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 Marks and Spenser, through its M+S Money 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 & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

M+S Money 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 Money 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 & 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 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 Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

M+S Money Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M+S Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Faux Crocodile Skin Double Handle Bag, at M&S
Stylish and useful, this double handle bag features faux crocodile skin. A practical and fashionable accessory

Autograph White Hungarian Goose Down Pillow, at Marks and Spencers
W48cm x L76cm Soft to medium support Single pillow Highest quality class 1 Hungarian goose down 300 thread count cover 100% cotton downproof cover Machine washable at 40C Composition:Cover: 100% cottonFilling: 90% Hungarian goose down, 10% small Hungarian goose feather Care Instructions:Machine washable, tumble dry Fire Warning:Keep away from fire and flames, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Lace Up Tramline Shoes, at M&S
Square toe Stitch detail Lace up Tramline design Block heel

Pure Cotton Straight Leg Jeans with Belt, at Marks & Spenser
A great pair of jeans always looks stylish. These straight leg jeans in pure cotton feature wrinkled effect. Fashionable, practical and easycare

Dolly Dress Up Ballerinas Sticker Book, at MarksandSpencer
This sticker book will keep them busy as they look for an incredible over 400 stickers inside!

Tall Cylinder Bubble Base Vase, at Mark's & Spencer
Bubble base feature Hand made, clear finish Made of glass H40 x Diam 14cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Embroidered Raccoon Booties, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and comfy, these practical booties feature an embroidered racoon design. A soft stretchy cuff keeps them on securely

Die Cut Cake Sister Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Happy Birthday Sister Inside message: With love Approx size: 170 x 126mm

Ultimate Non Iron Pure Cotton Bold Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Maternity Cat Print Top, at Marks & Spencers
Glamorous and gorgeous, this cat print top is designed to flatter you and your bump. A waist tie gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A fashionable, functional choice

3/4 Length Plain Leggings, at Mark's & Spencer
Complete with a cropped length and understated design, these great leggings are the perfect partner for this season's trendy tunics and denim minis.

My First Fire Engine, at Marks and Spencer
Pull-along cord Light and sound features Batteries included Suitable for ages 0-3yrs H21cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Cakes Cooking Book, at Marks and Spencers
Rejuvenate the art of baking classic cakes with this useful book, create delicious home baked cakes for your family to enjoy

LED Light Collection Flower, at Marks & Spencers
Ideal use for garden lighting Flower design Batteries supplied H5.5 x D9cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pearl Delight Bracelet, at Marks n Spencer
Beaded design Charm detail Stretch bracelet

Per Una Diamond Print Crinkled Scarf with Wool, at MarksandSpencer
This sophisticated diamond print scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The crinkled finish adds a stylish finishing touch.

Louis Chaurey Champagne - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Adored Comfort E-G Embroidered Orchid Bra, at Mark & Spencers
Elegant and pretty, this embroidered bra is exceptionally comfortable. It's underwired and structured to give fuller busts great support and a natural uplifted shape. Feminine everyday lingerie

3 Assorted Shell Design Handkerchiefs, at Mark's & Spencer
Luxuriously soft handkerchiefs in pure cotton

Baroque Jacquard Pillowcase, at Marks and Spenser
Baroque jacquard design Fits standard pillows, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Platinum Plated Daisy Stud Earrings, at Marks & Spencers
Butterfly fastening Flower design Platinum plated For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Handheld Grater, at Marks & Spensers
Grip handle Wide plate, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Pintuck Jersy Bedset, at MarksandSpencer
Pintuck detail Includes 1 duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

'Happy Birthday!' Gift Bag with Balloon, at Marks and Spencers
Send birthday wishes with lovely pink, yellow and blue blooms in an elegant cream gift bag. The mini 'Happy Birthday' balloon makes it that bit extra special Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Footglove™ Widefit Ghillie Pumps, at Marks n Spencer
Round toe Thread detail Slip on Flat sole Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Pure Chronos iDock Radio, at Marks and Spenser
DAB digital and FM clock radio with iPod Dock IPod support: Dock supports iPod Classic, iPod Nano 3rd generation (video), iPod Touch, iPod mini, iPod with colour display, iPod 4th generation, iPod nano, iPod nano 2nd generation, iPod with video (5th generation). Supports iPod shuffle, iPod shuffle 2nd generation and iPod 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation via auxiliary input Frequency ranges: Band III 174-240 MHz, FM 87.5-108 MHz Speakers: Two 3" x 1.5" custom-wound oval drive units Input connectors: 9V DC power adaptor socket (230V supplied). 3.5mm Line-in for auxiliary devices. iPod connector with adapters Output connectors: 3.5mm stereo output for headphones Controls: Power on/standby, sleep, source, tune/select, menu, alarm, info, presets, volume, play/pause, stop, fast forward, rewind and snooze Remote: Infrared remote control, browse and play tracks stored on your iPod via remote control LCD display: LCD display with 16x2 characters, plus additional function icons (volume, time, alarms, signal strength, source selected, repeat and shuffle) and large clock. Features adjustable backlight (active and standby mode) with auto-dimmer Mains power supply: 230V AC to 9V DC external power adapter Aerial: Wire aerial attached Alarm: Four independent alarm settings, with wake to tone, DAB, FM or iPod Light sensor: Automatically adjusts the display brightness to suit the light levels in your room Text scan: Pause and control scrolling text RDS: RDS support for station name display on FM and RDS scrolling text 30 Presets: 30 combined DAB and FM presets in a combined list Dimensions: H12.5 x W19.5 x D18.5cm 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

Girls' Night Out Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Girls night out Inside message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 114mm

5-Piece Mosaic Set, at Marks and Spencer
5 piece set - table and 4 chairs Table: H72 x Diam 110cm Stackable chairs: H96 x W56 x D56cm Seat: 44cm Polyester seat pads Metal frame Granite mosaic design Please note that this range uses natural stone and grouts and therefore the colours within the products may vary from those shown and may change over time Suitable for indoor and all-weather outdoor use Individually hand crafted Please note: Table does not have an opening for a parasol Assembly required This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Cable Knit Long Sleeve Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in smart styles and high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Leather Jeans Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your casual trousers and jeans with this stylish leather belt

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

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents 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 Mark & Spensers, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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