Shopping for financial products at M&S Financial Services UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark's & Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Financial Services website:

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

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

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.

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

Hancock DVD, at MarksandSpencer
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Tree Pastry Cutter, at Marks and Spenser
Tree design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Non-Wired Padded Bras, at Marks n Spencer
Smooth and versatile, this padded bra is structured for secure support and an enhanced natural shape. Ideal for everyday wear

Bonded Leather Collection - Oval Bin, at Marks & Spencers
Elegant waste bin Tubular shape Simple design suits most settings H30.8 x W31 x D23.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Knee Length Flared Belted Skirt, at M & S
Sleek and stylish, this flared skirt makes a fashionable, flattering choice. A glamorous modern look

Blue Harbour Stretch Denim Jeans, at Marks and Spenser
Relaxed and casual, these straight leg jeans are made with stretch for comfort and ease of movement

Per Una Essentials Seersucker Shorts, at Marks and Spenser
Feminine and delicate, these stylish shorts feature a lace trim. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

First Readers The Emperor's New Clothes, at Marks and Spencer
First readers help beginner readers to enjoy their favourite fairy tales. Sharing the main story and the delightful pictures with your child will develop familiarity with the words and phrases. Your child will soon be ready

Mixed Bead Multi Strand Stretch Bracelet, at Marks&Spencer
Stretch bracelet Tie fastening Multi strand Mixed bead design

Blue Harbour Straight Leg Stretch Denim Jeans, at M+S
Classically styled thanks to their straight legs and five pocket design, these are as comfortable and durable as you'd expect from Blue Harbour. Team anything from trainers to boots and jumpers to vest tops

Towelling Mules, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Backless Comes in sizes 3-8

Autograph Leather Lace-Up Shoes by Jeffery-West, at Marks and Spencers
Square toe Punched hole 4 eyelets Lace-up Block heel Tramline design Designed exclusively for Autograph by Jeffery-West

Pure Cotton Ottoman Placemat, at M&S
Ribbed design Rectangle shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Château Panchille Cuvée Alix 2005 - Case of 6, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians 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

Lilac Allium 70th Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Approx. size: 178 x 126mm Cover text: Happy 70th birthday Inside message: With love on your 70th birthday

M&S 2-Tier Steamer, at Marks & Spenser
5.6 litre capacity 800 watt 60 minute timer 2 detachable steaming compartments Power indicator Automatic shut-off Dimensions: H39 x D35cm 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

Pink Pencil Pleat Curtains, at Marks & Spencer
Plain Pencil pleat top Dimout coated Comes in 54 and 72 inch drop How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Combo Corded & Cordless Phone with Answering Machine, at Marks and Spencer
Up to 9 hours talk time and 150 hours standby Large 3 line display on base 300 name and number phonebook (150 on corded, 150 on handset) 3 direct memory on corded base Up to 14 minutes digital recording time and remote access Handsfree speakerphone Caller display stores information on the last 20 calls 10 ringer melodies Last 10 number redial Adjustable earpiece, ringer and speakerphone volume Interference free 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

Faceted Bead Ribbon Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Faceted beads Ribbon necklace Tie fastening Necklace length 107cm

Classic Collection Round neck Cashmilon™ Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
Stylish and so comfortable, this round neck cardigan in softest cashmilon™ feels as good as it looks and the smart 3/4 length sleeve adds the perfect finishing touch

Secret Support™ Lace Trim Vest, at Marks and Spencer
Flattering and feminine, this nightdress is made with Secret Support™ which gives gentle support and a flattering, defined shape. A soft, comfortable style

Oh-So Lovely, at Mark's & Spencer
This luxurious bouquet, featuring soft white roses and lovely cream and purple edged carnations, is sure to make someone feel special Available for delivery between 1st April to 30th September 2009

Lotus Flower Scented Pillar Candle, at Mark & Spencers
Flower scented Pillar shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

16 Garlic Mushrooms, at Marks & Spenser
16 pieces Serves 8 Ready to cook Suitable for vegetarians 2 x 200g total weight As featured on page 43 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Angled Stitch Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Fluid and feminine, these straight leg trousers are cut to flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. Practical and fashionable, they make a great choice for work or smart occasions

Face à Face Colombard Sauvignon 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 11.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 8.6 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.4 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Stainless Steel Whisk, at Marks and Spencer
Loop handle for hanging storage L31cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

7 Pairs of Freshfeet Square Design Socks, at Marks n Spencer
The innovative Aegis Active Freshness system will keep these socks smelling fresh and odour free and its permanently built into the sock to perform wash after wash. They're cotton rich for soft natural comfort and have a reinforced heel and toe for extra durability

Blue Harbour Funnel Zip Neck Fleece, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, this funnel zip neck fleece is outstanding value!

Multifaceted Pebble Necklace, Earrings & Bracelet Set, at Marks n Spencer
3 part set Multifaceted pebble design Hook fastening drop earrings Clasp fastening necklace with adjustable length Stretch bracelet Necklace length: 46cm, extendable by 8cm Bracelet length: 19cm For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencer 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencer 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."