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 Spencer 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 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 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.

Marks & Spenser may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Property Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and 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 Finance 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 Property 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 (Property 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 M&S insurance products in document format too.

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 and 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, Sainsburys, or Tescos 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.

Per Una Chiffon Neckline Knitted Top with Angora, at Marks and Spencer
An elegant 3/4 sleeve top with fluffy angora featuring chiffon neckline panel

Wide Knightsbridge Formal Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable wide leather belt

5 Cotton Lycra® Plain Shorts, at Mark & Spensers
These cotton shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

Moscato Freisa Sweet Sparkling Rose NV - Case of 12, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Sweet Grape Variety: Moscato, Freisa Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 6.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 4.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 0.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

40 Denier Opaque Hold Ups, at Marks & Spenser
These comfy hold ups won't let you down. Their reinforced design gives long-lasting wear

Autoritas Shiraz 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry, rich and fruity Grape variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

125 Years Gift Card, at Marks and Spencer
Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Lotus Flower Lantern Candle, at Marks and Spencer
Scented Includes wooden plate, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Leather Twin Riptape Strap Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Twin riptape straps Flat sole Comes in sizes 1-7

Per Una Speziale Moisture Rich Lipstick, at M & S
Moisture rich Hypo-allergenic

1001 Little Fashion Miracles by Caroline Jones, at Marks & Spencer
Everything you need to know on styling, accessorizing and shopping. It will help you look your best in all types of circumstances. It also illustrates how to choose fabrics and cuts that flatter your figure, how to get the perfect balance between under dressing and overdressing, and how to create a striking silhouette that looks elegant but not contrived

British Heritage Grain Lace Up Gibson Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Lace up 4 eyelets Round toe Shallow block heel Inspired by traditional design Goodyear welted sole Full leather lining Crafted from premium calf leathers Made by hand in the UK

Autograph Floral Embroidered Combat Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
The pretty floral embroidery makes these fashionable combat trousers extra special. Soft cotton fabric and a waist tie will keep her feeling comfy. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Gold Finish Wood Photo Frame 20 x 25cm (8 x 10"), at Marks & Spencer
Rectangular frame Pine wood border Gold finish Aperture: 20 x 25cm (8x10") Dimension: H30.5 x W38.1 x D2.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dangerous Book for Boys Trivia Game Cards, at Marks & Spencer
Number of players: 2+ Suitable for ages 8+ Pack contains: 90 question cards Approx. card size: 83 x 116mm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Open Toe Floral Spot Mule Slippers, at Marks&Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these open toe slippers feature floral and spot print and they're machine washable for added convenience. Relax in style and comfort!

Autograph Chrome Desk Lamp, at Marks and Spencers
Classic design Adjustable arm Chrome plated finish Round base, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Modal Blend Short Sleeve Henley Neck Top, at M&S
Whether you're heading for bed or relaxing at home, this comfortable modal blend pyjama top is great for chilling out in style. Mix and match with our pyjama bottoms

Vinalta Malbec 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks n Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Malbec Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

The Great Britain Guide (AA Illustrated Reference Books), at Mark's & Spencer
This is the ultimate getaway to all the best-loved areas of Britain. Explore the best-loved and most popular parts of Britain - including all the national parks, heritage coastline, areas of outstanding natural beauty, mountains and rural areas. This guide enables you to choose your destination, your activities - walks, cycle rides and car tours. Inside, you'll find easy-to-use maps and modern layouts with newly commissioned photographs to inspire you and locator maps showing the area in detail. There are 1,000 main entries, 150 walks, 50 cycle rides, 24 car tours and hundreds of ideas for activities and places to visit. Simple to use, "The Great Britain Guide" contains all the information you need to make the most of your visit - where to go, what to see and do and what not to miss

Collezione Apron Suede Lace-Up Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Lace-up Block heel

Pure Cotton Peacock Print Top, at Marks & Spensers
This fashionable top features a stylish peacock print for a fab contemporary look

Autograph Pure Cashmere Oversize Scarf, at Mark's & Spencer
Indulge in a touch of luxury with this pure cashmere knitted scarf. It looks and feels gorgeous and comes in a range of beautiful colours so you'll be able to accessorise every outfit

Portfolio Wrap Tie Cardigan, at Marks and 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

DeLonghi EC710 Espresso Coffee Maker, at Marks & Spencer
Exclusive stainless steel body pumped espresso machine High performance 15 bar pump pressure ensures best tasting espresso / cappuccino with no limit to the number of cups produced 1.3 litre removable water reservoir with water level indicator Stainless steel espresso boiler for longer life ''Cappuccino System'' mixes steam, air and milk, producing a rich, creamy froth for a great cappuccino Comes with two filter holders, a new 'never fail' crema filter holder for normal ground coffee, the other for the 'easy serving espresso' pods and free Illy pods Self-priming system means the machine is always ready for use Separate steam and espresso thermostats Active cup warmer Accessories storage for a tidier kitchen Incorporated coffee tamper On/off switch with indicator light 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pairs of Textured Microfibre Socks, at MarksandSpencer
These soft rib trim socks have added stretch for comfort and durability so they'll last wear after wear

Autograph Full Volume Mascara, at Mark & Spencers
Smooth, glossy mascara for full volume lashes Revolutionary brush shape gives up to 300% volume Non flaking Smudge proof Hypoallergenic Available in 5 shades

Ultimate Non Iron Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Check 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

Portfolio Cotton Rich Straight Leg Jeans, at MarksandSpencer
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

Pure One Mini DAB Radio, at M&S
Frequency ranges: DAB Band III 174-240 MHz, FM 87.5-108 MHz Speaker: Full-range 3" drive unit Audio power output: 1.6W RMS Input connectors: 5.5V DC power adapter socket (230V adapter supplied), Mini USB connector for software upgrades, 3.5mm Line in for auxiliary devices Output connectors: 3.5mm headphone socket Controls: Standby, DAB/FM, Info, Autotune, Presets, Stations and select/volume dial LCD Display: Custom, easy to read LCD with 16 x 2 character display plus status icons Mains power supply: 230V AC to 5.5V (1.0A) DC external power adapter Battery power supply: ChargePAK B1 (not supplied). At normal listening levels ChargePAK B1 provides up to 20 hours of portable DAB listening Connection: Connect an iPod/MP3 player or portable CD Aerial: Integral telescopic aerial Text scan: Pause and control scrolling text, giving you time to note down web addresses, competition phone numbers or song titles USB: Add new features as they become available via USB R.D.S: RDS support for station name display on FM and RDS scrolling text Charge pak ready: For maximum convenience add the optional "Fit and Forget" ChargePAK, for around 20 hours of portable DAB listening 16 presets: 16 presets (8 DAB, 8 FM) Dimensions: H13.5 x W13 x D6cm (excluding controls) 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

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