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 Mark & Spensers 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 Direct 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 Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct 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 and Spencers 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 Tescos:

• 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 Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks&Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spenser, 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 Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Luxury Wool Rich Flat Front Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Hours of handcrafting have gone into this superior quality suit for authentic tailored style. Every detail has been carefully considered to give a luxurious look and feel

Ultimate Pure Wool 3 Button Stripe Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
This high performance suit is made to work as hard as you do. It's extra durable and added stretch keeps it in great shape while giving you enhanced comfort and ease of movement

Firm Control Lace Knickers, at Marks and Spencers
Look slimmer in seconds! These firm control knickers gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

3 Pure Cotton Assorted Briefs, at Marks & Spensers
Offering superior comfort at a great value price, these classic briefs are a fantastic choice for everyday wear thanks to fuss-free easycare cotton

Snake Band Halterneck Bikini Top, at Marks n Spencer
Modern and stylish, this flattering bikini is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Pure Cotton Broad Brim Summer Hat, at Marks & Spencers
Express your stylish side with this wide brim hat

Belkin Stereo Link Cable, at Marks and Spencer
2m length cable Colour-coded to ensure easy identification and proper connection High-quality copper for consistent signal between components Braid-and-foil shield to reduce electromagnetic/radio frequency interference Aluminum undermold shield for optimum signal integrity This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

Pure Cotton Embroidered Scalloped Trim Vest, at Marks & Spenser
A wonderfully delicate scalloped trim adorns the top of this soft cotton cami whilst a sweet bow adds a pretty girly touch

Non-Iron Long Sleeve Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart and innovative, this easycare shirt has a special finish on the fabric and is cleverly constructed to make it non-iron. A great time saver, ideal for work wear

Philips 57'' FL7404 Full HD LCD TV, at Marks and Spenser
HD Ready 1080p: High Definition Multimedia Interface™ (HDMI) connections make your TV a multimedia centrepiece. Connect HD digital devices like disc players, game consoles, Digital Camcoder and satellite dish components into the rear connection for displaying an HD source on an HDTV Display: 57 inch LCD TV Contrast Ratios: Dynamic contrast 80,000:1 Integrated Digital and Cable Tuner Aerial Input- 75 ohm coaxial (IEC75) , Video Playback- NTSC, SECAM, PAL , DVB- DVB-T MPEG4*, DVB-C MPEG4* Tuner bands-Hyperband, S-Channel, UHF, VHF Dimensions: W126 x H77 x D12cm (without stand) , W126 x H82 x D31cm (with stand) Weight: 28kg (without stand), 32kg (with stand) Connections: 4 x HDMI , PC connectivity, USB, EasyLink (HDMI-CEC)- One touch play, Remote control pass-through, System audio control, System standby HD Natural Motion: Philips invented HD Natural Motion to eliminate juddering effects that are visible with movie-based picture content 2 x 10 W with Incredible Surround: An invisible sound system that blends perfectly with the design of the cabinet Picture enhancement: Pixel precise HD, 3/2 - 2/2 motion pull down, 3D Combfilter, Active Control + Light sensor, Digital Noise Reduction, Dynamic contrast enhancement, Luminance Transient Improver, Progressive Scan, 2D/3D noise reduction, 100 Hz LCD, HD Natural Motion Playback Formats: MP3, LPCM, JPEG Still pictures, MPEG1, MPEG2, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC Video formats: 480i, 60 Hz, 480p, 60 Hz, 576i, 50 Hz, 576p, 50 Hz, 720p, 50, 60 Hz, 1080i, 50, 60 Hz, 1080p, 24, 25, 30, 50, 60 Hz Computer formats: 640 x 480, 60 Hz, 800 x 600, 60 Hz, 1024 x 768, 60 Hz, 1280 x 1024, 60 Hz, 1360 x 768, 60 Hz, 1600 x 1200, 60 Hz, 1920 x 1080, 60 Hz Sound: 2 x 10 W (Incredible Surround, Treble and Bass Control, Nicam Stereo ) Power: 220 - 240 V, 50 Hz This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Terrace Mugs, at Marks and Spenser
H11cm Set of 4 Pure white porcelain Suitable for everyday use, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pair Of 40 Denier Opaque Tights, at M&S
These comfortable 40 denier opaque tights are made with added stretch and a reinforced toe for durability

Multi Stripe Halterneck Bikini Top, at Marks & Spencers
Pretty and feminine, this multi stripe bikini top is outstanding value. Style and quality at a great price

Girls' Limited Belted Combat Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
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

Autograph Large Studio Humbug Bottle Vase, at Marks and Spencers
Narrow neck Swirl stripe design Broad base, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Woven Silk Battersea Stripe Pattern Tie with Stain Defence™, at Marks and Spencers
This woven silk tie has been treated with our stain defence™ technology giving inbuilt resistance to everyday spills, this repellence benefit is maintained after dry cleaning

Red Wine, Chocolate & Rose Basket, at Marks & Spencer
The perfect basket of treats for a loved one! Includes a giftwrapped cream rose plant, a bottle of French red wine and a box of tempting chocolates Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Autograph Leather Stud Pumps, at Marks & Spenser
Round toe Stud toe feature Slip on Heel height: 15mm

Cotton Rich Velour Bootleg Joggers, at Marks and Spencers
Flattering and practical, these comfy joggers are made from soft velour. An easycare essential with a stylish look.

Fenton Armchair, at Marks and Spencer
H90 x W96 x D103cm Seat H51cm, arm H60cm, top back rail H76cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Back cushions made from polyester fibre 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 hardwood feet with dark finish 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 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dora The Explorer Adventure Sticker Book, at Marks and Spenser
Join Dora on her journey into Fairytale Land to help find a princess to wake up Boots from his deep, deep sleep. Follow the story and get involved with 40 re-usable stickers inside

Autograph Weekend Wool Blend Scoop Neck Top, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Diamanté Detail Hello Kitty Watch, at Mark & Spensers
Buckle fastening Round face Diamant detail 'Hello Kitty' motif Analogue 1976-2009 SANRIO CO LTD

Autograph Pure Cotton 3 Piece Cardigan Outfit, 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

Coat Stand Mannequin Jewellery Holder, at Marks and Spencers
Mannequin design Multiple hooks

Lightweight Check Design Tassel Scarf, at Mark's & Spencer
This sophisticated check design scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The tassel edges add a stylish finishing touch

3/4 Sleeve Square Neck Button Top, at Mark's & Spencer
This square neck top is a casual style essential. Perfect for mixing and matching with trousers or skirts

Toy Torch, at Marks & Spencer
Plastic Wide handle Bulb and LED lights Battery operated Suitable for ages 3-6 years H21 x L25 x W12cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Heart Print Cardigan, at Marks and Spenser
Soft and comfy, this long sleeve cardigan is made from soft cotton and features a heart print design. A pretty easycare style

Autograph Bone China Cereal Bowl, at Marks & Spenser
Plain Diameter: 23cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mark & Spencers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Car Insurance, but Marks & Spensers 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 M&S Money Direct website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Finance products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

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

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Money Direct insurance products (Buildings Insurance, Car 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 & Spensers insurance products in document format too.