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

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

Short Sleeve Plain Jersey Body, at Mark & Spencers
This plain scoop neck body is a casual style essential. Perfect for wearing under trousers or skirts for a contemporary look

Pure Cotton Cargo Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Casual and relaxed, these stylish pure cotton cargo trousers are so comfortable and easy to wear. An effortless contemporary look that's fashionable, practical and easycare

Limited Collection Tribal Hobo Bag, at Marks & Spencers
This bag will always look chic with its bead and tassel detail. Adds style to your look in an instant!

Limited Collection Floral Brazilian Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Fabulous and fun, these comfortable Brazilians are part of our Limited Collection lingerie. They're made from a soft stretchy fabric, and the scooped front and back give a shapely modern fit. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Wood Collection - Tapered Bin, at Marks and Spenser
Round design Box combing joints Wooden H30.5 x W26 x D26cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gathered Front Santoni Body, at Marks & Spensers
Look slimmer in seconds! This control body gently shapes your figure all over for a smoother, sleeker silhouette

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Mock Layer Cardigan, at M&S
Smart and stylish, this mock layer cardigan is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a waist tie feature

Per Una Rainbow Stripe Bikini Top, at Marks&Spencer
A colourful halterneck bikini top featuring a stripe print design

7 Pairs of Freshfeet Days of the Week Socks, at Marks&Spencer
The innovative Aegis Active Freshness system will keep these socks smelling fresh and odour free. It's permanently built into the sock to perform wash after wash. They're cotton rich for soft natural comfort and have a reinforced heel and toe for extra durability

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 2 Large Drawers, at Marks & Spenser
Single: W90 x L190cm Divan height: H41cm Sprung-edge divan - can be used with any mattress 2 x large drawers Drawer size: H14 x W78 x D52cm Choose either left or right-hand drawers Feet are castors Solid wooden frame All divans are manufactured in the UK All our mattresses and divans are anti-allergy, which means the provide effective protection against dust mite allergies, so you'll have a trouble free sleep 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

Pop Art Collar Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Ribbon fastening Chunky bead design Contrast inner square detail Length: 102cm

Autograph Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Plain Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Our Autograph suits are made from finer fabrics with superior attention to detail, giving you the ultimate in sharp, sophisticated style

Autograph Bone China Dinner Plate, at Marks & Spencers
Plain Diameter: 27cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Luxury Pure Cotton Flat Front Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on these trousers to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Per Una Assorted Charms Stretch Bracelet, at MarksandSpencer
Stretch style Mix bead design Assorted charms

4 Taper Candles, at Marks and Spencers
Pack of 4 Plain Up to 7 hours burning time, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Thomas & Friends© T-Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Fans of Thomas & Friends will love this cotton t-shirt featuring Thomas. A practical, easycare style

Blue Harbour Short Sleeve Tonal Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this tonal stripe shirt is made from a modal blend so it feels exceptionally comfortable to wear. Modal is a luxuriously soft fabric made from natural plant fibres

Magic Loc Collection Toilet Roll Holder, at Mark & Spensers
Free standing H15 x W11 x D4cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Can Strainer, at Marks and Spencer
Perforated feature Hanging hole Dimensions: L17cm x W11cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pairs of 60 Denier Opaque Tights, at Marks & Spencer
Complete with added stretch for shape retention and essential comfort. These simply outstanding tights are a terrific option for ensuring your legs look and feel their everyday best

DeLonghi Icona Toaster - Stainless Steel, at Marks n Spencer
Power 1.8kW 4 slice toaster Electronic controls: reheat, defrost, bagel and cancel 2 toasting slots operate independently All functions with neon indicator Hi-rise facility - extra 20mm lift for removing toast Variable browning controls Extra deep crumb tray Non-slip feet This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Large Travel Bag with Three Spot Print Vanity Cases, at Mark & Spencers
Set of 4 Clear large case with double handle Spot print design on smaller cases Zip fastening Assorted sizes Lined

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Ditsy Print Top, at Marks and Spencer
This fashionable ditsy print top is made from super soft fabric that looks and feels great. Modern styling details give it a cool contemporary edge

Autograph Pure Cotton Floral Print Top, at M&S
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

Girls' Limited Stripe Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Girls' Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Footglove™ Faux Crocodile Skin Loafers, at MarksandSpencer
Square toe Stitch detail Slip on Low wedge heel Faux crocodile skin design Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Star Letters Son 21st Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy 21st Birthday Son Inside message: Congratulations Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Signature Green Fig Pot Pourri Box, at M&S
Green fig scented Presented in a box, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Thomas & Friends© Pocket Library, at Marks & Spensers
Including 6 pocket size books, this mini library is an ideal gift for any fans of the Thomas & Friends

There are lots of ways to save money using M+S Money. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers 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.