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 & Spensers 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 n Spencer, through its M&S Finance website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car 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.

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

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car 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 Marks&Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

M&S Finance offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car 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 Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Finance Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with M&S 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car 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 Car 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 Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Autograph Pure Linen Shell Button Cushion, at Marks & Spenser
Square shape Shell button feature L56 x W56cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Non-Iron 3/4 Sleeve Blouses, at Marks and Spencer
This pack of 2 blouses is great value. A practical and convenient choice, they're easycare and non-iron to save you time

Knappstein Ackland Vineyard Riesling 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Dry Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

3 Piece Cosmetic Bag Set, at Mark's & Spencer
3 piece set Assorted sizes Transparent Contrast trim

Autograph Velvet Bed Cover, at Marks & Spencer
Square design Quilted look Stitched detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

50th Glamorous Dress Birthday Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text: 50 Inside message: Have a wonderful birthday Approx size: 126 x 174mm

Woodland Interactive Snail, at Marks & Spenser
Contains a small oval plastic mirror under the flap on the shell A pocket on the reverse of the shell which contains 3 coloured, embroidered leaves which can be removed from the pocket Two softened plastic teethers attached to the tail of the snail by a satin ribbon loop Includes a blue and green butterfly attached via a cord to the top of the shell. When pulled, the cord will extend to a maximum length of 115mm before being automatically retracted into a mechanism in the top of the shell. This mechanism vibrates Double lined for safety Suitable from birth Approximate overall dimensions W325 H230 D120mm This product conforms to EN71 toy safety regulation, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

7 Pairs of Big & Tall Freshfeet Stripe Socks with Silver Technology, at Mark & Spencers
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

Autograph Pure Silk Pillowcase, at Marks & Spencer
Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Romerol Rioja Crianza 2005 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Tempranillo Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural cork 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

Signature Green Fig Room Spray, at Marks and Spencers
15ml Green fig fragrance Clear glass with attractive labelled design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Oxford Toe Cap Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Lace up Stitch detail Block heel

Flowers by Post - 10 Longiflorum Lilies, at Marks & Spencer
Classically elegant, these beautiful lilies give long-lasting beauty and fragrance. Flowers by Post is a great value way to spoil someone you know - or yourself

Lamb Guard of Honour with a Mustard & Herb Crust, at Marks & Spensers
Serves 4-6 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 800g As featured on page 36 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

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

Single Breasted Mid Length Belted Mac, at M&S
Practical and fashionable, this water resistant mac features a single breasted design and button down notch lapel. Perfect for drizzly days, it can be accessorised with a rain hat or umbrella to see you through the season in style

2 Pairs of Fishnet Tights, at Marks & Spencer
Add some stylish flair to that chic skirt or dress and shape, lift and define your figure with this great value 2 pack of fishnet tights. A reinforced toe, comfortable sole and added stretch provide long lasting comfort and durability.

2 Cotton Rich Classic Short Sleeve Crew Neck Vests, at Marks & Spencer
A seam free design along the sides and the soft qualities of cotton ensures these great vests provide the ultimate in everyday comfort

4 Pairs of Cotton Blend Plain School Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Stock up on style for less with this pack of 4 cotton blend tights. Essential fashion at an outstanding value price

Classic Collection Short Sleeve Tencel® Blouse, at M&S
Ideal for everyday wear, this smart blouse is made from soft tencel and the fit is comfortable and flattering. A fashionable and practical style

Autograph V-Neck Mock Shirt Jumper, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and contemporary, this v-neck jumper is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail makes it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

3 Autograph Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Classic Trunks, at Marks and Spencer
Comfortable, practical and fashionable, this pack of 3 classic trunks is made from soft breathable cotton

Taste of Chile - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
4 Los Nucos-Shiraz Cabernet Ros2007: A seriously fruity Chilean Ros, packed with berry flavours... 4 Los Nucos Chardonnay 2007: A vibrantly fruity and fresh Chilean chardonnay... 4 Los Nucos Cabernet Sauvignon 2006: A soft, slightly spicy Chilean red, easy-drinking in style... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Die Cut Handmade Flowers Anniversary Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy Anniversary with love Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 mm x 125 mm

Collezione Leather Faux Crocodile Skin Loafers, at Marks and Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail Slip on Block heel Faux crocodile skin design

The Floral Collection Magnolia Liliflora Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, at MarksandSpencer
Alcohol free 150ml

Senior Wool Blend Blazer with Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and innovative, this stylish blazer is made from a hardwearing wool blend. It's treated with our unique Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ finishes, making it resistant to water and stains

Portfolio Speckled Bangle, at Mark & Spensers
Chunky style Speckled design

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Check Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Relaxed casual style for less! This pure cotton shirt is outstanding value

2 Pinstripe Non-Padded DD-G T-Shirt Bras, at Marks & Spencer
Providing great value and comfort for everyday wear, these plain and simple non-wired bras combine supportive full cups with convenient easy to care for fabric

When you're shopping at Marks & Spencers online store for your summer outfit, or looking for furniture to give your home a makeover, then spend a moment to also consider products from M&S Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spenser than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Finance. With images of volcano ash still fresh in many traveller's minds, it's good to remember there were many travellers who ended up wishing they had spent just a few pounds extra to obtain travel insurance for their trip. Of course, unfortunately, after the event is too late!

In fact, had you purchased travel insurance from M&S Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance website would have seen a message stating that although claims relating to volcanic eruptions are not normally covered by travel insurance, that on this particular occasion, they would "allow claims from UK customers affected by the volcanic ash that has recently grounded flights."