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&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 and Spencers, 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 Home 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 Mark's & 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 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 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.

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

Limited Collection Side Button Leggings, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Sketchy Bear Mum Birthday Card, at M+S
Cover text: To a wonderful Mum Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Flat Front Crease Resistant Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers

Green Seersucker Stripe Bedset, at Mark's & Spencer
Assorted stripe design Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Petite Pure Cotton Funnel Neck Coat with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and stylish, this funnel neck coat features flap pockets. A contemporary style in superior fabric, it will instantly update your wardrobe. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame.

Panasonic SC-PT170 DVD Home Cinema Sound System, at M&S
Whisper-mode surround 1080p Up-Conversion with HDMI 6 speakers Number of Output Channels: 5 + Subwoofer (5.1) Dolby Digital Decoder Total Wattage: 300W (RMS) Dolby Digital + DTS MP3 & DivX playback Super Video CD, Video CD Playback Dolby Pro Logic II Advanced Progressive Scan (PAL/ NTSC) Front speaker dimensions: W9.2 x H12.8 x D8.1cm Centre speaker dimensions: W12.5 x H9.4 x D8.1cm Surround speaker dimensions: W9.2 x H12.8 x D8.1cm Subwoofer speaker dimensions: W13.6 x H33.9 x D21.3 cm Television Signal System: PAL & NTSC USB Interface DVD and CD player

M&S Pantha Kettle, at Marks n Spencer
1.7 Litre capacity 2500-3000W Black and stainless steel finish 360 degrees rotating base with cord storage Water window and contrasting on/off switch Concealed element for fast boiling and easy cleaning Removable washable limescale filter Anti-slip base 2 year guarantee, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mixed Bead Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening Mixed bead design Link chain Necklace length: 40cm

Cotton Rich Contrast Stitch Bootleg Jeans, at Marks and Spencers
Flattering and fabulous, bootcuts make legs look longer and are kind to curves. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Recycled Compact Umbrella, at M & S
A practical and eco friendly choice, this compact umbrella is made from polyester from recycled plastic waste instead of oil. Using recycled materials helps to conserve the earth's natural resources and protect the environment for future generations

Silver Plated Assorted Petal Y Design Necklace, at Marks & Spencers
Y design chain necklace Assorted petal design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Recycled Stormwear™ & Stain Defence™ Senior Blazer, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and innovative, this blazer is made from polyester from 100% recycled materials. It's treated with our unique Stormwear™ and Stain Defence™ finishes so it's resistant to water and stains. A contrast coloured lining adds a finishing touch

Portfolio Long Length Stripe Skirt, at M & S
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

Lace-Up Canvas Trainers, at M & S
Round toe 6 eyelets Lace-up Flat sole

Woven Silk Floral Dot Tie with Stain Defence™, at Mark & Spensers
This woven silk tie has been treated with our stain defence™ technology giving inbuilt resistance to everyday spills, this repellence benefit is maintained after dry cleaning

Portfolio Reversible Leather Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable leather belt

Headboard - Double (4ft 6in), at Marks and Spencer
H77cm (without struts) x W148cm (all dimensions are approximate) Upholstered in your choice of fabrics or leathers Designed to fit most standard divans Mattress and divan sold separately Detailed care instructions are included 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 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 samples: 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

Per Una Corduroy Bootleg Trousers with Patent Belt, at Marks & Spenser
A smart pair of bootleg trousers in stretch cotton featuring a patent faux snake effect belt

Cotton Rich Low Rise Spot Print Shorts, at M+S
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these stylish spot print shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

Autograph Pleated Check Skirt with Wool, at M+S
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

Antigua Armchair, at Marks & Spensers
H97 x W98 x D98cm Seat H52cm, arm H67cm, top back rail H78cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that gives long-lasting performance and helps to maintain the cushions look and shape. Provides improved resilience without compromising on softness. Easy-care and springs back to its original shape after re-fluffing 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 feature reversible cushions Cushion covers are removable on this range 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 Wooden feet wrapped with rattan 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

Pure Cotton Ribbed Stripe Mitts, at M&S
Hanging loop Stripe design Ribbed, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Fresh Feet Slip On Boat Shoe, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Lace stitch detail Contrast stitching Slip on style Flat sole

Pure Cotton Spot Cropped Pyjamas, at Mark's & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these cropped pyjamas are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Perfect Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
A well cut shirt is a wardrobe staple. Ours has a touch of stretch for extra comfort and it's great value, too

Adored Comfort Floral Embroidered Non-Padded E-G Bra, at Mark & Spensers
Soft and pretty, this non-padded bra is made from the softest fabric and embroidery, so it feels blissfully comfortable to wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look. Feminine everyday lingerie

Per Una Scoop Neck Ruffle Front Top, at Marks and Spencers
An elegant fine stripe top featuring cap sleeve and rear keyhole detail. The tiered ruffle design gives it the Per Una touch

Florentyna Dusting Powder, at Mark & Spencers
Dusting powder with silk 75g

Autograph Wool Rich Funnel Neck Coat, at Marks & Spencer
Beautifully designed and finished, the classic funnel neck trench coat is given a modern update with contemporary styling

Gold Plated Marquis Tennis Bracelet, at Marks & Spencers
Leaf link design Diamant detail Clasp fastening

Shopping for financial products at Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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