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

Besides M & S Motor Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services House 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 & Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier House Insurance and Standard House 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 Mark & 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 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 M&S Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Footglove™ Widefit Heeled Moccasin, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Mid heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight

5 Pairs of Short Ribbed School Socks, at Marks and Spenser
A great value set of snug school socks that will stand him in great stead throughout the week. They're easy to care for too

Le Clos du Pioch - Montpeyroux 2006 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Syrah, Grenache, Carignan Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Limited Collection Contrast Handle Tote Bag, at MarksandSpencer
Get bags of style! This tote handbag is a fabulous fashionable accessory. Handy compartments make it useful and practical too

Hastings 4+2-Drawer Chest, at Marks & Spencers
H119 x W86 x D44cm 6 drawers Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fresh Rose Pot Pourri Box, at Marks & Spencer
Fresh rose scented Presented in a box, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of Cotton Blend Sports Socks, at Marks & Spensers
Designed to cushion high impact areas, these comfortable cotton blend socks are an ideal choice for sports or PE

Autograph Skinny Fit Modern Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Designed in a fashionable modern shape, this skinny jacket is cut closer for a cleaner sharper silhouette. It's made from a hardwearing wool blend, ideal for sixth form wear

Freshfeet Suede Lace-Up Moccasins, at M & S
Round toe Stitch detail Lace-up Flat sole Lined With built in Freshtech™ technology for fresh, odour-free slippers Freshtech™ technology is permanently built in to the slipper and still performs after many washes Freshtech™ technology combats the bacteria that causes bad smells and odours

3 Older Girls' Cotton Rich Polka Dot Bikini Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and fashionable, this pack of 3 cotton rich briefs feature polka dots and a centre bow detail

Portfolio Button Detail Wide Leg Trousers, at M & S
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Block Stripe Rugby Top, at Marks & Spensers
Casual and relaxed, this block stripe rugby top is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Magic Loc Collection Robe Hook, at Marks and Spencers
Single hook Wall mounted This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Double Stripe Shirt, at M&S
Stylishly smart casual, this double stripe shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Kapersky Internet Security 2009 3 User 1 Year License, at Mark & Spensers
Extended Protection: Two-way personal firewall; secure Wi-Fi and VPN connections, Application rules configured automatically, Security rating assigned to unknown applications, Access to users resources and data is restricted for unknown applications, Improved antispam protection Content Filtering: Parental control Data & Identity Theft Protection: Virtual keyboard for safe entry of logins and passwords, Prevents theft of data exchanged via secure connections (HTTPS / SSL), Disables links to phishing websites Essential Protection: Protects from viruses, Trojans and worms, Protects from spyware and adware, Scans files, email messages and Internet traffic, Protects instant messengers (ICQ, MSN), Proactive protection from unknown threats Preventive Protection: Scans operating system and installed applications for vulnerabilities, Disables links to malware sites Usability: Automatic configuration, Wizards for common tasks, Automatic or interactive mode, Round-the-clock technical support, Automatic database updates, Global threat monitoring (Kaspersky Security Network) Advanced Protection & Recovery: Program can be installed on infected computers, Self-protection from malware, Restores correct system settings after removing malicious software Suitable for 3 users for 1 year

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Lifeguard Top, at Marks n Spencer
Cute and comfy, this practical cotton top features a 'lifeguard in training' slogan and motif. The envelope neckline makes it easier to dress him

Baroque Jacquard Pencil Pleat Curtains, at Marks and Spencer
Standard width: 168cm / 66in Wider width: 219cm / 86in Three drop lengths:Short: 137cm / 54in Medium: 183cm / 72inLong: 229cm / 90in Lined How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Animal Print Marl Tights, at Mark & Spencers
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These animal print tights have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

Patent Low Heel Elastic Strap Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Wide elastic strap Low heel Patent effect Heel height: 38mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Autograph Leather Cross Body Buckle Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Luxurious and beautiful, this cross body handbag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's made from soft hardwearing leather, and is useful and practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Handcrafted Country Bunch Grandma Mother's Day Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: To a Very Special Grandma on Mother's Day Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Cecily's Garden Foiled Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy Anniversary Inside message: Lots of love This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Leather Flip Toe Lace-Up Shoes, at Marks n Spencer
Square flip toe design Stitch detail Lace-up Block heel

Footglove™ Wide Fit Stitch Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Stitch detail Buckle fastening Heel height 48mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Per Una Tinted Moisturiser 30ml, at Marks & Spencers
Illuminating tinted moisturiser Lightly covers whilst effectively moisturising Dermatologically tested 30ml SPF 15

Girls' Limited Button Lace Leggings, 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

Plain Black Flexilite Umbrella, at Marks & Spencer
Lightweight and easy to carry, this slimline umbrella provides you with effective protection from those sudden downpours

PlayStation® 2 Ben 10: Protector Of Earth, at Marks and Spencer
Take control of the Omnitrix and play as 5 different alien heroes from the show, including Four Arms, Heatblast, Cannonbolt, Wildvine and XLR8 Collect experience points to upgrade your characters and unlock over 80 combo moves Venture to 14 different levels and unlock 4 challenge locations Challenge your friends in battle mode or play together in 2-player co-op mode Unlock additional content including character skins, show clips and never-before-seen concept art 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Glass Collection - Magazine Rack, at Marks & Spencers
Curved sides Contemporary magazine rack, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dualit Jug Kettle- Red, at Marks and Spencer
1.5 Litre - 12 cup capacity 3000 watt Cordless operation Hinged lid Washable limescale filter Rapid boil concealed element Large viewing windows on both sides Can be turned to any angle on its base Heatproof handle, ball knob and finger-guard Non-slip rubber feet Oversized non-drip spout Weight: 1.36kg Dimensions: H27cm 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

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 Spencers are so useful. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spenser 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, House Insurance policies. Usually, UK House 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 M&S Financial Services House 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 M&S Financial Services House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.