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 & 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 Spenser, through its M&S Financial Services 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.

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

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Financial Services loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services insurance products (Buildings 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 & Spenser insurance products in document format too.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Mark & Spensers Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks and 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 Direct, you get more, and you pay less.

M&S Stick Blender, at Marks and Spenser
200 watt 2 speeds Stainless steel chopping blade Easy clean Dimensions: H34cm 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

Blue Harbour Ultimate Linen Roll Up Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
This Ultimate Linen shirt has a unique added performance that helps keep you cool, dry and fresh by drawing moisture away from the skin and reducing odour, while also helping your linen to stay smart throughout the day. It's also easy to iron, so looking your best is now easier than ever

3 Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Polo Shirts, at Marks&Spencer
This pack of easycare shirts is outstanding value. They're made from pure cotton, perfect if you prefer a natural fabric

Loretto - LORR F/STOOL S/P, at Mark & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Lace Thongs, at Mark's & Spencer
These comfy thongs merge a lace design with the shape retaining benefits of added stretch for a lasting and wonderfully flattering fit. Ideal for wearing under a host of skirt, dress and trouser styles

Faceted Bead Ribbon Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Faceted beads Ribbon necklace Tie fastening Necklace length 107cm

Black Floral Beautiful Day Birthday Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text: Have a beautiful birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Larson Chair, at Marks & Spensers
H90 x W67 x D87cm Seat H43cm, arm H64cm (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 fixed foam 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 with a medium 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 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stainless Steel Apple Corer, at Marks and Spencer
Hanging loop This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Château Desmirail 2005 - Case of 6, at M&S
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Autograph Lip Pencil, at Mark & Spencers
Soft textured twist-up lipliner with brush for defining and shading lips Hypo-allergenic

Portfolio Pure Linen Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

Pure Cotton Waffle Throw, at Marks and Spencer
Waffle design Tasselled Small: 100cm x 150 Large: 200cm x 180cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Big Brother Star Medal Card, at M&S
Cover text: I'm a BIG Brother!, For a special big Brother Inside message: Hello my new big Brother! I'm very glad you're here, A Brother to look up to, And grow with every year. Someone to keep me safe, And someone to play with too, Of all the Brothers in the world, I'm glad that I've got you! Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Top with Scarf, 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

Pure Cotton Sleeveless Embroidered Dress, at Marks & Spenser
Pretty and feminine, this sleeveless dress features an embroidered neckline and frilled hem. A flattering, stylish look

Supima® Jacquard Waist Full Briefs, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these full briefs are made with luxurious Supima cotton. Known as the world's finest cotton, it's renowned for its superior strength, enhanced durability and sumptuous feel

Purple Flower Luxury Wrap Pack, at M+S
1 x sheet wrapping paper 1 x length ribbon 1 x gift tag Approx Size: Wrap: 685 mm x 98 mm. Tag: 115 mm x 65 mm. Ribbon: 2m

Sonoma Dark Nest of Tables, at Marks&Spencer
2 part set H60 x W45 x D45cm (largest) Made from solid oak and oak veneer Solid oak end grain detail 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 Legs made from solid hardwood 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Flock Stripe Low Rise Shorts, at Mark & Spensers
Stunningly stylish, these flattering shorts feature a delicate pleated skirt design. The modern low leg styling gives a shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Autograph Raised Apron Stitch Slip-On Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Square toe Raised apron stitch Stitch detail Slip-on Block heel

Maximum Support Sheer Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Feel fabulous and comfortable in this elegant and supportive bra. It's lightweight yet shaped to give all-round uplift and support thanks to extra wide back straps and wide shoulder straps

M&S 900W Combi Microwave, Convection Oven & Grill, at Marks and Spencers
25-litre interior capacity 10 variable power levels, including defrost 900W microwave power output, 1200W grill, 2000W fan-assisted convection oven Heating category E (MAFF rating for cooking time) Stainless steel cavity with mirrored front Dimensions: H31 x W51 x D44cm 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 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

Heart Lined Moccasin Slippers, at Marks & Spensers
Relax in style and comfort in these soft, hardwearing moccasin slippers featuring heart print lining. Machine washable for added convenience

White Rattan 2-Tier Storage Unit, at Marks&Spencer
2 tier design Wooden stand 2 baskets with hand holes H56 x W34 x D39cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Silver Plated Clip On Earrings, at Mark & Spensers
Set of 4 Assorted designs Clip on style

44-Piece Autograph Chartwell Cutlery Canteen, at Marks & Spensers
Set of 44 - 6 cutlery place settings and 2 serving spoons In a presentation box 6 knives 6 forks 6 teaspoons 6 dessert knives 6 dessert forks 6 dessert spoons 6 soup spoons 2 serving spoons 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Lace Embroidered Bib Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Stylish and versatile, this v-neck lace and embroidered bib top is made from cool comfortable cotton

Autograph Luxury Cotton Rich Pintuck Shirt with Silk, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary stripe print

Stitch Detail Single Button Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and modern, this tailored single breasted jacket features contrast stitching. A smart and stylish choice

M&S Financial Services offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Financial Services Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with MarksandSpencer 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, or Tesco Direct:

• 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 Motor 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.