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 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks & 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 & 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 M&S Finance, you get more, and you pay less.

Besides MarksandSpencer Car Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services Buildings & Contents 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 Marks&Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents 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 Floral Embroidered Cardigan, at Marks & 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

Cotton Rich Mock Layer Jumper, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and flattering, this mock layer jumper is made with comfortable breathable cotton. A smart modern look

Wedding Concertina File, at Mark & Spensers
Contains: 1 concertina file Approx size: H300 x W330 x D75mm

Older Boy's Trecker Open Toe Sandals, at Marks and Spencers
Open-toe Slip on Double buckle riptape fastening Flat sole

Animal Print Marl Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These animal print tights have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

Petite Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at M&S
Smart and stylish, this single breasted jacket is tailored to fit and flatter. A great choice for work

Pure Cotton Crochet Trim Vest Top, at Mark & Spencers
A crochet trim design makes this soft cotton vest top fabulously fashionable

Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Thomas & Friends© Hooded Poncho, at Marks and Spenser
Fans of Thomas & Friends can dress like their favourite superhero in this fun hooded costume

Autograph Pure Silk Diagonal Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Charlotte Armchair, at MarksandSpencer
H94 x W93 x D96cm Seat H50cm, arm H63cm, top back rail H77cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Castors on feet to protect your flooring 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 Detailed care instructions are included 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 service: 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

Big & Tall Flat Front Trousers with Wool, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Autograph Digital Display Watch, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and contemporary, this digital watch features a large time display with day indicator, fashionable and practical must-have

Ditsy Floral Print Bedset, at Marks and Spencer
Ditsy floral print Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

1001 Things To Spot In Fairyland Activity Book, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and stimulting, this puzzle will keep them entertained and help develop hand-eye coordination

Dan's Mouse Boyfriend Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: To my Boyfriend xxx Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 175 x 126mm

Diamond Pointelle Vest, at Marks n Spencer
Ideal for the colder months, this pretty vest will provide an attractive extra layer under clothes. Easy care fabric makes it a great choice for convenient wash and wear

Sweetie Stretch Bracelet, at M+S
Stretch style Multi bead design

Flitter Text Wedding Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text: Wedding Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Maternity Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, at Mark's & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this 3/4 sleeve blouse is designed to flatter you and your bump. A drawstring waist gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. An essential fashion favourite

Fitou Bin 70 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Carignan, Grenache Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 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

Charlotte Large 2-Seater Occasional Sofa Bed, at Marks & Spenser
H94 x W184 x D96cm (extends to L242cm) Seat H50cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Feet are castors Mattress: L180 x W112 x D6cm Foam mattress rests on polypropylene base Mattress recommended for occasional use Sofa Bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg 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 Detailed care instructions are included Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

8GB Apple iPod nano - Latest Generation, at Marks n Spencer
Holds up to 2,000 songs, 8 hours of video, 7,000 photos, or some of each Genius feature finds the songs in your library that go great together and makes a Genius playlist for you Shake iPod nano to shuffle your music Cover Flow - turn it on its side to flip through album art Watch movies, TV shows, and video Curved, anodized aluminum and curved glass design 2-inch (diagonal) color LCD display with LED backlight. 320 by 240 pixels at 204 ppi Tilt, move, and play accelerometer-inspired games (games available separately) Dimensions: H9 x W3.9 x D0.6cm Weight: 36.8g Built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery capable of up to 24 hours of audio playback and up to 4 hours of video playback Spoken menus allow listeners to hear many of the names of menus, song titles, and artists without viewing the screen A high-resolution LCD display with adjustable contrast and backlight settings makes it easier to read in low light For Mac and Windows. Requires Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional or Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later In the box: iPod Nano, Earphones, USB cable, dock adapter TM and 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved 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

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Animal Print Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fabulous, this cotton rich bra is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion.

Per Una Floral Print Sequin Shoulder Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Sequin embellishment makes this fashionable bag even more special. Give your look the Per Una twist!

Château Richelieu 2004 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Franc Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. 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

Curve Table Lamp with Marble Base, at Marks & Spenser
Chrome plated Bubble design shade Long curved arm Marble base Dimensions: H56 x Diam 28cm Bulb: 40W SES or 11W CFL, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Multi Stripe 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

Adjustable Braces, at Mark's & Spencer
Add a smart finishing touch with these stylish adjustable braces

Beauty Care Nose Pore Stripes, at Mark & Spencers
Instantly cleans clogged pores and helps remove blackheads Larger size for a better fit

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Ruffle Front Top, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable 3/4 sleeve stripe top featuring ruffled neckline

M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.