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 & Spensers, through its M&S Finance 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.

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencer online store for your summer outfit, or looking for furniture to give your home a makeover, then spend a moment to also consider products from M&S Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spencers than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Finance. With images of volcano ash still fresh in many traveller's minds, it's good to remember there were many travellers who ended up wishing they had spent just a few pounds extra to obtain travel insurance for their trip. Of course, unfortunately, after the event is too late!

In fact, had you purchased travel insurance from M&S Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance website would have seen a message stating that although claims relating to volcanic eruptions are not normally covered by travel insurance, that on this particular occasion, they would "allow claims from UK customers affected by the volcanic ash that has recently grounded flights."

M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 Marks and Spencers 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:

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

Autograph Pure Cashmere V-Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spenser
This luxurious v-neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for ultimate softness and comfort. Innovative construction helps it to be machine washable. Part of our exclusive Autograph collection

2" Longer Autograph Pure Cotton Multi Stripe Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
Keeping the taller man specifically in mind, this smart shirt features an extra 2" of fabric in the sleeve and body to provide a perfect formal fit

Bride & Groom Embrace Wedding Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Blank Inside message: Wishing you happiness, laughter and love Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Ben 10 Activity Book, at Mark & Spensers
Ben Tennyson is just an average 10-year-old until he discovers an alien watch that gives him the power to transform into 10 alien superheroes! Test your knowledge about Ben 10 and his heroic cosmic alter egos in this scratch and show activity book. Rub a coin over the panels to reveal hidden clues, pictures, characters and answers.

Chocolate Pirate Ship Cake, at M&S
Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days 50 portions Chocolate cake 16 x 37cm 2.6kg Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores As featured on page 63 in the food to order brochure Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Chocolate and sponge cakes can be eaten up to 5 days after collection

2 Piece Pure Cotton Owl Dungaree Outfit, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this cute 2 piece dungaree outfit features an owl motif and assorted buttons detail. It's made from soft cotton to keep her comfortable and happy.

Woodland Interactive Snail, at Marks & Spencer
Contains a small oval plastic mirror under the flap on the shell A pocket on the reverse of the shell which contains 3 coloured, embroidered leaves which can be removed from the pocket Two softened plastic teethers attached to the tail of the snail by a satin ribbon loop Includes a blue and green butterfly attached via a cord to the top of the shell. When pulled, the cord will extend to a maximum length of 115mm before being automatically retracted into a mechanism in the top of the shell. This mechanism vibrates Double lined for safety Suitable from birth Approximate overall dimensions W325 H230 D120mm This product conforms to EN71 toy safety regulation, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hepworth Bookcase, at Marks and Spencer
H167 x W80 x D44cm 2 fixed toughened-glass shelves Cupboard with 1 adjustable shelf Brass detailing Made from European Birch solids and veneers Treated with a rich stain and aged with dark patina known as a 'housemaid's rub' Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Door frames made with solid European Birch. Door panels are veneered Solid European Birch legs Side panels, door panels and back panels are veneered. Top panel is veneered with solid birch edging for strength 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

Single Breasted Water Repellent Mac, at M & S
Practical and fashionable, this single breasted mac is outstanding value! It features a button cuff detail

Stainless Steel Zester, at Marks n Spencer
Hanging loop Stainless steel design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Big and Strong Dad Birthday Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover text: You can't grow up to be big and strong without a brilliant Dad Inside message: Happy birthday Approx. size: 150 x 150mm

Pure Cotton Quick Iron Long Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and innovative, this pure cotton check easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

Lavender Scented Spheres, at Marks and Spencer
Lavender fragrance Assorted decorative fragranced spheres, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Single Pleat Straight Leg Trousers with Wool, at Marks & Spencer
No more trips to the drycleaners! These smart, fashionable trousers can be machine washed and tumble dried

Self Stripe Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. A look that's always in style

Autograph Pure Cotton Shirt and Stripe Tie Set, at Mark & Spencers
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

Autograph Double Buckle Mid Heel Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Double buckle feature Zebra print Mid heel Lined

Portfolio Marrakesh Chunky Bead & Stone Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Stretch bracelet Chunky beads Oval stone and jewel design

Tapestry Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Marks & Spencer
Square shape Corner tassels Size: 50cm x 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Diamanté Flowers Large Gift Bag, at Marks & Spenser
1 gift bag Approx size: H350 x W350 x D100mm Flower print design

Essential Suit Carrier, at Marks n Spencer
An essential bag for the business traveller, this practical space-saving carrier will keep your suits looking smart

Formula HydraSkin Therapy Aqua Boosting Mask, at Marks & Spensers
Instantly moisturizes Revitalizes and energizes Restores suppleness and radiance Hypoallergenic Suitable for all skin types 75ml

PlayStation® 2 Ben 10: Protector Of Earth, at Marks and Spencer
Take control of the Omnitrix and play as 5 different alien heroes from the show, including Four Arms, Heatblast, Cannonbolt, Wildvine and XLR8 Collect experience points to upgrade your characters and unlock over 80 combo moves Venture to 14 different levels and unlock 4 challenge locations Challenge your friends in battle mode or play together in 2-player co-op mode Unlock additional content including character skins, show clips and never-before-seen concept art 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe 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, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Patent Belt, at Marks and Spenser
The glossy finish and metallic flecks add a touch of irresistible glamour. Our Perfect products are the ultimate must-haves

2 Pure Cotton Jersey Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these cotton pyjama bottoms can be worn with a number of our pyjama tops and t-shirts to create your own style

Pure Cotton Woven Check Design Vest Top, at Marks & Spencer
It's the beautifully detailed embroidery that makes this sleeveless woven vest top irresistibly stylish

Beaded Heart Pendant Necklace, at Mark & Spencers
Heart pendant Clasp fastening Adjustable length Necklace length: 41cm

Apple iPod Shuffle 4GB, at Marks and Spencer
Smallest iPod shuffle ever 4GB of storage (up to 1,000 songs) Easy access controls VoiceOver - tells you song titles, artists, and playlist titles through your headphones Durable, anodised aluminium case with stainless steel clip Playback time: Up to 10 hours when fully charged Built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery Skip-free playback Dimensions: H45.2 x W17.5 x D7.8mm Weight: 10.7 grams For Mac and Windows. Requires Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional (service pack 3 or later) or Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later In the box: iPod shuffle, earphones, USB cable TM and 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved 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

Stainless Steel Milk Pan, at Mark & Spencers
0.9 litre capacity Dishwasher safe Stainless steel riveted handles Non-stick, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mitchelton Crescent Mourvèdre Shiraz Grenache 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Mourvdre, Shiraz, Grenache Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Shopping for financial products at M&S Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Finance website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Property Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from Marks & Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Finance in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Finance website.