced natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Bright Prints Range Set of 3 Pens Circles, at Marks and Spencers
Set of 3 13.5cm x 0.1cm

Per Una Hatty Twist Panel Jersey Dress with Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
A gorgeous panel dress in soft stretch fabric featuring a front twist detail and detachable necklace

Laser Cut Heart Mum & Dad Anniversary Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover text: Happy Anniversary Mum & Dad Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 215 x 150mm

Glass Boxed Mirror Photo Frame 20 x 25cm (8 x 10''), at Marks & Spenser
Plain glass boxed mirror photoframe Aperture: 20 x 25cm (8 x 10'') H39 x W34cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wedding Planner File, at Marks & Spencer
Wedding dress printed cover Ribbon tie Pack contains: 1 planner with various page inserts Approx size: H218 x W165 x D35mm

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Marks and Spencers Standard Motor Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

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