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

M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 & 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, Sainsbury's, or Tescos:

• 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 Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

M&S Finance Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Buildings Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Finance Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Pleated Corduroy Skirt with Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty cute and fashionable, this pleated skirt with tights is outstanding value!

Chinese Cooking School Recipe Book, at Marks & Spenser
Cooking School is a new series of cookbooks that will take your tastebuds on a global adventure ! Aimed at helping you to re-create the world's most popular cuisines in your own kitchen, the easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipes are suitable for both novice and accomplished home cooks. The art of chinese cooking has evolved over many centuries, yet it has never been more popular in teh West than it is today. Chinese cooks have developed tasty dishes for every possible occasion - from dainty wontons to colourful stir-fries and from vibrant vegetable dishes to fruity desserts. Cooking school chinese will teach you how to make all the classic dishes, plus many new and contemporary twists on old favourites, with helpful hints and tips for achieving perfect results every time. Get cooking and bring a taste of china into your home !

Cream & Black RSVP Cards - Pack of Ten, at Mark's & Spencer
Inside message: Many thanks for your kind wedding invitation................................................................Would be pleased to accept/cannot accept 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: 133 x 73mm

Rose & Freesia, at M & S
Internet ExclusiveThis sunny yellow and white bouquet echoes all the beauty and colour of spring with a fabulous selection of roses and freesias complimented by a scattering of ruscus Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Ultimate Stormwear™ Pure New Wool Double Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks&Spencer
This high performance suit is made to work as hard as you do. It's extra durable and added stretch keeps it in great shape while giving you enhanced comfort and ease of movement

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Robot T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Fun and fashionable, this long sleeve t-shirt in soft cotton features a robot motif design and slogan. A practical easycare style

Clarendon 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencers
H91 x W202 x D103cm Seat H52cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that maintains the cushions' look and shape. Click here to Find out more Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Feet are castors All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 08457 624 624 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pairs of 7 Denier Slip Resistant Knee Highs, at MarksandSpencer
These clever knee highs have special pads on the sole to stop them slipping in your shoes. Perfect for wearing with trousers

Appliqué Heart Dressing Gown, at Marks & Spencers
Wrap up and relax in this soft dressing gown featuring an Appliqu heart design for a pretty look

Machine Washable Spot Design Tie, at Marks & Spenser
No more trips to the drycleaners! This smart striped tie is machine washable

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Large Spot Blouse with Belt, at Marks & Spenser
This fab short sleeve blouse features a stunning spot design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

3 Pairs of 15 Denier Ladder Resist Sheer Knee Highs, at Marks and Spencer
An M&S exclusive. Amazing yarn stops holes turning into ladders. Three way stretch gives a perfect fit. The comfort top is designed to keep them in place without leaving marks

Ring Trim Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencers
Pretty and feminine, these flattering bikini bottoms are designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Coat Stand Mannequin Jewellery Holder, at Marks & Spencer
Mannequin design Multiple hooks

Dualit Blender - Cream, at Marks & Spencer
1.5 litre jug capacity Variable speed control 500 Watt heavy duty motor Removable blades for user safety and ease of cleaning Patented safety interlock system for blades - prevents the blades from rotating unless both glass jug and lid are in place Pulse/turbo feature Ice-crushing/smoothie function Cord storage Removable component in the lid which acts as a measuring cup for small quantities of ingredients Non-slip suction feet Weight: 5 kg Dimensions: W16 x H37 x L21 cm 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

Long Sleeve Stormwear™ Ruffle Coat, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this cosy coat is warmly padded and lined with fleece. It's treated with our unique Stormwear™ technology which repels water and stains. Storm cuffs help keep arms warm and hold on gloves

Collezione Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket with Silk, 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

Pearl Effect Floral Y Design Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Pearl effect and diamant detail Y design chain Clasp fastening Adjustable length Length: 41cm

125 Years Limited Collection Cotton Rich Racer Back Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fabulous, this cotton rich bra is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. Its perfectly smooth so you wont get any visible lumps and bumps under your clothes. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Pure Cotton Bird All-In-One with Pram Shoes Gift Set, at Marks & Spencer
2 piece set Long sleeve popper fastening all-in-one with bird motif and spot print Round toe slip on bird motif pram shoes

Poached Dressed Scottish Lochmuir™ Salmon, at Marks&Spencer
Serves 8 Ready to eat 1.1kg As featured on page 24 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Happy Birthday Cupcake Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Agrapart & Fils 'Terroirs' Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne NV - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Sparkling and dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Textured Mid Calf Length Piped Skirt, at Marks & Spensers
Chic and stylish, this skirt makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Siemens Electric Double Oven, at Marks and Spencer
H888 x W595 x D550 mm 58L capacity oven in stainless steel Cooking methods: conventional heat, half width variable grill, full width variable grill, hot air, defrosting Pull down glass door Maximum temp: 275C Energy efficiency class: B This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Small Giraffe Soft Toy, at Marks & Spencers
Suitable for ages 0-3yrs Approx 22cm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Luxury Party Selection, at Marks n Spencer
53 pieces Serves 12 Ready to cook and eat 1.25kg total As featured on page 15 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

Big & Tall Flat Front Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Authentic Beachwear Cropped Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Fresh and fashionable, these below-the-knee trousers look chic with wedges, sandals or flat pumps

Electronic Decision Maker Husband Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: To my, Gorgeous, Charming, Hunky, Cheeky, Fabulous, Handsome, Husband Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 215 x 150mm

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

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

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