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 & Spensers 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 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.

M&S 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 M&S 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 & 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:

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

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

4 Grace Mugs, at Mark's & Spencer
Set of 4 Fine China Leaf print Height: 10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Denim Jacket, at MarksandSpencer
Stylish and fashionable, this pure cotton denim jacket makes a comfortable and practical choice

75cm Shoelaces, at Marks & Spencer
Hardwearing shoelaces, 75cm length for up to 5 eyelets

Nursery Rhyme Sound Book, at Marks & Spencer
Children will love pressing the buttons and singing along to these four beautifully illustrated classic nursery rhymes: Humpty Dumpty, Hey Diddle Diddle, This Old Man & Three Blind Mice

Stainless Steel Handle Soup Ladle, at M+S
Suitable for non-stick saucepans Stainless steel finish Plastic scoop, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lightweight Crinkle Scarf with Wool, at Marks and Spencers
This sophisticated crinkle scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The tassel detail adds a stylish finishing touch

Spot Print Satin Chemise, at M & S
Feminine and elegant, this sleek satin nightdress feels comfortable and gives a flattering fit. A gorgeous, glamorous look

Classic Underwired Embroidered Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft, feminine and versatile, this embroidered bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

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

Pearl Clam Vanity Purse, at Marks and Spencer
Pearl Calm design Bead puller Two inner zip sections Detachable mirror

Via Ulivi Chianti 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks n Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Sangiovese & Canaiolo Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Older Girls' Riptape Glitter Shoes, at Mark & Spensers
Round toe Single riptape fastening Glitter design Flat sole Lined Comes in sizes 1-6

Large Woven Straw Holiday Bag, at M&S
Functional and stylish, this spacious holiday bag is ideal for carefree days on the beach or shopping at home

Autograph Double Buckle Mid Heel Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Double buckle feature Zebra print Mid heel Lined

Leather Oxford Lace Up Brogue Shoes, at Mark & Spencers
Pointed toe Punch feature Lace up Block heel

Glacier Bead Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencers
Mixed bead design Stretch style

Footglove™ Leather Loafers, at Mark & Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Slip on Low wedge heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Footglove™ Riptape Trainers, at Marks & Spencer
Step out in style in these Footglove™ trainers, made from soft leather. Comfortable, lightweight and flexible

Adored Floral Embroidered Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spenser
Delicate and stylish, this soft lace bra is gently supportive and exceptionally comfortable. Underwiring and padding give an enhanced natural shape. Feminine everyday lingerie

Inky Alliums Mum Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Mum, this brings lots of love and thanks for all that you do... Inside message: ...and wishes for a birthday that's wonderful like you Approx size: 150 x 150mm

The Floral Collection Iris Moisture Rich Bath Cream, at Marks & Spencer
500ml Iris scented Moisture rich Foaming

Grow Your Own Fruit by Carol Klein & The Royal Horticultural Society, at Marks & Spensers
In this book TV presenter and highly-regarded gardener Carol Klein creates a lavishly illustrated, practical and inspiring beginner's handbook to everything anyone ever needs to know to grow fruits all year round

Portfolio Grosgrain Twirl Slingback Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Heel height 75mm Round toe Strap with buckle fastening Grosgrain twirl feature Slingback style High heel Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Sunny Town Farmyard Friends, at Marks and Spenser
Horse, cow, hen, pig and sheep Promotes imaginative play Suitable for ages 12 + months This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Modal Blend Retro Trunks, at Marks and Spencer
Made from soft, luxurious modal blend, these superior trunks are designed for exceptional comfort, a fashionable look and a flattering fit

Autograph Pure Cotton Percale Pillowcase, at MarksandSpencer
Plain 400 thread count - thread count refers to the number of threads, both vertical and horizontal, in a one-inch square of fabric 100% cotton percale - a medium weight fabric in thread counts of 200 and above, percale is tighter than standard weave fabrics making it feel luxurious and smooth. It also washes very well. Supima Cotton - superior strength cotton with improved durability and increased lifespan. Because of the fineness of Supima cotton, more fibers can be spun into a yarn of a given count, which enhances the feel, softness, drapeability and brilliance of color. Think climate! This can be washed effectively at 30C, find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

iPod® Camera Connector, at Mark & Spensers
Compatible with colour display iPod and iPod video Requires iPod photo software v1.1 or later 2 year guarantee 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

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe Hooded Top, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and fun, the stripe design makes this practical hooded top extra special. It's made from soft pure cotton and feels comfy to wear.

3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Longline Stripe Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and flattering, this jumper features two front pockets. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Antique Brass & Glass Coffee & Side Table Set, at Mark's & Spencer
2 piece set Coffee table: H46 x L111 x 55.5cm Side table: H51 x W50 x D41cm Made of antique-effect solid brass tubing Tops made from toughened glass Legs made from solid brass tubing Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

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

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