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 & Spensers, through its Marks & Spencer 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 Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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

Contrary to popular opinion, not every insurance company is out to get you, and it's not every insurance company that will disect the fine-print until they find some way of denying your insurance claim. However, you do need to shop around for the financial products and insurance policies that are the best suited for your individual needs.

That's why insurance policies, and other financial products, from Marks and Spencer are so useful. Marks & Spencer Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & Spencer a profit, but there is no denying that they are also very good value for money, offering many features as standard which you'd often need to pay extra for at other insurance companies.

Take, for example, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property Insurance policies have limits on particular types of items such as freezer contents, garden furniture and outdoor toys, outbuildings or cars, etc. These restrictions are called inner limits. However, the only inner limits on the Marks & Spencer Money Property Insurance policy are £500 for cash; £2m for property-owners and personal liability; £10m for domestic employees liability and £40,000 for tenants liability. Even better is the fact that you're likely to pay no more for Marks & Spencer Money Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Perfect Autograph Weekend Modal Blend Camisole, at Marks & Spencers
Loungewear goes glamorous with these gorgeous pieces in slinky satin and soft modal. Who needs to get dressed, anyway ?

Older Girls' Permair™ Flower Bar School Shoes, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Floral detail Single riptape fastening strap Flat sole Scuff resistant Permair™ micro porous coating makes the shoes scuff- and water-resistant and easy to clean, while allowing feet to breathe

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Heart Print Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and trendy, this pack of 5 cotton shorts makes a great way to stock up on essential style

Silicone Pads, at MarksandSpencer
Give your shape a boost with these silicone pads. They slip into your usual bras to add an extra cup size and enhance your cleavage

Easycare Short Sleeve Fine Pinstripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

First Readers Little Red Riding Hood, at Marks&Spencer
...''Oh Granny, what big ears you have!'' says Little Red Riding Hood. ''All the better to hear you with,'' snaps back the wolf. Enjoy finding out how Little Red Riding Hood outwits the wolf, in this quirky retelling of the classic fairy tale

3 Cool & Fresh Pure Cotton Assorted Boxers, at Marks and Spencer
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy cool and fresh stripe boxers are ideal for everyday wear

Leather Chino Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather belt

Footglove™ Leather Wide Fit Moccasins, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Slip on Wide fit Mid heel Heel height 48mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Welcome Reds - Case of 12, at M & S
2 Domaine Lafage VdP des Ctes Catalanes 2007 2 Campo Bravo Rioja Vendimia Seleccionada 2007 4 Santa Gloria Merlot 2008 4 Villagio, Negroamaro Puglia 2008 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pasta Recipe Book, at Marks & Spencer
Pasta - food for passion, food for life! For food that puts the colour and fun back into your life, look no further than pasta. Infinitely versatile and always delicious, pasta allows you to cook up a storm in the kitchen and whip up Italian delights that cannot fail to impress. Invite over the family, gather around the kitchen table and tuck into some truly inspirational food. For fail-safe ideas that take the minimum of effort, look no further than the recipes inside this book

Puzz-Doku 150 Piece Jigsaw, at Marks n Spencer
Number of jigsaw pieces: 150 Approx. size of completed puzzle: 300 x 210mm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Long Sleeve Metallic Finish Hooded Parka, at Mark & Spencers
The parka is an essential item that will never go out of style. This cosy easycare style is finished with a glamorous handy side pockets and hood

Dualit Hand Mixer - Cream, at Marks n Spencer
5 speed settings 300 Watt heavy duty professional motor Unique retractable power cord storage Soft Touch mark-resistant finish, with Soft Touch easy grip handle Beater ejector unit Includes 2 multi-purpose oversize flat beaters, 2 dough hooks & 1 balloon whisk Integral plug storage Dimensions: H30 x W18 x D6.5cm 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

Pure Cotton Hooded Top & T-Shirt Set, at Mark & Spensers
This fashionable layered look is a 2 piece set - a t-shirt and hooded top, both in soft comfortable cotton. Stylish, practical and easycare

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Outback Hat, at Marks and Spencers
Sun protection gets stylish with this outback style hat

3 Stain-Away™ Short Sleeve Polo Shirts, at Marks n Spencer
A great value 3-pack treated with STAIN-AWAY™, our unique high performance finish which helps prevent everyday stains, and makes them easy to wash out clean. It even works with ink blots!

Wool Rich Lion Rug, at Marks and Spenser
Rectangular shape Soft, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Linen Blend 3 Piece Suit, at Marks n Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Compton Media Unit, at MarksandSpencer
H50 x W127 x D45cm Shelf dimensions: H14 x W48 x D40cm 2 adjustable shelves Made from White Oak solids and veneers Hand distressed, with the distressing aged with dark patina Mid-brown stained finish, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Solid hardwood legs Side panels, door panels, back panels made from oak veneer. Top panels made from oak veneer with a solid oak edging for strength All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

High Impact Level 3 Smooth Non-Wired Sports Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Comfortable and secure, this level 3 sports bra gives firm, gentle support during high impact activity

3 Pure Cotton Assorted Words Tea Towels, at Marks & Spencer
3 part set Assorted words designs, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Self Check Blouse, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this self check blouse will give your look an instant lift. It looks lovely worn with plain skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic collection

Blue Harbour Mini Check Shirt, at M&S
A fashionable look without the fuss. This mini check shirt is quick and easy to iron

2'' Longer Easy Iron Pure Cotton Gingham Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Stylish and innovative, this check easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

2 Melamine Mixing Bowls, at Mark's & Spencer
Set of 2 Plain Pouring spout, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Blush Bath Cream, at Marks & Spensers
Bath cream 200ml

Volume & Lengthening Mascara, at Marks & Spencers
Volumises eyelashes Hypo-allergenic Lengthens lashes

Cotton Rich Velour Stripe Hooded Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfy, this hooded jacket is made from velour and features stripe design. An easycare essential with a stylish look.

Holographic Flowers Roll Wrap, at Marks & Spensers
1 roll wrap Approx size: 1.5 x 700mm

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Marks & Spenser Standard Motor Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money you can keep the cost of your Motor Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Motor Insurance cover from Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spenser, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Motor Insurance from M&S Finance, you get more, and you pay less.