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&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.

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 & Spensers are so useful. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make MarksandSpencer 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Financial Services Home 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 Financial Services Home 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 Financial Services. Not least of these is Mark's & Spencer 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 Mark & Spencers, 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 Marks & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Pure Cotton Stripe Double Oven Mitts, at Marks & Spenser
Double mitten Ribbed Storage loop Stripe design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Florentyna Eau De Toilette 30ml, at Marks and Spencer
Eau de toilette perfume 30ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Chrome Shower Squegee, at Marks & Spencer
Chrome plated Hook storage for squeegee Wide replaceable squeegee blade Dimensions: H28 x W20cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Plated Diamanté Knot Stud Earrings, at Marks & Spensers
Butterfly stud fastening Diamant detail Knot design

Autograph Diagonal Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Schug Carneros Chardonnay 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: USA Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 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

Chrome Collection Toilet Roll Holder, at Marks&Spencer
Wall mounted Classic design H8.5 x W16 x D6cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Older Girls' Stripe and Heart Print Nightdresses, at Marks & Spensers
Cute and comfy, these stripe and heart print nightdresses are outstanding value

Power Rangers Jungle Storm Activity Pad, at Marks & Spencer
Join forces with the awesome Power Rangers and complete the mega-cool activities inside this book. Have a great time cracking codes, finding your way through mazes and colouring in all of your favourite Power Rangers. Get ready to join in the fight to save the world from evil!

Single Pleat Trousers with Wool, at Marks & Spencers
Cut from a wool blend fabric with elastane lycra for durability, good crease recovery and comfort, these smart trousers provide the utmost in everyday convenience thanks to a machine washable design

3 Pure Cotton Lace Trim Knickers, at Mark's & Spencer
Knitted in breathable pure cotton, these comfy briefs are given a pretty finishing touch with lace trimming. Offering great value for money, the easycare fabric makes them an ideal choice for everyday wear

Limited Collection Knotted Strand Necklace, at Marks & Spencers
Mixed beads Multi strand design Knoted detail

Platinum Plated Diamanté Sparkle Band Ring, at M+S
Add instant sparkling style with this gorgeous platinum plated band ring, set with dazzling diamant

Autograph Compact Diamanté Mirror, at Marks & Spenser
Round compact design Diamant detail Catch clasp opening Includes 3x magnifying mirror Dimensions: H11 x W10 x L1.5cm

Silver Plated Amazing Abalone Tri-Stand Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Tri-strand design Abalone nugget Assorted multifaceted beads

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Empire Line Knitted Top, at M & S
An elegant 3/4 sleeve knitted top featuring button detail, the empire line makes it extra stylish.

Animal Print Tankini Top, at Marks and Spenser
Feminine and pretty, this flattering tankini is designed in the latest shape. Make a splash!

Pure Linen Short Sleeve Embroidered Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
This short sleeved shirt will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features pretty floral embroidered details for a stylish casual look

Compton Glazed Unit, at Marks and Spenser
H190 x W118 x D53cm 3 adjustable shelves Toughened glass doors Made from White Oak solids and veneers Hand distressed, with the distressing aged with dark patina Mid-brown stained finish, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side panels, door panels, back panels made from oak veneer Top panels made from oak veneer with a solid oak edging for strength Solid hardwood legs Solid hardwood doors 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 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

Uva Mira Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium Dry Grape variety: 52% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 15% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 11.3 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 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 Dip Dye A-Line Skirt, at M & S
A colourful A-line skirt in a soft cotton blend featuring dip dye design

Younger Boys' Wrap Around Sunglasses, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fab, these wrap around sunglasses give 100% UV protection for safer style in the sun

Pure Cotton Denim Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
Practical and fashionable, these relaxed denim shorts make a great choice for warmer weather

Pure Cotton Lightning McQueen T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
A must for Disney's Cars fans, this crew neck t-shirt in soft cotton features a fun motif of the poplular character Lightning McQueen. Practical, easycare fashion

Autograph Cotton Rich Hooded Jumper with Cashmere, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

The Ultimate Push-Up Bra, at M+S
Get the ultimate cleavage with this push-up bra. Removeable gel pads give a fuller uplifted shape

Matt Shine Metal Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), at Marks & Spencer
Matt shine effect Rectangular frame Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Cotton Blend Assorted Lace High Leg Knickers, at Marks and Spencers
These briefs are perfect for everyday wear and this multipack makes a great way to stock up your underwear drawer

Patch Kitten Rug, at Marks and Spencer
Kitten design W50 x L84cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Weekend Cotton Rich Check Shirt with Silk, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Besides Marks & Spensers Car Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services Home 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 Financial Services 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 Mark's & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier Home Insurance and Standard Home 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.