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

Contrary to popular opinion, not every insurance company is out to get you, and it's not every insurance company that will disect the fine-print until they find some way of denying your insurance claim. However, you do need to shop around for the financial products and insurance policies that are the best suited for your individual needs.

That's why insurance policies, and other financial products, from Marks and Spencer are so useful. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spencer a profit, but there is no denying that they are also very good value for money, offering many features as standard which you'd often need to pay extra for at other insurance companies.

Take, for example, House Insurance policies. Usually, UK House Insurance policies have limits on particular types of items such as freezer contents, garden furniture and outdoor toys, outbuildings or cars, etc. These restrictions are called inner limits. However, the only inner limits on the M&S Financial Services House Insurance policy are £500 for cash; £2m for property-owners and personal liability; £10m for domestic employees liability and £40,000 for tenants liability. Even better is the fact that you're likely to pay no more for M&S Financial Services House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Marks & Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your House Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and 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 M&S Money Direct 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 House 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 (House 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 Spencer insurance products in document format too.

Autoritas Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry, crisp and fresh Grape variety: Chardonnay 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

2 Pure Cotton Assorted Leggings, at M&S
Cute and comfy, these practical leggings are made from soft cotton and feature assorted designs. A great value pack

Vinalta Malbec 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Malbec Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Blue Ribbon and Dove Confirmation Card, at M+S
Cover Text: A wish for your confirmation Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx Size: 174 mm x 126 mm

ARCHOS 7 Internet Media Tablet 160GB, at Marks and Spencers
Internet: Full web browsing, full email application, web TV, web radio, widgets application Plays: Videos, music, photos, games and stream content from your PC TV: Record from TV (with optional dock), play content and surf the web on your TV through the ARCHOS 5 Display: 7" TFT LCD high resolution screen, 800x480 pixels, 16 million colors Touch Screen: Direct by touch screen, ON/OFF, vol+ and vol- buttons Video playback: MPEG-4 (ASP@L5 AVI, up to DVD resolution), WMV (MP@ML, up to DVD resolution) including WMV protected files and M-JPEG (Motion JPEG Video) in QVGA resolution Video recording: Via the optional DVR Station/ DVR Snap-on: Records NTSC/PAL/SECAM in MPEG-4 AVI format with ADPCM stereo sound, VGA resolution (640 x 480) @ 30 or 25 f/s Audio playback: Stereo MP3 decoding @ 30-320 Kbits/s CBR & VBR, WMA, Protected WMA, WMA pro 5.1, WAV (PCM/ADPCM), AC3 stereo audio and 5.1 sound files (via SPDIF output of DVR Station) and Flac and OGG Vorbis audio files Audio recording: Via the optional DVR Station or DVR Snap-on: Stereo line-in, WAV (IMA ADPCM or PCM) format and Voice recording via the optional FM remote and its built-in microphone in WAV format (IMA ADPCM) Photo viewer: JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF Memory: 160 GB (stores up to 200 Movies, 1.6 million photos or 95,000 songs) PC accessories: Possible attachment of numerous standard USB PC accessories (keyboard, mouse, memory key, memory cards reader, camera) Connectivity: On board WiFi (802.11 b/g), USB 2.0 host with optional accessories Interfaces: USB 2.0 High-Speed Device (compatible USB 1.1 at a lower speed): Mass Storage Class (MSC) and Media Transport Protocol (MTP) and USB 2.0 Host: Mass Storage Class (MSC) and Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) with optional Mini Dock, Battery Dock and DVR station Connections: WiFi, free web browser, 3.5 mm mini jack for headphones and audio output, DC-in for power adapter and Docking connectors to connect DVR Station and other ARCHOS accessories Battery life: Music playback 39 hours, Video playback 10 hours Dimensions: Approx: 19 x 11 x 1.6cm Weight: 640g Package includes: ARCHOS 7, headphones, ARCHOS USB cable, DVR Station adapter, power adapter/charger, screen cleaning cloth, Quick Start Guide (QSG), legal and safety notice 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

