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 M&S 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 MarksandSpencer, 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 House 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 Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark & Spencers 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, House Insurance policies. Usually, UK House 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 Money House 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 Money House 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 Money. Not least of these is Marks n 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&Spencer, 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.

Petite Corduroy Bootleg Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Flattering and feminine, bootcuts make legs look longer and are kind to curves. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Easy Desserts, at Marks and Spencer
There are summits to climb, depths to dive, cultures to experience, creatures to meet and desserts that you've only seen in dreams until now. So set your sights on these easy desserts and make the dream a reality

When We're Together Book, at MarksandSpencer
Being together is fireside cuddles, it's magical stories we share, it's hearing the rain pitter-pat on the windows, squish-squashed in our favourite chair. The hare family know that being together is about sharing special moments with family and friends. From lively adventure to quiet cuddles, these shared experiences bring pleasure and joy to all

Bright Letters Godson Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover Text: To the greatest Godson Inside Message: Happy birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Pure Cotton Belted Denim Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Jeans are a wardrobe essential and this straight leg pair make a fashionable and practical choice

Cotton Blend Short Sleeve Shirt, at Mark & Spensers
This fashionable top is made from soft fabric that looks and feels great. Modern styling details give it a cool contemporary edge

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

Sonoma Dark Triple Wardrobe & Bedside Chest Set, at Marks and Spencer
3 piece set Wardrobe: H200 x W130 x D65cm 1 hanging rail and 1 shelf behind double doors 1 hanging rail and 4 shelves behind single door 3 drawers Chests: H60 x W45 x D45cm Elongated wooden handles Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid hardwood. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Handles made from solid wood Legs made from solid hardwood Door frames made from solid wood. Door panels made from White Oak veneer 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 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

Perfect Canoe Boat Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Lace up Lace stitch design

First Reader Gingerbread Man Book, at Marks & Spencer
This popular story is part of the First Readers range. The Gingerbread man has runaway and can't be caught - or can he?

Per Una Linen Blend Frill Detail Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable long sleeve cardigan in cool linen blend fabric. Front frill detail gives it the Per Una touch

Pure Cotton Candy Stripe Bedset, at Marks & Spencers
Textured stripe design Single set includes duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Vulcanised Lace Up Trainers, at Marks&Spencer
Round toe Lace up Stitch detail Flat sole

Portfolio Pure Cotton Denim Belted Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
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

Black Floral 40th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Happy 40th Birthday Inside message: With love on your special day Approx. size: 150 x 150mm

Ruby Pasta Bowl - Red, at Marks & Spencer
Plain centre Stripe edge Shallow dish Diam 24cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sprung-Edge Divan on Legs & M400 Mattress - Firm, at Marks & Spencers
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190 cm 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: 24cm Divan height: 31cm Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give the mattress edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel Mattress spring count: 1054 Sprung-edge divan 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

Pure Cotton Morocco Print Mock Layer Vest Top, at Marks & Spencers
A mock layer design makes this soft cotton vest top fabulously fashionable

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Fluffy Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable 3/4 sleeve fluffy cardigan in textured fabric featuring a mixed style button fastening

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Frill Neck Jersey Top, at Marks & Spencers
A stylish 3/4 sleeve jersey top in textured fabric featuring frill neck detail

Per Una Pear Buckle Belt, at Marks & Spencer
A bold buckle makes this fashionable belt even more special. Add a stylish finishing touch from Per Una

Beaded Capri Twist Necklace, at Mark & Spencers
Clasp fastening Chunky bead design Necklace length 45cm, extendable by 8cm

Gold Label Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

3 Authentic Woven Pure Cotton Boxers, at Marks and Spencers
Add colour to your underwear drawer with these comfy assorted check and stripe design boxers

Front Pleat Non-Iron Pinafore with Stormwear™, at Mark's & Spencer
This traditional pinafore offers quality at an outstanding value price. It's treated with our unique Stormwear™ finish, making it resistant to water and stains. Non-iron fabric saves you time

Pure Cotton V-Neck Pyajama Top, at Marks and Spencers
Pretty and feminine, this v-neck pyajama top is made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Long Sleeve Open Front Longline Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this cardigan features an open front. A contemporary look that will take you through the season in style

Long Sleeve Hooded Fleece, at Mark & Spensers
Comfy and cosy, this hooded fleece feels soft and warm and is great value. A practical, easycare style

Extra-Large Handkerchief Vase, at Marks & Spencers
Handkerchief style rim Clear glass Height approx 40cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Meursault 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

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 House 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 House 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.