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 Spenser 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 MarksandSpencer, 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.

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 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, 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is MarksandSpencer 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 & 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 Marks & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Alsace Pinot Grigio 2007 - Case of 12, at M & S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Grigio Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap 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

Travel Iron, at Marks n Spencer
Small and compact with a foldable handle Ideal for removing suitcase creasing This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Sony Bravia 32'' KDL-32V5500 HD Ready LCD TV, at MarksandSpencer
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 3 with a 32 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Dynamic Contrast: 60000:1 Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ channels and radio stations (subject to coverage) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dimensions: With table stand: W79.8 x H58.4 x D25.9cm, without table stand: W79.8 x H53.6 x D8.9cm Weight: weight inc. stand 14.5kg, weight without stand 12kg Dolby Virtual Surround and BBE Digital: Experience the effect of digital surround sound from only two front speakers with our advanced S-Force Front Surround technology Connectors: Digital Audio Output (optical) x 1, HDMI™ Inputs x 4, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, Analogue Audio Inputs x 2, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2, BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Video/Music/Photo), AppliCast™ BRAVIA Engine 3: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 3 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Xross Media Bar: New Sony interface to enhance the operability and ease of use Picture Frame Mode: Not watching TV? Turn it into a digital photo frame to display your own pictures or the 6 pre-installed images BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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 Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ellipse Collection - Table Lamp, at Marks & Spenser
Suede shade Ellipse stand Rectangular base 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Straight Leg Stretch Denim Jeans, at Marks & Spensers
Relaxed and casual, these straight leg jeans are made with stretch for comfort and ease of movement

Chunky Link Skinny Chain Belt, at Marks and Spenser
Dress up your fashionable outfits with this smart chunky link chain belt

Pocket Trim Cross Body Bag, at M&S
Fashionable, comfortable and secure, this cross-body bag features an adjustable strap and multiple pockets. A practical and stylish accessory

Kraft Text Medium Gift Bag, at Marks & Spencer
1 gift bag Approx size: H260 x W200 x D90mm

Cartoon Dog Thank You Teacher Card, at M&S
Cover text: Thank you teacher! Inside message: You're a star! Approx size: 178 x 1262mm

Love Catseye Duo Earrings, at Marks & Spencer
2 pairs Butterfly fastening studs Heart drop earrings with hook fastening For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Cashmilon™ Tassel Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
Keep warm and cosy in this stylish tasselled scarf made from supersoft cashmilon™. Perfect with the matching hat and gloves

Curve Table Lamp with Marble Base, at Marks and Spenser
Chrome plated Bubble design shade Long curved arm Marble base Dimensions: H56 x Diam 28cm Bulb: 40W SES or 11W CFL, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Stripe Satin Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Leather Flip Toe Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Square flip toe Stitch detail Slip on Block heel

Cotton Rich Side Stripe Tracksuit Joggers, at Mark & Spensers
Relaxed and comfortable, these easycare side stripe tracksuit joggers are made from cotton rich stretch fabric for ease of movement and great shape retention.

White Pearl Damask Thank You Cards - Pack of Ten, at Marks and Spencers
Inside message: Blank for your own message 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: 155 x 110mm

Droplets Silver Wedding Anniversary Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Congratulations on your Silver Wedding Anniversary Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 176 x 126mm

Per Una Pure Cotton Stripe Kaftan, at M&S
A fashionable stripe kaftan in pure soft cotton. The corsage design on the neckline makes it extra stylish

Leaf & Buds Cushion, at Marks and Spencer
Square shape Leaf print L50 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Pure Cotton Drawstring Joggers, at Marks & Spencer
Comfortable enough for crawling or napping in, these soft cotton joggers are a practical and fashionable choice

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Denim Jeans, at M & S
Relaxed and casual, these straight leg jeans are made with stretch for comfort and ease of movement

Los Molles Carménère 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Carmenere Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Easycare Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

Collezione Pure Cotton Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
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

Trailing Flower Gift Card, at Marks and Spencers
Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Linen Blend Shirt and Waistcoat Set, at Marks & Spencers
Comfortable and versatile, this 2 piece shirt and waistcoat set is a classic style, perfect for smart dressing

Short Sleeve Stripe Body Top, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this short sleeve body top is made from softly draping stretch viscose for a fluid look. The stripe design adds a fashionable finishing touch

Jacquard Check Double Zip Cosmetic Purse, at Marks and Spencer
Jacquard check design 2 separate compartments Zip fastening

Cut Out Wedge Heel Sandals, at Mark's & Spencer
Open toe Cut out detail Stud feature Wedge heel Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

3 Older Boys' Cotton Rich Batman Trunks, at Marks & Spencers
A must for fans of Batman, these cotton rich trunks feature assorted Batman motif designs

Marks & Spenser 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 and Spenser 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 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 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 and Spenser insurance products in document format too.