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 & 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 & 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 Property 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 n 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.

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 Spencer 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 Property 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's & 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.

Headboard - King Size (5ft), at Mark's & Spencer
H77cm (without struts) x W163cm (all dimensions are approximate) Upholstered in your choice of fabrics or leathers Designed to fit most standard divans Mattress and divan sold separately Detailed care instructions are included 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 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 samples: 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

Cashmilon™ Polo Neck Long Sleeve Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and flattering, this polo neck jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features ribbed trim

Low Rise Stripe Lace Trim Thong, at Marks and Spencer
Perfect for wearing under tight-fitting clothing, this lacy thong won't give you any visible panty lines. It's comfortable and flattering, and the low rise style is ideal for wearing under hipsters

Autograph Pure Cotton 3 Piece Cardigan Outfit, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Pure Silk Micro Square Tie, at M&S
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart micro square tie in pure silk

Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Velour Hooded Top, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this cotton rich long sleeve velour hooded top features a drawstring and front pockets

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Pintuck Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This fashionable long sleeve shirt is made from pure soft cotton that looks and feels great. Modern styling pintuck front detail gives it a cool contemporary edge

Portfolio Pure Silk Painted Floral Lightweight Scarf, at Marks & 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

Adored Comfort Embroidered Orchid Full Briefs, at Marks and Spenser
Classic and elegant, these embroidered briefs are made from the softest fabric and trims, so they feel blissfully comfortable to wear. The low leg style gives a modern shapely fit. Feminine everyday lingerie

Autograph Malva Chair, at Mark & Spencers
H75 x W75 x D90cm Seat H42cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 Swivel metal base instead of feet 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 All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sensational at Sixty Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Sensational at Sixty Inside is blank for your own message 175 x 126mm

Enchanted Bedcover, at M&S
L250 x W265cm Embroidered design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Autograph Plain Trunks, at Marks and Spencers
They're made from a cotton modal mix so you can enjoy the best in soft, lasting comfort

Mixed Bead Maui Rope Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Rope necklace Mixed bead design Necklace length 107cm

Xenon Collection Small Rollercase, at Marks and Spencer
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

Shark Jelly Sandals, at Marks & Spencers
Contrast buckle fastening Shark motif Flat sole

Portfolio Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Top, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Maxim Espresso Cup & Saucer Set, at Marks and Spencer
2 part set Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Cup height: 6cm Saucer diameter: 13.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Double Buckle Leather Tote Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and useful, this tote bag features double buckle detail. A practical and fashionable accessory

Cashmilon™ Long Sleeve Knitted Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and flattering, this knitted cardigan is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features a deep v-neck

Ceriso Styled Embroidered Padded Push Up Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Flirty and feminine this modern bra features intricate floral embroidery. Soft padding and underwiring give great support and a fabulous flattering shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Fenton Storage Footstool, at MarksandSpencer
H48 x W56 x D56cm Seat: H51cm (all dimensions are approximate) Top cushion lifts to reveal storage space inside the stool. Click here to view the storage space Cushion filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 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 08457 624 624 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

Pure Silk Woven Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spenser
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart stripe tie in pure silk

Autograph Cushion Cocktail Ring, at Marks & Spenser
Chunky style Diamant details

Geneva Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencer
H88 x W214 x D96cm Seat H49cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam in a fibre wrap - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 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 medium finish 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 08457 624 624 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pure Cotton Assorted Heart Print Sleepsuits, at M&S
Soft and snuggly, this practical pack of sleepsuits is great value! The cotton fabric is comfy to sleep in and popper fastenings make quick changes easy

T397799, at Mark's & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Keyring, at M&S
Show you care with this Keyring supporting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. The price of this product is donated to Breakthrough Promotions Ltd

Autograph Pure Cotton 3 piece Stripe Hooded Outfit, at M&S
Fun and practical, this cute 3 piece outfit features a stripe design. It's made from pure soft cotton to keep him comfy. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Terracotta Bottles Small, at Marks & Spencer
Square etch design Round shape Frost and weather resistant 14kg H35 x D34cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Besides Marks & Spencer Motor Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services Property 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 Financial Services 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 M&S purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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.