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 Marks & Spencer Money 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Marks and Spencers Standard Motor Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spenser, 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 Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Older Girls' Cotton Rich Fruit Print Crop Top & Shorts Set, at Marks and Spencers
This pretty matching set is soft, stretchy and comfortable to wear. The crop top makes a great way of getting girls used to the idea of wearing bras

M&S Pizza Maker, at MarksandSpencer
Cooks up to 12" frozen, pre-baked or fresh pizza's 1000-1200W Rotating stone base to ensure even cooking Display window to check pizza while cooking Plastic handle to open while pizza maker is hot and in use 4 heat settings Top grilling element to melt / brown toppings Anti-slip base 2 year guarantee, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Petite 3/4 Sleeve Longline Tunic, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this lonline tunic is made from softly draping stretch viscose for a fluid look. The front pleat design adds a fashionable finishing touch. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Trailing Leaf Pencil Pleat Curtains, at Mark's & Spencer
Leaf print Pencil pleat Comes in three drop lengths: short (137cm/54''), medium (183cm/72''), long (229cm/90'') Comes in standard 168cm/66in (STD) and wider 219cm/86in (WDR) widths How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Extending Dining Table, at Marks and Spenser
H75 x W180 x D100cm Extends to L230cm Seats 6-8 people Made from solid oak and oak veneer Centre leaf can be stored beneath the table top This range features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, and subtle colour variations Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Top panel is veneered with solid oak edging for strength Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Delivered flatpack due to size. 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy these chairs as part of a set. Click here to view the Sonoma Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Grazia - Magazine Gift Subscription, at Marks&Spencer
Grazia is a fabulous mix of front-page stories, stunning designer fashion, fabulous shopping and more

Cafe Stripe Curtains, at Marks & Spensers
Eyelet Cafe stripe design Lined Comes in standard 168cm/66in and wider 219cm/86in widths Also comes in three drop lengths: short (137cm/54''), medium (183cm/72''), long (229cm/90'') How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cork Screw, at Marks and Spenser
Ergonomic grip handle This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Formula Age Restruction™ Serum + Calcium Complex, at Marks & Spensers
Luxuriously rich serum for the 60+ complexion Wheat biovector to relax and redensify deep wrinkles to improve the appearance of wrinkles Calcium complex to firm and improve the structure of sagging skin Collageneer a lupin extract to strengthen and improve skin elasticity Hypoallergenic - suitable for all skin types 30ml

Petite Single Breasted 1 Button Jacket, at Marks&Spencer
Chic and stylish, this single breasted jacket is tailored to fit and flatter. A great choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Bold Stripe Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and stylish, this short sleeve shirt is made from pure cotton

White Pearl Damask RSVP Cards - Pack of Ten, at Marks & Spencer
Inside message: Many thanks for your kind wedding invitation................................................................Would be pleased to accept/cannot accept 10 cards, 1 design Aprrox size: 133 x 73mm

The Floral Collection Magnolia Liliflora Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, at Marks and Spencers
Alcohol free 150ml

Ultimate Non-Iron Short Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Autograph Art Deco Jewellery Box, at Marks & Spencer
Art deco design 4 drawers Mirror finish Internal compartments 35 x 25 x 16cm

Per Una Pure Linen Safari Palm Belted Dress, at Marks & Spenser
A beautiful calf length dress in pure cool linen featuring a safari palm leaf print and comes with a belt

Tinderbox Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 6, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap 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

Blue Harbour Heritage Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
These heritage inspired shirts are a wardrobe staple. The contrasting trims and button-down collar create a stylish, authentic look that's great for any occasion

M&S 8 in 1 Accessories Pack for Nintendo™ Wii™, at M & S
8 accessories compatible with Nintendo™ Wii™ Includes accessories for Wii™ tennis, Wii™ baseball, Wii™ golf and Wii™ Mario cart Also includes 2 padlock straps, protector cover and controller grip for Wii™ control panel Please note- this product is not made or endorsed by Nintendo™ 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

Pure Merino Wool Crew Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and stylish, this long sleeve jumper is made from fine merino wool for luxurious warmth and softness

Blue Harbour Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
A fine and relaxed alternative to the usual blue jeans, you'll really enjoy the dark colour of these. Their cut is as flattering and relaxed as you'd expect from Blue Harbour, with a zip and button fastening and belt loops

Central Coast Syrah 2005 - Case of 6, at M&S
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Syrah Country of origin: USA Closure: Screw cap 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

Cotton Rich Low Rise Bikini Knickers, at MarksandSpencer
Pretty and feminine, these cute scallop trim 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

5 Loop Dinner Candle Holder, at Marks and Spencer
Handcrafted Holds 5 candles Loop design H10 x W69 x D8.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Short Sleeve Pleat Detail Jersey Tunic, at Marks & Spenser
Pretty and feminine, this short sleeve jersey tunic features front pleat detail

Handcrafted Calendar Valentine Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text: I've pencilled you in... Inside message: ...for the 14th? This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Silver Burst Large Gift Bag, at Marks & Spencers
1 gift bag with tag Circle spot design Double handle Approx size: H:420 x W:300 x D:100mm

Collezione Long Sleeve Bomber Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and contemporary, this long sleeve bomber jacket is inspired by Italian tailoring

Classic Collection Herringbone Trousers, at M&S
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers in traditional herringbone are finished with a stitched crease and decorative fob. They make the perfect match for blouses and knitwear in complementary colours. Discreet elastication gives a comfortable fit

M&S 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 and Spencers 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 Marks & Spencer Money website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Financial Services products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

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

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of Marks & Spencer Money 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 & Spenser insurance products in document format too.