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 M&S, through its Marks & Spencer Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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, 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 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 Marks & Spencer Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Marks and Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Home Insurance or Motor Insurance, but M & S 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money loans, credit cards or Home Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, Marks & Spencer Money can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of Marks & Spencer Money insurance products (Home 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 Mark & Spencers insurance products in document format too.

Perfect Autograph Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at M&S
Style is all in the detail. This suit has square shoulders and slanted pockets to slim the waistline and give a modern fit, while the bold contrast lining adds extra chic

Collezione Textured Stripe Cufflinks, at M&S
Smart and sophisticated, these cufflinks add a touch of Italian-inspired style

Total Support Floral Embroidered Non-Wired Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this non-wired gives all-round support and uplift with good coverage, extra wide straps and 3 hook-and-eye fasteners. It's secure but gentle and lightweight, an ideal choice for everyday wear

Pure Cotton Lightning McQueen T-Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
A must for Disney's Cars fans, this crew neck t-shirt in soft cotton features a fun motif of the poplular character Lightning McQueen. Practical, easycare fashion

Spot Side Ruched Tankini Top, at M+S
Feminine and glamorous, this swimsuit is designed to fit and flatter. The halterneck makes it even more stylish

Beach Towel, at Marks and Spencers
Plain L160 x W90cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Plain Longline Tie Waistcoat, at Marks and Spencers
Contemporary and casual, this longline cardigan is made with cool comfortable cotton and features a tie waist for a fashionable look

Stripe Bowl, at Marks & Spensers
Stripe design Height: 6.5cm Diameter: 16cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Button Detail Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
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

Perfect Twin Buckle Tote Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Add a shiny splash of colour and style to your work suits with this great value patent bag. The perfect mood lifter!

Animal Alphabet Money Tin, at Marks & Spencers
1 money tin with padlock and 2 keys Animal print Dimensions: H11 x D8 cm

Filigree Collection - Table Lamp, at Marks & Spencer
Organza fabric shade Metal base and frame Acrylic leaf droplets H53.5 x Diam 16.5cm 40W SES candle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Moulton Shelving Unit, at Marks and Spenser
H190 x W90 x D38cm 5 shelves Made from solid ash and ash veneer All wooden shelving is finished with a starburst veneer effect Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lightweight Heart Print Scarf, at M&S
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your look with this elegant heart print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Limited Collection Double T-Bar Shoes, at M & S
Almond toe Double t-bar Buckle fastening Faux crocodile skin design Mid heel Heel heignt: 70mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Autograph Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Fine Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Space Dog T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this pure cotton long sleeve dog t-shirt is outstanding value!

Ceriso Styled Floral Embroidered Thong, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and stylish, this modern thong features floral embroidery and a lace trim. It fits and drapes beautifully and feels blissfully comfortable to wear. Feminine everyday lingerie

Château de Launay 2004 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 15% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 11.3 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Easycare Stripe Short Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

Oxford Toe Cap Shoes, at Marks & Spenser
Round toe Stitch detail Lace up Block heel

Autograph Zip Shoulder Bag, at M+S
Luxurious and beautiful, this leather handbag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's front pocket make it practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Autograph Leather Side Lace Bumptoe Shoes, at Mark's & Spencer
Tramline design Side lace Stitch detail Square bumptoe Small block heel

Formal Contrast Stitched Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather belt

Nudes Plain Underwired Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
Every woman needs underwear that looks invisible under clothing. Everyone's skin tone is different, so after some research into skin tones we've come up with Body Nudes, a range of flattering shades to suit everyone. Body Nudes is soft and comfy with no visible lumps or bumps, so you can be sure your clothes will look their best

M&S 15'' Flat Screen LCD TV - Silver, at Marks n Spencer
Display: 15 inch flat screen, 1280 x 800 pixels Contrast Ratio: 400:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: H34.5 x W38 x D17.5cm Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x Scart socket Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 Use wall mount

Mid Length Funnel Neck Jacket with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and relaxed, this funnel neck jacket makes an effortless way to get a stylish casual look

Pencil Circle Mug, at Marks and Spenser
Pencil circle design Slim handle Diam: 20mm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at M & S
Put an end to tiresome trips to the dry cleaners. Our range of machine washable and tumble dry suits combine the best in convenience and contemporary style

Pure Cotton V-Neck Vest, at Marks&Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this v-neck vest is made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers Standard Motor Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spenser, 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.