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&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 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 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 M & S 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 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.

When you're shopping at M & S 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 Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings 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 Money. 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 Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M+S Money 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."

Pure Chronos II DAB & FM Clock Radio, at Marks and Spencer
Frequency ranges: DAB Band III 174-240 MHz, DAB L-Band 1452-1491 MHz and FM 87.5-108 MHz Speaker: Full-range 2" drive unit. 1.7W RMS amplifier. Active speaker equalization filter Input connectors: 5.5V DC power adaptor socket (230V supplied). Mini USB connector for product upgrades Output connectors: 3.5mm stereo output for headphones Controls: Power on/standby, volume +/-, snooze, menu, DAB/FM, sleep, alarm, preset, tune/select, select +/- LCD display: LCD display with 16x2 characters. Features auto-dimming backlight Mains power supply: 230V AC to 5.5V DC external power adapter Dimensions: H6 x W19 x D17cm Aerial: Wire aerial attached Alarm: Four independent alarm settings, with wake to tone, DAB, FM or CD options Light sensor: Light sensor automatically adjusts the display brightness to suit the light levels in your room Intellitext: Browse stored scrolling text at your convenience. Intellitext is available from participating stations Text scan: Pause and control scrolling text 20 Presets: 10 DAB and 10 FM RDS: RDS support for station name display on FM and RDS scrolling text USB: USB Add new features as they become available via USB 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

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and stylish, this stripe shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Scruffy Dog and Football Age 4 Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: 4 Football-tastic Years Old! Inside Message: Have a great day Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Girls' Limited 2 Piece Pure Cotton Butterfly Top, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Girls Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

3 Cotton Rich "Lightning McQueen" Trunks, at Mark's & Spencer
A must for fans of Cars, these cotton rich trunks feature Lightning McQueen

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & M300 Mattress, at Marks and Spencer
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Mattress has reinforced side stitching giving greater edge support Individually pocketed springs Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel Mattress spring count: 896 Sprung-edge divan can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Autograph Weekend Satin Honeycomb Print Chemise, at Marks & Spencer
Luxurious and sophisticated, this modern chemise is part of our exclusive Autograph Weekend collection. It's beautifully designed and detailed with honeycomb print and made from the softest fabrics for the ultimate in comfort

Travel Hair Turban, at Marks & Spenser
W60 x H23cm

'Relax' Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Relax on your birthday... Inside message: Have a lovely day! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Mock Crocodile Leather Bag, at Marks & Spencers
A gorgeous fashion accessory as well as a practical piece of luggage, this overnight bag is made from leather with a mock croc design. It has a 28 litre capacity and comes with a detachable shoulder strap and padlock

5 Cotton Rich Plain School Socks, at M & S
Versatile and comfy, these cotton rich socks are durable enough for every day school wear

Running Book, at M & S
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise that you can choose. Aimed at those who are new to running, this book advises you on what you need to get started and how to continue in order to improve.

White Pearl Damask Place Cards - Pack of Ten, at Marks and Spencer
Contains: 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: Flat: 90 x 90mm Approx size: Folded: 45 x 90mm

2 Autograph Assorted Trunks, at Marks and Spencers
Featuring the best in modern fabric and contemporary design, these luxurious trunks feel exceptionally comfortable and give a superior fashionable fit

Beaded Collection 4 Coasters, at Marks and Spenser
Pack of 4 Bead design Round shape Diameter: 10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Leather Lace-Up Apron Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail 3 eyelets Lace-up Apron design Block heel

Body Solutions Smooth Multiway Camisole, at Marks & Spencer
Cool and comfortable, this modern camisole is made from soft fabric with added stretch for a great fit

Leather Centre Seam Tramline Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Centre seam Tramline design Stitch detail Small block heel Slip on

Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & F200 Mattress, at Marks & Spensers
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190 cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200 cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200 cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Divan Height: 41cm Mattress depth: 24cm Spring count: 930 Sprung-Edge divan - can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Individually pocketed springs Deep layer of memory foam Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body once warmed by body heat providing high levels of support Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Kitchen Hand Towels, at Marks & Spencer
Stripe design Pack of 2 Approx 50 x 70cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Linen Rich Metallic Bedcover, at Mark & Spensers
Ribbed Metallic effect Approx size: 150 x 200cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Machine Washable Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at M+S
aspirational copy

Underwired Lace Strap Minimiser Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Reduce the visual size of your bust while maximising your support with the underwiring and added stretch of this attractive minimiser bra. A great option for everyday wear

Limited Collection Pleated Tulip Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Chic and stylish, this tulip skirt features pleated front and side pockets. A great choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

16-Piece Rivington Cutlery Set, at Marks & Spencer
16-piece set Includes 4 forks, 4 knives, 4 spoons and 4 teaspoons 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

40 Denier Sheer Opaque Tights, at Marks & Spenser
These comfortable 40 denier opaque tights are made with added stretch and a reinforced toe for durability

Ruby Pasta Bowl - Red, at Marks&Spencer
Plain centre Stripe edge Shallow dish Diam 24cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Lace Insert Stripe Vest Top, at Marks & Spencers
Chic and modern, this stripe vest is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a lace insert

21 DVD, at Marks & Spencers
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Rectangular Wooden Chopping Board, at Marks and Spenser
Rectangular design Recessed frame detail L38 x W28 x H2cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

There are lots of ways to save money using M+S Money. Not least of these is Marks & Spensers Standard Motor Insurance. With M+S 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 M+S Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Mark & Spensers, 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 Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.