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

Marks & Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Household Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks & 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 Financial Services 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 Household 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 (Household 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 & Spencers insurance products in document format too.

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

Glacier Bead Stretch Bracelet, at Mark & Spensers
Mixed bead design Stretch style

Blue Photographic Hands Engagement Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: On your Engagement Inside message: With lots of love Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Limited Collection Rio Charm Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Clasp fastening Multiple charms Multi strand Necklace length 47.5cm, extendable by 7.5cm

Post Surgery Clover Embroidered Non-Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Padded to gently enhance your curves, this pretty bra is underwired for a full and comfortable support. Contrasting lace is complemented with elegant twin straps for a soft and feminine look

Lobster Thermidor, at Marks and Spencer
Serves 2 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 280g As featured on page 38 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

Leather Multi Colour Loop Belt, at Marks and Spenser
This leather notched belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

Stormwear™ Multi Pocket Hooded Coat, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this cosy jacket is warmly padded and lined with fleece. It's treated with our unique Stormwear™ technology which repels water and stains. Storm cuffs help keep arms warm and hold on gloves

Pure Cotton Fine Rib Runner, at Marks and Spencer
Ribbed design Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Cotton Blend Assorted Lace High Leg Knickers, at Marks and Spenser
These briefs are perfect for everyday wear and this multipack makes a great way to stock up your underwear drawer

10 Denier Ladder Resistant Sheer Stockings, at M&S
Our new innovation in fabric technology incorporates stretch into every single stitch to create an even, lightweight design and comfortable fit that's ladder resistant and simply a dream to wear

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ Funnel Neck Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Extra small ideal for Boys and Back to School Stylish and innovative, this Blue Harbour jacket is treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains

3 Long Sleeve Pintuck Detail Tops, at Marks and Spencer
Stock up on essentials for less! This great value pack of 3 pintuck detail tops is comfortable, practical, fashionable and easycare

5 Pairs of 15 Denier Matt Ankle Highs, at Marks & Spenser
An M&S exclusive. Amazing yarn stops holes turning into ladders. Three way stretch gives a perfect fit. The comfort top is designed to keep them in place without leaving marks

Sony PlayStation® 3 Motorstorm™ Pacific Rift, at Marks & Spenser
The island - a brand new, beautifully realised racing location Dynamic events, unpredictable and brutal off road racing conditions make every lap unique 16 multi-route tracks to tear up with all the vehicle classes from the first MotorStorm: ATVs, rally cars, buggies, motorbikes, race trucks, mudpluggers and Big Rigs, as well as the newly arrived monster trucks that climb Competitive online racing for up to 12 players and up to 4-player split screen mode HD resolution: 720p Sound Dolby 5.1 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe PEGI rating 16+ 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3, ESRB Rating: Mature

Winter Weight Pure Cotton Flat Front Twill Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
The perfect choice for colder days, these smart trousers are made from warm, hardwearing fabric

Handmade Outfit 40th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: 40 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: 175 x 126 mm

Big & Tall Flat Front Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
No more trips to the drycleaners! These smart, fashionable trousers are machine washable. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Bart Simpson Football Shorties, at Marks & Spensers
A must for fans of The Simpsons, these pyjamas feature Bart playing football

7 Pairs of Freshfeet Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks & Spencer
Our odour control Freshfeet socks are now better than ever with a new Sanitised Silver finish. Known for its natural antibacterial properties, silver helps reduce the presence of bacteria that causes smelly odours, so your feet stay fresh with every step and it keeps working for the lifetime of the socks

Stainless Steel Pasta Server, at Marks & Spencers
Loop in the handle for hanging L32.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Marl Stripe T-Shirt, at M & S
Fashionable and relaxed, this marl stripe t-shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Flat Front Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend with stretch. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear

Leather Roll Bar Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather roll bar belt

2 Older Girls' Cotton Rich Assorted Tights, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and comfy, these soft cotton rich tights feature a reinforced toe.

3 Wooden Photo Frames 20 x 25cm (8 x 10"), at Marks & Spensers
Set of 3 Rectangular frame Option to hang or stand H17 x W12cm Aperture: 20 x 25cm (8 x 10''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Matt Shine Metal Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), at Marks&Spencer
Matt shine effect Rectangular frame Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Die Cut 75th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Congratulations you're 75 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: 175 x 126mm

3 Pairs of Assorted Star Socks, at Marks n Spencer
Get a fabulous, fashionable look with these star design socks. They're made from comfortable soft stretch cotton for a great fit and shape retention

Pacific 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencer
H92 x W137 x D91cm Seat H54cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that gives long-lasting performance and helps to maintain the cushions look and shape. Provides improved resilience without compromising on softness. Easy-care and springs back to its original shape after re-fluffing 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 Fabric options feature reversible cushions Cushion covers are removeable Available in conservatory fabrics and leather only Frame made from solid hardwood wrapped in pandan. 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 Pine feet with a light finish Includes 2 free matching arm bolsters 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 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

Per Una Gathered Front Fine Stripe Mock Layer Top, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable 3/4 sleeve mock layer top featuring a beaded front embellishment. The gathered detail makes it extra stylish.

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.