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&Spencer, through its M&S Money Direct 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 & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spensers online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money Direct website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents 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 & Spenser, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

Mark's & Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks & Spencer do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the M&S Money Direct website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of Marks & Spencer Money products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money Direct loans, credit cards or Buildings & Contents Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money Direct can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Money Direct insurance products (Buildings & Contents Insurance, Motor Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks and Spencer insurance products in document format too.

Blue Harbour Luxury Modal Blend Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from a modal blend so it feels exceptionally comfortable to wear. Modal is a luxuriously soft fabric made from natural plant fibres

Oh-So Lovely, at M & S
This luxurious bouquet, featuring soft white roses and lovely cream and purple edged carnations, is sure to make someone feel special Available for delivery between 1st April to 30th September 2009

Pure Cotton Angel Sleeve Cropped Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
Cool and comfortable, this short sleeve cardigan is made from pure natural cotton and features a single button fastening for a fashionable look

Formula Age Defence Revitalising Day Cream + Vitamin C, at Marks&Spencer
SPF15 Contains vitamin C and white tea Helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles Hypoallergenic 50ml

Per Una Assorted Charms Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Assorted charms Mixed bead design Necklace length 40cm, extendable by 8cm

Autograph Stormwear™ Bomber Jacket, at M+S
Stylish and contemporary, this bomber jacket is treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains

Autograph Weekend Pleated Front Jersey Top, at Marks and Spencer
Sophisticated and modern, this short sleeve top is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary ditzy print

Bronze Aviator Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencer
With full UV protection and a flattering modern design, these smart sunglasses will see you through the summer in style

2 Silicone and Wood spatulas, at Marks&Spencer
These essential spatulas can be used for a multitude of culinary tasks. Incredibly practical the wooden handles ensure safe heat insulation

Baby Bunny Stripe Flat Sheet, at Marks and Spencer
Stripe design Baby bunny motif Wide Trim Pure Cotton, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Weekend Cotton Rich Bootleg Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Cute Button Jewellery Box, at Marks & Spenser
Modern and stylish, this cute button jewellery box will keep your jewellery organised and add a lovely finishing touch to your dressing table

Portfolio Open Collar Dress, at Marks & Spensers
Part of Portfolio's Set Sail trend. Fresh and breezy, this sophisticated look features classic styling with vibrant accents of summertime pinks and blues. Feminine and coordinated designs for the new season

Portfolio Mixed Bead Rope Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Mixed bead design Satin rope necklace Tie fastening Necklace length 148cm

Portfolio Gathered Detail Metallic Mac with Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Mimosa trend. A beautifully elegant look featuring chic, muted tones such as cocoa, mink, saffron and purple. Striking prints are key to this feminine trend

Diamanté Shoes Daughter 18th Birthday Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover text: To a very special daughter on your 18th birthday Inside message: Happy Birthday This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 126mm

Pure Cotton Straight Leg Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
A stylish smart-casual look, these straight leg trousers chinos are outstanding value! They're made from pure cotton which is comfortable, practical and easycare

Sleeveless Chevron Belted Dress, at Mark & Spencers
Sleek and chic, this sleeveless chevron detail dress is tailored to fit and flatter. A stylish choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

Lightweight Stripe Tassel Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
This sophisticated border square scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The tassel details add a stylish finishing touch

Jumbled Numerals Wall Clock, at Marks and Spencers
Round face Jumbled numerals Metal case H30 x W30 x D5cm Weight: 0.75kgs 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

Autograph Leather Wingtip Derby Shoes by Jeffery-West, at Marks n Spencer
Designed exclusively for Autograph by Jeffery-West Square toe Lace up 2 eyelets Punched hole and stitch detail Block heel

North Coast Pure Cotton Check Shirt, at M+S
Stylishly smart casual, this check shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Pure Linen Pleated Sleeve Top, at Marks and Spencers
This fab scoop neck top features a pleated sleeve design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Scarf Neck Top, at Marks & Spensers
Modern and stylish, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features scarf detail neckline. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit.

Côtes du Ventoux St Gabriel 2006 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: Carignan, Grenache, Syrah Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Large Chunky Plastic Bangle, at Marks & Spensers
Chunky design Smooth finish

Ceriso Spot Print Frill Trim Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
Glamorous and flirty, these modern shorts feature a spot print and a frill trim. The low rise, low leg style gives a flattering, shapely fit. Designed for women who want the latest look

Autograph Exclusive 3 Piece Long Sleeve Shirt & Waistcoat Set, at Marks and 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

Long Sleeve Zip Fastening Leather Jacket, at M & S
Leather jackets always look modern and this long sleeve zip-up jacket is a luxurious and fashionable style

Underwired Push-Up Multiway Bra, at Marks & Spenser
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

M&S Money Direct 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 Direct 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, 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 Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.