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 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 Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Besides Marks & Spencers Motor Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services Buildings Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Financial Services Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

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.

Flat Front Trousers with Wool, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend with stretch. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear

Layered Cover Up Beach Dress, at Mark & Spencers
Fabulously fashionable, this flattering cover up is designed in the latest shape. Fashionable, practical and comfortable

Mens Leather Casual Jeans Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and easy to wear, this casual belt is a fantastic partner for your favourite jeans and chinos

Cotton Rich Non-Wired Total Support, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfortable, this non-wired bra gives all-round support and uplift with good coverage, extra wide straps and 3 hook-and-eye fasteners. It's secure but gentle and lightweight, an ideal choice for everyday wear

Isis Woman Eau de Toilette, at Mark & Spensers
Eau de toilette 90ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

3 Pairs of Collezione Pure Cotton Diamond Socks, at Marks and Spenser
Pure cotton makes these socks soft, breathable and absorbent to keep feet warm, dry and comfy

Lace-Up Canvas Trainers, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe 6 eyelets Lace-up Flat sole

The Mini Crossword Puzzle Book, at Marks and Spencers
There is probably no more satisfying a puzzle to solve than a crossword. Whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare, this superb collection of puzzles will challenge and entertain

Autograph Leather Twin Riptape Strap Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Twin riptape straps Flat sole Comes in sizes 1-7

Portfolio Pure Silk Beaded Blouse, at Marks and Spencers
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

Piedmont Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay & Cortese Country of origin: Italy Closure: Screw cap 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

Multiway Satin Embroidered Trim Padded Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a flattering fit, secure support and comfort

Classic Broderie Lace Detail Full Briefs, at M & S
These pretty broderie lace briefs are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

Pure Linen Hem Detail Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this pure linen skirt features sequin details. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Patent Shopper Bag, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and practical, this shopper bag is a useful accessory with bags of style!

Bright Butterflies Nana Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: Love you Nana Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Celebrate Gift Card, at Marks & Spenser
Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Mechanical Waterskiing Owl and Mouse Birthday Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover Text: Have a 'splashing' time! Inside Message: On your birthday Approx size: 135 x 135mm

The Cotton Collection Cotton Stripe Hand Cream, at Marks & Spencers
Moisturising hand cream 250ml bottle with pump

3D Rosebud Cushion - Cream, at Marks & Spencer
L43 x W43cm 3D rose applique design Pure Cotton, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sheepskin Rug, at Marks & Spenser
Asymmetrical shape Deep pile, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Glass Table Lamp & Plum Shade, at Marks and Spenser
Optical quality glass Organza ribbon shade 225 x 225 x 560cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Maternity Long Sleeve Longline Tunic, at Mark & Spencers
Fashionable and modern, this long sleeve tunic is designed to flatter you and your bump. A drawstring waist gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A fashionable, functional choice

Dinner Candle Holder, at Mark & Spencers
Fluted opening Two tone glass design Long stem Wide base Hand decorated H33 x Diam: 8.8cm Weight: 0.45kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Woven Silk Westminster Tie with Stain Defence™, at MarksandSpencer
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

2 Angel Cotton Rich Assorted First Bras, at Marks & Spenser
Ideal for everyday wear, these smooth bras give a supportive and comfortable fit. The moulded style is ideal for wearing under t-shirts or fitted tops. The non-wired design is the best choice for first bras

Easy Iron Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Plain Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Made for your added convenience, this pure cotton shirt is a smart step in the right direction, thanks to a handsome design and double button cuffs

Lightweight Paisley Print Scarf, at Marks & Spencer
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your look with this elegant paisley print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Aluminium 24cm Frying Pan, at Marks and Spencer
Grey aluminium design Triple layer non-stick finish Even heat distribution Diam 24cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Fine Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
This Ultimate Linen shirt has a unique added performance that helps keep you cool, dry and fresh by drawing moisture away from the skin and reducing odour, while also helping your linen to stay smart throughout the day. It's also easy to iron, so looking your best is now easier than ever

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencers 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 Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spenser 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."