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 & 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 Marks n Spencer, 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 Car 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 Car Insurance, but Marks & Spencers 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 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, Car 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.

M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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 Marks and Spencers 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Pure Cotton Skater Skirt with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and modern, this cotton A-line skirt features stripe design. A contemporary style choice that will take you through the season in style

2 Pairs of Ben 10 Socks, at Marks and Spencer
A must for all fans of Ben 10, these outstanding value socks feature assorted Ben 10 designs

3 Pairs of Opaque Varied Stripe Knee High Socks, at Marks and Spencer
These varied stripe knee high socks make a comfy and warm way to add a touch of style to this season's outfits. Added stretch and a reinforced toe gives durability and comfort

Autograph High Heel Stud Gladiator Sandals, at Marks and Spencer
Made with Insolia technology, an exclusive innovation that makes high heels more comfortable to wear and better for your body's alignment and balance. They work by taking the weight off your toes, so there's less pressure and more stability. Your legs, back and feet stay more comfy all day Open toe Stud strap detail Buckle fastening High heel Heel height: 9cm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Playmobil Horse Trailer Toy, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 4+ Includes two horses Removable vehicle roof This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S 1.5m HDMI Cable, at Marks & Spencers
1.5 metre cable Connects HDMI to HDMI 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

Maternity Full Length Leggings, at Marks&Spencer
Smart and stylish, these full length leggings are designed to flatter you and your bump. The stretch waist gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. Enjoy your pregnancy in style!

Per Una Floral Print Frill Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
An elegant short sleeve blouse in a soft cotton blend. Frill detail gives it the Per Una touch

Leather Tassel Shoulder Bag, at M+S
Stylish and practical, this handbag is made from luxurious hardwearing leather. A useful and fashionable accessory

Per Una Peep Toe Butterfly Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Peep toe Cutaway butterfly detail Bow feature Low heel Slip on Heel height 35mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Cotton Rich Short Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at M+S
A chic and stylish essential, this shirt features a fine stripe design. It works for day and evening, dressed up or down

Per Una Linen Blend Patch Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
An elegant knee-length skirt in a crisp linen blend. The patch design and arch panel hem detail give it the Per Una touch

F100 Open Coil Memory Foam Coolmax° Mattress & Sprung Edge Non-Storage Divan, at Mark's & Spencer
No turn mattress Mattress and divan are anti-allergy Mattress: spring count 288, depth 23cm Divan height: 41.5cm Single 3ft: W90 x L190cm Double 4ft6: W135 x L190cm King size 5ft: W150 x L200cm Super king size 6ft: W180 x L200cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Silk Rich Long Sleeve Cardigan, at M & S
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.

Per Una Floral Lace Padded Plunge Bra, at Marks&Spencer
Fresh and feminine, this padded bra features floral embroidery. It's underwired for extra support and the padded plunge style gives an enhanced shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Portfolio Painted Tulip Ruffle Dress, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Mimosa trend. A beautifully elegant look featuring chic, muted tones such as cocoa, mink, saffron and purple. Striking prints are key to this feminine trend

2 Fairtrade Cotton Rich Thin Strap Vests, at Marks & Spencers
Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade Stylish and practical, these strappy vests make an ideal choice for everyday wear. The soft cotton fabric gives a comfortable flattering fit. They're made from 100% Fairtrade cotton, helping local farmers to invest in developing their own communities

Hand Finished Characters Easter Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy Easter Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 125mm

Ribbon Trim Lattice Weave Hat, at Marks and Spencer
This stylish lattice weave hat is finished with a ribbon trim. Perfect for holidays or a sunny day

Rectangle Face Mesh Strap Watch, at Marks & Spenser
Rectangle face Analogue Mesh strap

Classic Collection Stitch Detail Long Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Long and lovely, this flared skirt is a stylish, versatile choice.

JBL SoundSticks II Audio Speaker System, at M&S
Speaker system: 3-piece plug and play multimedia speaker system Styling: Stunning, original design with great sound Equalisation: Features computer-optimized multi-band parametric equalization Touch control: Capacitance touch control buttons provide direct access to volume control Output: 20 Watts RMS subwoofer power output Dimensions: 41 x 51 x 31cm Weight: 499g 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

Cotton Rich °Climate Control Cycle Shorts, at MarksandSpencer
Climate control fabric absorbs and stores body heat when you're too hot and releases the heat when you're too cold. The result is the perfect body temperature so you'll feel comfortable all day. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology

Medium Blonde Doll, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 1-3yrs H39cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Skinny Jeans, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Bright Prints Range Set of 3 Pens Circles, at Marks & Spenser
Set of 3 13.5cm x 0.1cm

Handcrafted Edwardian Lady Mother's Day Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: To my lovely Mum on Mother's Day Inside message: Hope you have a lovely day Approx size: 178 x 126mm The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady Rowena Stott (Designs) Ltd and RW.UK. Ltd 2008 Licensed by opyrights Group

Nintendo DS™ Speed Racer Game, at Marks & Spencers
After uncovering the corrupt influence of Royalton Industries and defeating his opponents, Speed Racer has returned to the track for a shot at winning the prestigious World Racing League Cup. Who will be the first racer to make it to the finish line? Chose from 19 thrilling tracks all set a beautiful 3D racing environment Challenge up to 5 friends with wireless play to see who has what it takes to win the World Racing League Cup 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, Platforms: Nintendo DS, ESRB Rating: Everyone

Zebra Print Necklace & Earrings Set, at MarksandSpencer
2 part set Hook fastening drop earrings Clasp fastening with adjustable length multi strand necklace Zebra print mixed bead design Necklace length: 40cm, extendable by 8cm

2 Older Boys' Pure Cotton Assorted Baseball Caps, at Mark & Spencers
Casual and fashionable, these baseball caps feature a stunning floral print design

When you're shopping at Marks & Spensers 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 Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Household Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spenser than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Financial Services. 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 Financial Services, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Financial Services 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."