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 Spenser 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 & Spenser, through its Marks & Spencers 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 Property 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 Spenser Motor Insurance, Marks & Spencers Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencers Money Property 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 Marks & Spencers 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&Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both Marks & Spencers Money Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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.

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. Marks & Spencers 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Marks & Spencers Money Property 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 Marks & Spencers Money Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Lace Detail High Rise Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
These stylish lace detail shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

Floral Wife Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: For my wonderful Wife on our Anniversary Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 176 x 126mm

Petite Single Breasted 1 Button Jacket, at M+S
Fashionable and modern, this tailored single breasted jacket features angled pleat detail. A smart and stylish choice. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Pure Cotton Stripe Short Sleeve Pyjamas, at M & S
Soft and breathable, pure cotton pyjamas are the natural choice for a comfortable night's sleep

Autograph Long Sleeve Hairline Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
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

Enclos Des Pins Merlot 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Medium dry 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

Design-a-Dinosaur T-Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
For ages 3 to 6 years T-shirt Glow in the dark dinosaur print Assorted colour paints Brush Stencil, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cream Aluminium Collection Wok, at Mark & Spencers
Glass lid with handle Aluminium construction ensures pans are easy to use and durable Non-stick coating Riveted handles for safety and strength Suitable for use on all cookers and hobs except induction D30cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3D Felt Leaf Cushion, at Mark & Spensers
Square shape Leaf appliqu design L43 x W43cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Floral Foil Cousin Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Happy Birthday Cousin Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

Sensuale Eau De Toilette, at Marks and Spenser
Floral fragrance 25ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Monaco Collection - Chrome Table Lamp, at MarksandSpencer
Organza Shade Glass droplet detail Chrome Base Dimensions: H50 x Diam 25cm Bulb: 60W ES or 11W CFL, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of Cotton Blend Sports Socks, at Marks and Spencers
Designed to cushion high impact areas, these comfortable cotton blend socks are an ideal choice for sports or PE

Campo Buri, Rosso Veneto 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks n Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Carmenere, Oselata Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans 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

Embroidered Bouquet Wedding Card, at M & S
Cover text: Wedding Day Inside message: With love Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Floral Gift Card, at Marks and Spencer
Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Luxury Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Offering a timeless appeal, the soft twill finish of this pure cotton shirt provides easy to wear comfort, while the traditional cut makes it an essential part of any smart wardrobe

Machine Washable Twin Pleat Trousers with Wool, at Mark & Spensers
These trousers are a wardrobe staple. They are tailored from a wool blend fabric with elastane lycra for durability, good crease recovery and comfort in wear. What's more, you can machine wash and tumble-dry them - the ultimate convenience

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and relaxed, this crew neck t-shirt is made from pure cotton it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Baroque Jacquard Cushion, at Marks and Spencer
L43 x W43cm Baroque design Square shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hamilton Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencer
50% reduction on Dakota Leather Espresso applied 21 May - 1 June 2009. 30% reduction on all fabrics applied 9 April - 20 May 2009. Higher prices applied between at least 25 February - 8 April 2009. H95 x W220 x D99cm Seat H49cm, arm H66cm, top back rail H73cm (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 Solid birch feet All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - 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 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & Autograph F500 Latex Pillowtop Mattress - Medium, at M&S
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: 29cm Divan height: H41cm Large drawers: H14 x W78 x D52cm Highly responsive pocketed springs Mattress features deep pillowtop layer of Talalay latex and luxurious white fibre Mattress also features two further layers of cotton and resilient white fibre for additional support Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges Mattress spring count: 1225 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

Panelled Herringbone Knee Length Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this herringbone skirt makes a fashionable, flattering choice. A smart modern choice

Coloured Glass Collection - Leaf Cylinder Vase, at Mark's & Spencer
Hand made Mirrored design Leaf detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Maternity 2 Plain Full Length Leggings, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and modern, these plain leggings are designed to flatter you and your bump. Added stretch and a clever cut give a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. An essential fashion favourite

Autograph Pure Cotton Spot Print Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in smart styles and high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

2 Machine Washable Assorted Design Tie, at Mark & Spensers
No more trips to the drycleaners! These smart assorted design ties are machine washable

North Coast Pure Cotton Button Detail Funnel Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this button detail funnel neck jumper is made from pure cotton. It's designed to keep its shape and feel soft and comfortable to wear

Autograph Pure Cotton Hooded Zip Fastening Top, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this hooded top is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail makes it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Glamorous Black Dress Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Boutique Wonderful Daughter Inside message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 230 x 114mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Mark & Spencers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Property Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and Spenser do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the Marks & Spencers Money website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of Marks & Spencer Money products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or Marks & Spencers Money loans, credit cards or Property Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, Marks & Spencers Money can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of Marks & Spencers Money insurance products (Property Insurance, Motor Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks & Spencer insurance products in document format too.