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 Marks and Spencers, through its M+S 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 & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Besides Marks and Spencer Motor Insurance, M+S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M+S Money 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 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 M+S Money 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M+S Money. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M+S 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 M+S 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, you get more, and you pay less.

Tapestry Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Marks & Spencer
Square shape Corner tassels Size: 50cm x 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sophisticated Dress Mum Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: To a special Mum Inside message: With love on your Birthday Approx size: 178 mm x 125 mm

Autograph Long Sleeve Satin Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary satin stripe design

125 Years Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

2" Longer Autograph Pure Cotton Textured Stripe Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
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

Silver Numbers 30th Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Party 30 Happy birthday Inside message: With love Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Beer Glasses Dad Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Dad's birthday beers, trendy beer, traditional beer, pitcher of beer, smooth beer, favourite beer, expensive beer, beer at home, beer with friends Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Suede Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & Autograph M500 Mattress - Firm, at Marks and Spencer
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 28cm Divan height: H41cm Large drawers: H14 x W78 x D52cm Mattress is entirely handmade Individually pocketed springs Mattress features deep pillowtop layer containing high quality fillings of cashmere, silk and super-soft reflex foam Two further layers of cotton and polyester underneath the pillowtop layer Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges of the mattress Mattress spring count: 1225 Can be used with any mattress 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

Spot Mesh Multiway Padded Bra, at Marks n Spencer
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ + Fairtrade Flat Front Cotton Chinos, at Marks and Spenser
A lightweight style with a water repellent Stormwear™ finish to keep you dry. They're easy to iron and feature a hidden comfort waistband

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Stylishly smart casual, this long sleeve shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Firm Control Chevron Stripe High Waist Knickers, at M & S
These firm control knickers shape you where you need it most, flattening your tummy and nipping in your waist. The chevron stripe design gives a modern look

Per Una Short Sleeve Balinese Tunic, at Marks & Spenser
A colourful printed tunic with a front and back v-neck featuring waist tie and comes with a camisole

Limited Collection Pointed Boots, at MarksandSpencer
Knee high Stitch detail Plain design Heel height: 49mms Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Stormwear™ Pure Cotton Single Breasted Mac, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, the mid length single breasted mac is a wardrobe essential this season. This version in a water resistant easycare fabric features a modern large button detail

Autograph Flock Stripe Lace Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious and elegant, this underwired bra features flock stripe design. Gentle padding and underwiring give a flattering uplifted shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Square Check Wrap Mini Skirt, at M+S
Short and sweet, this mini skirt looks and feels luxurious. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Dualit Dome Kettle - Black, at Marks and Spencers
1.7 litre capacity High quality 18:8 grade stainless steel body 3000 watt rapid boil concealed element Cordless operation with axis rotary base and cord tidy Water level viewing window Boil dry safety feature Heatproof handle, knob and finger-guard Ergonomic handle for easy pouring Non-drip spout Dimensions: H25cm Laser cut stainless steel water filter 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

Blue Harbour Linen Short Sleeve Chambray Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this short sleeve shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

3 Non-Iron Long Sleeve Shirts, at Marks n Spencer
This pack of 3 shirts is great value. A practical and convenient choice, they're easycare and non-iron to save you time. Elasticated cuffs are a feature on shirts up to age 8 to make it easier for young children to dress

Big & Tall Single Pleat Plain Trousers with Wool, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend with stretch. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear

Anniversary Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap 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

Instant Fix 24 Cooling Eye Pads, at Marks and Spencer
Place a pad on each closed eyelid, lie back and relax for 1-15 minutes For extra soothing, store in a refrigerator before use Includes 24 cooling cucumber eye pads With aloe vera, cucumber extract and camomile

Pure Cotton Tonal Stripe Towel, at Marks & Spencer
Tonal stripe design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Wide Leg Tab Detail Trousers, at Mark & Spencers
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Wallace and Gromit Calendar, at M&S
Dimensions: 225 x 390mm and ™Aardman Animations Ltd. All rights reserved

Peppa's Space Trip & Teddy's Day Out Book, at Marks & Spencers
Join Peppa and friends as they take a trip all the way into outer space. This colourful and fun story book is sure to grab your kids' imagination

Woodspice Talc for Men, at Marks and Spencer
Woodspice fragrance 200g

Barrel Large High Ball Glass Tumbler, at Marks and Spencer
Barrel shape High ball Dishwasher safe, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Triple Layer Cappuccino Cake, at Marks & Spencer
14 pre-cut slices Serves 14 Ready to eat 1.9kg Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 52 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

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