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 M+S, 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 Household Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Besides Marks & Spencer Motor Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Household 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 Finance 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 Finance Premier Household Insurance and Standard Household 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.

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

5 Pairs of Sparkle Bow Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Ideal for school, these soft cotton rich socks make a comfortable, practical choice

Long Sleeve Funnel Neck Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Designed with active wear in mind, this relaxed top is ideal for wearing over a vest or t-shirt for extra warmth

Inclusion Vanilla Candle, at Marks & Spencers
Chunky design Twig detail Vanilla scented Shallow dish holder Burns up to 80 hours H15 x diam 10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Embroidered Balcony Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this bra is beautifully embellished with pretty embroidery. The padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape

Barletta Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks&Spencer
H85 x W227 x D98cm Seat H48cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that gives long-lasting performance and helps to maintain the cushions look and shape. Provides improved resilience without compromising on softness. Easy-care and springs back to its original shape after re-fluffing 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 with a dark finish Includes 2 free matching bolsters 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

Walkmates Tramline Sporty Trainers, at Marks & Spencers
Click here for more information on Walkmates shoes Tramline detail Riptape fastening Flat sole

Sebo K Series Cylinder Ultra Bags, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for Sebo K Series cylinder vacuum cleaners

Bold Spot Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Marks & Spencers
Square shape Bold spot design Felted fabric Luxury feather inner Size: 50 x 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Aguasanta Carmènere 2007 - Case of 12, at M+S
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Carmnere Country of origin: Chile Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans 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

The Floral Collection Magnolia Shower Cream, at MarksandSpencer
Moisture rich shower cream Magnolia scented 250ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Magnolia Liliflora (Magnolia), Glycerin, Cocamide DEA, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Betaine, Parfum, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Geraniol, Linalool, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-39, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-2, Magnesium Nitrate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Propylene Glycol Methylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Propylparaben, Sorbitol, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, CI 19140, CI 14700

Kaituna Hills Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap 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

Semi Plains - LINEAR PLTS BS, at Marks&Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure Cotton Satin Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Luxurious Italian cotton provides the base for this stunning satin stripe long sleeve shirt. The classic double button cuff and smart single breast pocket add further elegance to this meticulously designed summer choice

Ultimate Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Mark & Spencers
Smart, practical and comfortable, our essential suits are made in stylish designs from durable fabrics. Ideal for everyday wear

2 Machine Washable Stripe & Floral Ties, at Marks & Spenser
Smart style at a great price! This pack of 2 ties is outstanding value. They're machine washable, so you save on cleaning too

Xenon Collection Large Rollercase, at Marks and Spencers
Free 5 year guarantee Practical and stylish, this rollercase has a built-in protective moulded rear panel and expands to give you extra 20 percent capacity, while comfort grip handles ensure easy transport

Autograph Weekend Wool Blend Scoop Neck Top, at M+S
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

5 Cotton Rich Stripe High Leg Thongs, at Marks and Spencers
These high leg cotton rich knickers are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

Small Dylan the Dog, at Mark & Spensers
Suitable from 12 months This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive Height 17cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S 4GB SD Memory Card, at Marks and Spencer
Read (MB /s): 18MB Write (MB /s): 6MB Available capacity: 3890MB 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

5 Cotton Rich Seamfree Plain Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
These seamfree cotton rich shorts are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

Older Boys' Double Buckle Open Toe Sandal, at Marks and Spenser
Slip on Double buckle fastening Flat sole Camaflage sole detail

Cotton Rich Bootleg Jeans with Belt, at Marks n Spencer
Flattering and fabulous, bootcuts make legs look longer and are kind to curves. This pair sits below the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit.

Per Una Supersoft Cat Mule Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Mule style Round toe Flat sole Cat embellishments Contrast lining

Horses & Ponies Sticker Activity Book, at Marks and Spencers
Have fun completing this colourful, action-packed sticker book with more than 70 stickers. See who's winning prizes at the gymkhana, make sure the horses are well cared for and join the horse and pony race

5 Pure Cotton Plain Shorts, at Marks & Spenser
Practical and fashionable, this 5 pack of cotton shorts makes a great way to stock up on essential style

Traditional Lace Pull-On Girdle, at Marks and Spencer
A traditional girdle with a high level of support to gently control tummies and shape hips. The perfect foundation for a smooth look

Autograph Sport Body Spray, at Marks & Spencers
Deodorising body spray 150ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Cotton Enchanted Embroidered Towels, at Marks & Spensers
Hand towel: 50 x 90cm Bath towel: 70 x 137cm Bath sheet: 86 x 187cm Enchanted embroidered design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Silk Ethnic Rio Print Scarf, at Mark & Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk ethnic print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

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

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Mark's & 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 Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.