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 Mark's & 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 Mark & Spencers, 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 Home 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 Financial Services UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spenser online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Financial Services 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 Mark's & Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

M&S Financial Services 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, M&S Financial Services Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Large Brunette Doll, at Marks and Spencer
Not recommended for babies under 12 months Suitable for ages 1-3 years Bow detail Floral frill dress Button detail This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ella Fitzgerald - The Legend CD, at Marks and Spencers
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Planted Orchid, at MarksandSpencer
Simply stunning, this white, double-stemmed phalaenopsis orchid is planted and dressed with brushed twigs in a chic, silver ceramic pot Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Autograph Leather Ruched Knee High Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Ruched feature Knee high Mid heel Heel height: 60mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Triple Bead Drop Earrings, at Marks & Spencers
Hook fastening Drop style Triple bead design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Autograph Cotton Rich Jeans, 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

Pure Cotton Leaf Embroidered Runner, at Marks and Spencer
Leaf embroidered design Dimensions: L235 x W35cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pleated Scoop Neck Jersey Top, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and stylish, this jersey top is made from softly draping stretch viscose for a fluid look. Front pleat detail adds a fashionable finishing touch.

Ralph the Hedgehog Granddaughter Card, at M & S
Cover text: Happy birthday to a lovely granddaughter Inside message: On your special day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Filigree Collection - Table Lamp, at Mark & Spensers
Organza fabric shade Metal base and frame Acrylic leaf droplets H53.5 x Diam 16.5cm 40W SES candle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Non Allergenic Quilted Pillow Protector With Recycled Padding, at Marks & Spenser
Hollowfibre quilted pillow protector Non allergenic, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Leather Stud Pumps, at Mark & Spencers
Round toe Stud toe feature Slip on Heel height: 15mm

Glass Ball Collection - Table Lamp, at Marks & Spencers
Square base Glass ball stem Suedette shade H60 x Diam 30cm Bulb: 100W BC GLS 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

40 Denier Silky Soft Opaque Tights, at Marks & Spenser
Complete with a reinforced toe and added stretch for lasting comfort and durability, these opaque tights are the perfect choice for giving your legs a wonderfully attractive sheen

Ultimate Bond Collector's Edition DVD Box Set, at Marks&Spencer
Rating Suitable for 15 years and over,

Pure Silk Woven Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart multi stripe tie in pure silk

Multiway Non-Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencers
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

Footglove™ Bound Court Shoes, at Mark & Spensers
Round toe Bound edges Mid heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight

Ceramic Canoe Potpourri Bowl, at Marks & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

8 Mini Craft Floral Cards Multipack, at Mark & Spensers
Contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Cover text: Design 1: Blank, design 2: Just to say..., design 3: Blank, design 4: Thank you Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Limited Collection Check Pencil Skirt, at M&S
Sleek and chic, this check design pencil skirt is tailored to fit and flatter. A stylish choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

Summer Floral Leaf Bed Cover, at Mark's & Spencer
Floral leaf design Quilted look Stitched detail 250 x 265cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gold Label Reserve Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

Airbrush Metallic Ladies Watch, at Mark & Spencers
Round face Analogue Airbrush metallic strap Buckle fastening

Bordeaux AC Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Dry, fresh and fruity Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure 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

Artificial Mini Orchid in Square Mirror Glass Vase, at M & S
Artificial orchid Mirror glass vase Ready made arrangement that needs no after care H58cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stainless Steel Non-Stick Wok with Lid, at Marks & Spenser
Diam 30cm Double handles Glass lid Dishwasher safe, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wooden Countryman Umbrella, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and practical, this large traditional umbrella gives good coverage to protect you from the elements

Adored Comfort Embroidered Orchid Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and elegant, this underwired padded bra is made from the softest fabric and embroidery, so it feels blissfully comfortable to wear. Underwiring and padding give an uplifted and enhanced natural shape. Feminine everyday lingerie

Luxury Non-Iron Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
The superior quality, cut and detailing on this luxurious pure cotton shirt are inspired by Jermyn Street tailors. A sophisticated style with a great fit

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

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spencer, 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.