Portfolio Pure Silk Painted Floral Lightweight Scarf, at Mark's & Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk painted floral print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

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

Potato Gratin, at M+S
Serves 6-8 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing Suitable for nut allergy sufferers 2kg total weight As featured on page 40 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Centre Stripe Belt, at Marks n Spencer
This centre stripe design belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

Autograph Addison Console Table, at Mark's & Spencer
H80 x W110 x D40cm With 2 drawers Made from American Black Walnut solids and veneers, with Beech veneer on unseen faces Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawer pulls are solid wood due to their shape 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

Mixed Bead Multi Strand Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencers
Stretch bracelet Tie fastening Multi strand Mixed bead design

Plain Boy Shorts Tankini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and stylish, these tankini bottoms are designed to fit and flatter. Make a splash!

Pure Cotton Spa Tonal Stripe Towel, at M&S
Tonal stripe design Hand towel: L90 x W50cm Bath sheet: L137 x W70cm Bath towel: L178 x W86cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Pure Cotton Truck & Stripe T-Shirts, at Marks & Spencer
Stock up on essential t-shirts with this great value multipack in soft, comfortable cotton. Fashionable, practical and easycare

Large Meat Platter, at Mark & Spensers
Contains 25 slices Serves 6 Ready to eat 700g As featured on page 18 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Drum Stool, at Marks&Spencer
H46 x D36cm Drum shape Wood markings Made predominantly from mango wood Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself 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

Artificial Magnolia in Ribbed Oval Pot, at Marks and Spencer
Artificial magnolia flowers Ceramic oval pot H70cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Canvas Strap Watch, at Marks and Spencer
Round face Date indicator Contrast stitching Canvas strap Analogue face

LED Light Collection Paper Lantern, at Marks & Spencers
Laminated paper Floral design Requires batteries 13 x 5 x 16cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stainless Steel Can Opener, at Marks & Spencers
Loop in the handle for hanging Chunky grips Can and bottle opener, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Leather Washbag, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and practical, this washbag is a well designed travel essential

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Polo Shirt, at M&S
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton. So it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Pure Cotton Floral Print Pleated Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this knee length pleated skirt is a look you'll love. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Molokai Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Assorted bead Stretch style

LED Light Collection Butterfly Mobile, at Marks and Spencers
Hanging wire Circular design 6 hanging butterflies, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Silk Ditsy Diamond Print Scarf, at Marks and Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk ditsy diamond print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Panasonic 37" TX-L37G10 Full HD LCD TV with freesat HD, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 37 inch LCD display, 2,073,600 (1,920 x 1,080) pixels Contrast (Dynamic): 50,000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W89.4 x H56.8 x D9.9cm (without stand) W89.4 x H61.1 x D28.7cm (with stand) Weight: 17.5 kg (with stand) V-Audio: Unique sound technology that delivers crystal-clear sound with superior bass performance Connectors: 4 x HDMI, 2 Scart, PC Input, S-Video Input, Headphone Jack, Composite Video Input VIERA Superior Picture Quality: The VIERA system provides richly expressed images with enhanced contrast SD Card Slot: View your treasured photos on the big screen by simply removing your camera's memory card and sliding it into the SD card slot 24p Playback: High speed playback of images to recreate the full cinematic experience VIERA Link: Enables you to control all your AV systems with only one remote Use wall mountT042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bob The Builder : Real Trucks Sticker Activity Book, at Marks & Spencer
Join your favourite characters for some sticker scene fun! This title lets you use your imagination and lots of stickers to complete the scenes.

Non Iron Long Sleeve Bold Bengal Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and innovative, this easycare shirt has a special finish on the fabric and is cleverly constructed to make it non-iron. A great time saver, ideal for work wear

Pure Cotton Corsage Duvet Cover, at M+S
Corsage feature Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6in), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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.