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 Spenser 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 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.

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 and 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 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Mark & Spencers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and 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 Financial Services website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Financial Services products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Financial Services loans, credit cards or Buildings & Contents Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services insurance products (Buildings & Contents 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 Marks and Spencers insurance products in document format too.

Limited Collection Plain Underwired T-Shirt Bra, at Marks and Spenser
Fun and fabulous, this t-shirt bra is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. It's perfectly smooth so you won't get any visible lumps and bumps under your clothes. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Sonoma Dark Double Wardrobe, at Marks & Spencer
H200 x W91 x D65cm 1 hanging rail and 1 shelf 2 doors and 1 drawer Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Handles made from solid wood Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid hardwood. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Legs made from solid hardwood Door frames made from solid wood. Door panels made from White Oak veneer 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 SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this wardrobe as part of a set. Click here to view the Sonoma Dark Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Trousers with Belt, at Marks & Spenser
The pretty floral embroidery makes these fashionable trousers extra special. Soft cotton fabric and an elasticated waist will keep her feeling comfy

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

3 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Assorted Trunks, at Marks and Spencer
Made from soft breathable stretch cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

Formula Age Repair Firming Day Cream SPF 15 + Ceramide, at Marks and Spencer
Contains ceramide and apple Especially formulated for mature skin Fine lines and wrinkles appear reduced Hypoallergenic 50ml

FHM - Magazine Gift Subscription, at Marks & Spencers
Crammed with must read features, reviews, jokes, gadgets and celebrity interviews - not forgetting the sexiest women in the world! FHM is funny, sexy and useful. An essential read for every man!

Classic Duckling Ceramic Breakfast Set, at Marks and Spencer
Pack Contains: 1 plate, 1 bowl, 1 cup Approx Size: Plate: 150 mm diameter. Bowl: 130 mm diameter. Bowl: 130 mm diameter

Sleeveless Chambray Shirt Dress, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and modern, this chambray dress features button fastening and a tie waist detail. A flattering, stylish look

Ogee Damask Cushion, at Mark & Spensers
L50 x W50cm Real feather inner Square Damask design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

125 Years Leather Classic Monk Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Pointed toe Punch feature Stitch detail Buckle fastening Block heel

Philips 5000 series 47" Full HD 1080p LCD TV, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 47 inch LCD Full HD W-UXGA Act. matrix Screen enhancement Anti-Reflection coated screen Audio: Nicam Stereo, Incredible Surround, Treble and Bass Control Connectors: HDMI v1.3, S-video in, CVBS in, Audio L/R in, Headphone out, USB 2.0, Audio L/R, CVBS in, RGB, YPbPr, Audio L/R in, Audio constant level out, PC Audio in, PC-In VGA, S/PDIF out (coaxial), Common Interface Picture enhancement: Pixel Plus HD, 3/2 - 2/2 motion pull down, 3D Combfilter, Active Control + Light sensor, Colour Enhancement, Colour Transient Improvement, Digital Noise Reduction, Dynamic contrast enhancement, Luminance Transient Improver Child Protection: Child Lock+Parental Control Ease of Installation: Auto Programme Naming, Automatic Channel Install (ACI), Automatic Tuning System (ATS), Autostore, Fine Tuning, PLL Digital Tuning, Plug and Play Ease of Use: Auto Volume Leveller (AVL), Delta Volume per preset, Programme List, Settings assistant Wizard, One-stop Home button, Favourite programme selection Power consumption: 250 W Included Accessories: Tabletop swivel stand, Power cord, Quick start guide, CD-ROM with software + manual, User Manual, Warranty certificate, Remote Control, 2 x AAA Batteries Dimensions: H71 x W115 x D9cm (without stand) H77 x W115 x D30cm (with stand) Weight: 22.1kg (without stand) 26.1kg (with stand) Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV 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

Front Pleat Non-Iron Pinafore with Stormwear™, at Marks and Spencers
This traditional pinafore offers quality at an outstanding value price. It's treated with our unique Stormwear™ finish, making it resistant to water and stains. Non-iron fabric saves you time

Fina Sangre 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Full bodied Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenre and Syrah Country of origin: Chile 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

Official British & Irish Lions Tie - Pure Silk Woven Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spenser
M&S is the official formalwear supplier to the British & Irish Lions for the squad's summer 2009 tour of South Africa. Share our pride and show your support with this luxurious pure silk, multi stripe tie British & Irish Lions official formalwear supplier - We're proud to be an official supplier to the British and Irish Lions Tour 2009. Click here to see the squad in action with M&S

Dr Dog Book, at Marks & Spensers
Feeling dizzy? Feeling sick? You need the expert attention of Dr Dog! Both pet and personal physician to the Gumboyle family, Dr Dog is always on hand with the perfect diagnosis and remedy for every complaint. So, whether it's tickly tonsils, itchy nits or unspeakable tummy troubles, hear some common sense advice from Dr Dog - the canine consultant that no home should be without

Tropical Bouquet with free glass vase, at Marks & Spenser
Get a FREE glass vase when ordering this bouquet for delivery between 22 August-9 September Online Exclusive Featuring five mini pineapple, six dendrobium sonia and three kentia palm, you can enjoy a touch of the tropics with this tropical bouquet. Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Stainless Steel Barbecue Tool Set, at Mark & Spensers
5 piece Barbeque set 1 x turner 1 x tongs 3 x skewers Stainless steel

Sensational at Sixty Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Sensational at Sixty Inside is blank for your own message 175 x 126mm

Long sleeve Floral Print Hooded Mac, at Marks and Spencer
Don't let rainy days spoil the fun! Fashionable and comfy, this floral print mac with detatchable hood will protect her from showers

5 Pairs of Long Butterfly Socks, at Marks & Spencer
With added stretch ensuring they stay up all day long, these cotton rich knee high socks are a perfect option for the coming school year

Autograph Sport Eau de Toilette, at Marks and Spencer
100ml Sporty fragrance This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Per Una Clover Embroidered Non-Padded Bras, at Marks and Spencers
Elegant and feminine, this pack of 2 stylish bras feature stretch lace fabric and a clover embroidered design. It's underwired and structured for great support and an enhanced natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Autograph Merano 2-Seater Unit (Right-Hand Arm), at Marks and Spencer
H84 x W172 x D102cm Seat H47cm, arm H63cm, top back rail H63cm (all dimension are approximate) Seat cushions made from shape-retaining foam with extra-thick fibre wrap - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 Fabric options have reversible cushions 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 Glide feet with a dark finish 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 0845 603 1 603 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Autograph Silk Rich Padded Pleat Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Glamorous and sophisticated, this luxurious bra is made from soft stretch silk, finished with a lace trim. Gentle padding and underwiring give a flattering uplifted shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Castillo del Moro Airen Sauvingon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: 85% Airen and 15% Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: Spain Closure: Screw cap Alcohol by volume: 11% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 8.3 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.4 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Wisteria Luggage Weekend Rollercase, at Mark & Spensers
Free 5 year guarantee Supported by sturdy wheels and a stand-alone feature, this rollercase is the ideal option for short trips away. It has dual packing compartments and a big 37 litre capacity

50/50 Pleated Bedset, at Marks & Spensers
Pleated design Single set includes duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Parka, at Marks & Spencer
The stripe print parka is a must-have item this season. This version, made from a soft easycare fabric, features a modern 3/4 length sleeve turn up design

Velour Drawstring Plain Bootleg Joggers, at Marks n Spencer
Flattering and functional, these soft comfy joggers are made from lush velour, giving a stylish look to this easycare essential

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 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 & Spensers 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."