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 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 & Spencers, 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.

Mark's & Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Mark's & Spencer 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 & Spencer 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 M&S insurance products in document format too.

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

Ten in the Bed Book, at Marks n Spencer
A colourful and beautifully illustrated adaptation of the traditional nursery rhyme. Explore a magical adventure with the toys as they come to life in this bedtime tale. Children will love to press the buttons and sing a long to the familiar tune as they follow the story

Sonoma Bookcase, at Marks and Spencer
H188 x W80 x D32cm 4 shelves 2 cupboards Made from solid oak and oak veneer Crafted predominantly from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side and back made from White Oak veneer Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength Shelves made from White Oak veneer Handles made from solid wood 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Long Sleeve 1984 Hooded Top, at M & S
Soft and comfy, this fashionable hooded top is outstanding value. A practical easycare style

Diamante Flower Slim Diary, at Marks n Spencer
Week to view Diamante flower design Ribbon page marker Dimensions: 165 x 80 mm

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Mācon Millly-Lamartine Blanc 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Autograph Pure New Wool 2 Button Navy Twill Jacket by Timothy Everest, at M&S
Lined with Timothy Everest's signature luxurious lining, this distinguished jacket offers the best in contemporary design

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Check Top, at Marks n Spencer
A check design makes this soft pure cotton top extra fashionable

Per Una Jacquard Stripe Belted Skirt, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable long length skirt featuring jacquard stripe design. Matching buckle belt gives it a Per Una touch

Botteghino Chianti 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: 100% Sangiovese Country of origin: Italy 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

Cotton Rich Cosy Towelling Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this cosy dressing gown is made from soft cotton rich fabric so you can relax in comfort

Champagne, Chocolate & Rose Hamper, at Marks and Spenser
An indulgent basket of goodies that will make anyone feel on top of the world: includes a bottle of champagne, a box of luxury belgian chocolates and a gift-wrapped cream rose plant Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Autograph Floral Lace Non-Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Delicate and feminine, this gorgeous bra is made from the softest lace which looks and feels luxurious. Stretch fabric and underwiring give a great fit and flattering uplifted shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Double Bridge Sunglasses, at Mark & Spencers
Providing essential protection for the eyes, these stylish and wearable shades will flatter most face shapes

Per Una Short Sleeve Top with Spot Scarf, at Marks&Spencer
A modern short sleeve top featuring a trim neckline. Comes with scarf shown in the photograph

Sunny Town Tractor Set, at Marks and Spencer
Farmer, horse and tractor Promotes imaginative play Suitable for ages 12 months + This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Feather Spray Spikey Cap Headdress, at Marks and Spencer
Sophisticated and glamorous, this bow and feather headdress is sure to turn heads!

Cotton Rich Heart Print Hooded Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this long sleeve hooded jacket features a heart print

Paris (Eyewitness Travel Guide), at Marks & Spencer
Paris has a seemingly limitless variety of attractions to tempt the visitor. Whether you are interested in a romantic stroll along the Seine or the medieval treasures of the Cluny, or just want to seek out the shopping along les grands boulevards, the "Eyewitness Travel Guide to Paris" has everything you need. Using the unique cutaway maps, floor-plans and 3D models explore state of the art museums, places of worship and architecture, from Gothic Notre Dame majestic Sacre Coeur to the Arc de Triomphe and contemporary Centre Pompidou

Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Robot Pyjamas, at M+S
Fun and fashionable, these comfy pure cotton pyjamas feature robot motifs

Collezione Pure Silk Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spenser
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

Cotton Rich Straight Leg Joggers, at Marks & Spensers
Relaxed and comfortable, these easycare joggers are made from cotton rich stretch fabric for ease of movement and great shape retention

Footglove™ Widefit Heeled Moccasin, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Stitch detail Mid heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight

Stormwear™ & Stain Defence™ Zip Pocket Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and innovative, these bootleg trousers are non-iron for convenience. Stormwear™ and Stain Defence™ technology makes them water and stain resistant. The adjustable waist gives a perfectly comfortable fit and the zipped pocket keeps lunch money safe

Autograph Leather Gusset Apron Loafers, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Slip-on Gusset apron stitch feature Block heel

High Impact Padded Crop Top, at Marks&Spencer
Comfortable and secure, this padded sports bra gives firm, gentle support for active wear

Lion Rug, at Marks & Spencer
Hand woven Luxuriously deep pile Super soft Small: L140 x W80cm Medium: L180 x W120cm Large: L230 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Easycare Assorted Shirts & Tie Set, at Marks & Spencers
Smart style for less! This pack of 2 shirts and tie is outstanding value

Autograph Pure Linen Shell Button Cushion, at M&S
Square shape Shell button feature L56 x W56cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Younger Girls' Cutout Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Cutout star design Single strap Contrast lining Flat sole Comes in sizes 4-13

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

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings 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 Financial Services in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Financial Services website.