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 Spencers 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 Car 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.

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 Car 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; Car Insurance and Buildings & Contents 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 Buildings & Contents 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.

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 Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencers 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."

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - Pure Cotton Frill Trim Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
Pretty as well as practical, this pure cotton cardigan is ideal for school. Girls will love the embroidered detail and frilled hem and cuff

Pure Cotton Check Baseball Cap, at Marks and Spencer
Whether you're keeping the sun out of your eyes during the big game or simply relaxing in casualwear, the baseball cap is a style essential

Formula Age Restructure™ Day Cream and Calcium Complex, at Marks & Spensers
Luxuriously rich cream for the 60+ complexion Calcium complex to firm and improve the structure of sagging skin Collageneer a lupin extract to strengthen the dermis and improve skin elasticity Wild yam to replenish and soothe Creatine to revitalise fatigued skin Shea butter and rosehip oil to nourish and replenish SPF 20 against damaging UVA and UVB rays Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic 50ml

Playstation®3 UEFA EURO 08 Game, at Marks and Spencer
35 day return policy* UEFA EURO 2008 features stunning visual representations of the world's best players, playing in a more accessible, faster-paced and responsive version of the market-leading EA SPORTS football engine, and all of the teams and official stadiums that will be part of UEFA EURO 2008. Take on the challenge of leading one of over 50 European national teams to glory as UEFA EURO 2008 recreates all of the drama and excitement of the official tournament in Austria and Switzerland. Play as your favourite country from qualification right through to a virtual reproduction of the championship tournament

Power Rangers Jungle Storm Activity Pad, at Marks and Spencers
Join forces with the awesome Power Rangers and complete the mega-cool activities inside this book. Have a great time cracking codes, finding your way through mazes and colouring in all of your favourite Power Rangers. Get ready to join in the fight to save the world from evil!

Simple Lily Sympathy Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: With Sympathy Inside message: Thinking of You This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 127mm

3 Pairs of Easy Grip Socks, at Marks n Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these cotton blend socks are naturally breathable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Cashmilon™ Bardot Neck Jumper, at M & S
Casual and modern, this long sleeve jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features a Bardot neckline

Samsung 32'' LE32B450 HD Ready LCD TV, at M+S
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 32 inch Widescreen LCD TV, 1366 x 768 resolution Contrast Ratios: High Contrast Integrated Digital Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W797.7 x H84.8 x D530.5mm (without stand) W797.7 x D576.5 x H252mm (with stand) Weight: 11.4kg (with stand), 9.1kg (without stand) SRS TruSurround XT: For enhanced surround sound effect Connectors: 1 x Scart, 2 x HDMI, RF input, Composite(AV), PCMCIA Card Slot, PC input (D-sub) DNIe+ Technology: The Digital Natural Image Engine produces images with incredible depth and density. Advanced contrast and detail enhancers combine to produce deeper richer lifelike colours Wide Colour Enhancer 2: Primary colours are strengthened to increase depth and intensity to show pictures in all their natural beauty Clear Panel Prevents glare to keep images clean and clear Anynet+: The Anynet+ system allows control of a SAMSUNG Anynet+ TV via one single remote control 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 Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Use wall mount

Pull Cord Dynamo Camping Torch, at Marks & Spencer
Perfect to keep in your car, caravan, garage or backpack, this torch will never leave you in the dark, it requires no disposable batteries so this makes it an environmentally friendly torch, which saves money compared to conventional torches

2 Easycare Short Sleeve Shirts, at Marks and Spencer
Combining great value with convenience, these short sleeve shirts make an excellent wardrobe staple

Soft Grip Turner, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft grip handle Loop in the handle for hanging, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bob The Builder: Sing-Along Song Book, at Marks and Spencers
Children will love pressing the button and singing along to Bob The Builder with this illustrated song book

Airflex™ Wide Fit Leather Raised Tramline Lace Up Shoes, at Mark & Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Lace up Raised tramline Block heel Unique Airflex™ airflow system for unbeatable comfort

Automatic Compact Design Umbrella, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and easy to carry, the practical design of this handy umbrella is the perfect solution for dealing with sudden downpours

Collezione Wool Rich Single Breasted 3 Button Stripe Jacket, at Mark's & Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Terracotta Bottles Small, at Marks and Spencer
Square etch design Round shape Frost and weather resistant 14kg H35 x D34cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Faux Pearl Collar Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Adjustable length Clasp fastening Multi strand Faux pearl design Necklace length: 30cm, extendable by 8cm

Rosina Armchair, at M&S
H82 x W92 x D97cm Seat H45cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a medium finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Boys' Wrap Around Mirror Sunglasses, at Mark & Spensers
Fashionable and fab, these Mirrored wraparound sunglasses give 100% UV protection for safer style in the sun

Autograph Essentials Pure Cotton Bow Tie Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
This fab short sleeve shirt features a stunning bow tie feature. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Gold Plated Diamanté Cross Necklace, at Marks & Spenser
Diamant detail Thin chain Necklace length 41cm, extendable by 8cm

Orchids on Kraft Large Gift Bag, at Mark & Spencers
1 gift bag Approx size: H270 x W360 x D100 mm

Cotton Rich Straight Leg Sweat Pants, at Marks and Spenser
Whether you're active or relaxing, do it in style and comfort in these cotton rich sweat pants

Ontario Small Camoflage Holdall, at Marks and Spencer
There'll be no things that go bump in the night with this easy to transport holdall. Supported by sturdy wheels and a stand-alone feature, it's the ideal option for short trips or flying abroad

Cotton Rich Pin Spot Print Bikini Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these cute pin spot print bikini briefs sit low on the waist - perfect for wearing under hipsters. They're cut away at the front and sides and cover the bottom for a comfortable and flattering fit

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ + Fairtrade Flat Front Cotton Chinos, at Mark & Spensers
A lightweight style with a water repellent Stormwear™ finish to keep you dry. They're easy to iron and feature a hidden comfort waistband

Leather Lace-Up Boat Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Lace-up Round toe Contrast stitching Low heel

Handcrafted Sepia Photo Husband Valentine Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover Text: Once upon a lifetime I fell in love with you x For my Wonderful Husband Inside Message: With all my love and kisses to my one and only dream come true Happy Valentine's Day Approx size: 220 x 220mm

Handcrafted Woven Label Valentine Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: With love Inside message: On Valentine's Day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 127mm

M&S Financial Services offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car 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 Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Financial Services Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car 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&Spencer 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, 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 Car 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.