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 Marks and 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 Household Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Marks and 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 & 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 Finance 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 Finance loans, credit cards or Household Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 and Spencer insurance products in document format too.

When you're shopping at Marks&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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Household Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencer 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."

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

5 New Lace Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Smart, snug and easy to care for, these cosy shorts combine a flattering fit with a lace design and stretchy fabric to create the perfect knickers for day to day wear

Blue Harbour Short Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable look without the fuss. This short sleeve stripe shirt is quick and easy to iron

Adored Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Long Nightdress, at Marks and Spencers
Stylish and elegant, this flattering long nightdress is part of our feminine Adored collection. It's made from the softest fabrics for the ultimate in comfort

Filigree Design Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencer
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Zip Through Hooded Fleece, at Marks & Spencers
Comfy and cosy, this fleece coat feels soft and warm and is great value. A practical, easycare style

125 Years Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

Square Check Wrap Mini Skirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Short and sweet, this mini skirt looks and feels luxurious. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Lucky Wedding Horseshoe, at Marks and Spencers
1x horseshoe Diameter: 130mm

Autograph Pure Cotton Floral Sequin Dress, at Marks & Spencers
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

3 Pairs of Cotton Blend Socks with Linen, at Mark & Spensers
Soft and comfortable, these cotton blend socks are naturally breathable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Laser Cut Scene Wedding Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Blank Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Knitted Top with Angora, at Marks & Spencers
An elegant 3/4 sleeve top with fluffy angora featuring chiffon neckline panel

Contemporary Metallic Wall Clock, at Marks and Spenser
Plain face Wall mountable Metallic circle design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Silk Handkerchief, at Marks & Spencer
Luxuriously soft handkerchief in pure silk

Per Una Embroidered Balcony Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Elegant and feminine, this bra is beautifully embellished with pretty embroidery. The padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape

Blue Harbour Pure Lambswool V-Neck Jumper, at M+S
An extremely comfortable jumper. It's made from extrafine lambswool which is spun for the softest feel. Conveniently, it can be machine washed and tumble dried and it resists bobbling

Bunny Helps Out Book, at M&S
Bunny is helping to hang out the washing, when the wind blows and whisks it all away. How will Bunny ever get the washing back? Follow him on his chase through the woods and meet the animals he sees along the way

Autograph Freedom® Roses - Dozen, at Marks n Spencer
These extra-long stemmed, large-headed roses come in a selection of glorious shades. All of the rose bouquets are hand-tied and beautifully wrapped in frosted Autograph™ cellophane and black ribbon Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

XBOX 360® Quantum of Solace Game, at Marks and Spencer
You must be 12 years of age or over to purchase this product You are the new Bond: Employ all of you Bond skills in high-octane combat, chaotic gun fights and precise stealth takedowns Take cover: First-person shooting with third-person cover combat allows you to adjust your game play to meet each challenge Fight worthy adversaries: Advanced A.I. systems allow enemies to react to you in intelligent and tactical ways The new world of Bond: Immerse yourself in the world of Bond with characters from both films and missions that take you through exotic real-world locations Become the world's premier MI6 agent: Go online with standard 12-player multiplayer modes plus unique Bond modes 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: Xbox 360, ESRB Rating: Teen

Hard-Top Non-Storage Divan & M200 Mattress, at Mark & Spensers
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan Height: 41cm Mattress has a soft pillowtop layer Mattress Spring Count: 522 Hard-Top divan rigid, un-sprung frame gives a firmer feel. Recommended for use with selected mattresses All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Disney Princess Glitter Sticker Book, at M&S
Packed with activities to keep children occupied for hours. Over 75 glitter stickers to bring some Princess sparkle to young readers. Featuring all of the most popular Princess characters.

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Floral Embroidered Dress, at Mark's & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this short sleeve dress is made from cool, comfortable cotton. Floral embroidery adds a stylish twist

Autograph Leather Trim Court Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Pointed toe Slip-on Buckle feature Contrast trim High heel

7 Pairs of Big & Tall Freshfeet Stripe Heel & Toe Socks with Silver Technology, at Mark & Spensers
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

2 Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Charlie & Lola™ T-Shirts, at M&S
A must for fans of Charlie and Lola™ this pack of 2 t-shirts both feature the popular character

Collezione Wool Rich Single Pleat Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Per Una Detachable Faux Fur Hooded Jacket, at Marks&Spencer
A fashionable long jacket featuring detachable faux fur hood. The stitch detail makes it extra stylish.

Marlow Triple Wardrobe, at Marks n Spencer
H182 x W137 x D52cm With 1 hanging rail and 3 shelves Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard Assembled for you in the home This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this wardrobe as part of a set. Click here to view the Marlow Collection Set. Click here to view the internal layout of this furniture, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & F100 Mattress, at Marks & Spencers
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large Drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm, Small Drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Smaller drawers at the head end are designed to open without moving your bedside table Open coil mattresses provide a hard-wearing and supportive background Sprung-edge divan - Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 Marks and Spencer 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 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 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.