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 & Spensers 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 & Spencers, through its M+S 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 Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencer 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 Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M+S Money. 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 Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M+S Money 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."

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

Jayne Sunglasses, at M&S
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Good Luck Letters with Cat Card, at M & S
3D design Cover text: Good Luck Inside message: Wishing you the best of luck! Approx size: 178 x 126 mm

Linen Blend Multi Stripe Trilby, at Marks and Spencer
Make a stylish impression with this trilby. It adds a smart touch to formalwear and looks contemporary with casuals

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Ben 10™ Mule Slippers, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Mule style Slip on Ben 10 motif TM & 2008 Cartoon Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved

Pearl Storm Wide Collar Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Multi bead design Wide style Clasp fastening Length: 41cm

Stormwear™ Leather Contrast Stitch Walker Trainers, at Marks&Spencer
Stormwear™ technology repels water and stains Round toe Contrast stitch detail Lace-up Chunky grip sole

Petite Corduroy Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Flattering and feminine, bootcuts make legs look longer and are kind to curves. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Autograph Cushion Cocktail Ring, at Mark's & Spencer
Chunky style Diamant details

Diamante Cross Confirmation Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Love and Blessings on your Confirmation Day Inside message: With love Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Open Season Blu-ray DVD, at Marks & Spencer
Rating Parental Guidance,

Per Una Pure Cotton Corsage Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
A fashionable 3/4 sleeve shirt in pure soft cotton featuring rose corsage neckline and ruffle detail.

Crossover Bootie Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Treat your feet to the warm comfort of these faux fur trim slippers. They're a terrific option for lounging around the home in cosy style

Bamboo Soap Dispenser, at M&S
Approx size: H7 x W7 x L16cm Pump action Bamboo design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

°Climate Control 4.5 Tog Duvet, at Marks and Spencer
4.5 tog The coolest of all duvets, designed for summer use Not too hot, not too cold, just right™ Absorbs body heat, releasing when your body needs it keeps you in a comfort zone all night long Made using outlast technology, originally developed by NASA Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6in), king-size (5ft) and super king-size (6ft) Which tog? Tog measures the warmth of a duvet based on its ability to trap warm air. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet. The perfect tog is a personal choice which can depend upon you and your home, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Trio Eye Colour, at Marks&Spencer
Hypoallergenic

5 Pairs of Plain Trainer Liner Socks, at Marks & Spenser
Comfortable and durable, these socks are outstanding value. They feature a reinforced toe and stretch fabric for an improved fit

Autograph Pure Cashmere Cropped Cardigan, at Marks & Spenser
Sophisticated and modern, this scoop neck cardigan is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxurious softness

Layered Cover Up Dress, at M+S
Fabulously fashionable, this flattering cover up is designed in the latest shape. Fashionable, practical and comfortable

Pulling Faces Puzzle, at Marks and Spenser
Suitable for ages 0-3 years 16 pieces Helps with hand-eye coordination and problem solving This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Cotton Rich Stripe Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
A smart pair of bootleg trousers in stretch cotton featuring stripe design

Cotton Rich Short Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
A chic and stylish essential, this shirt features a fine stripe design. It works for day and evening, dressed up or down

Autograph Diamanté Key & Lock Keyring, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening Key and lock pendants Diamant detail

White Ceramic Collection Toilet Brush, at M+S
Cylindrical holder Ceramic vase Plain H39 x Diam 10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Blazer, at Marks & Spenser
The urge to look corporate, sleek and commanding has given way to the revival of the classic single breasted jacket. Complemented by a two button front and tailored cut, the clean lines of this sharp piece transmits a sense of style and understated elegance

Pure Cotton Basic Jeans, at M+S
Comfortable and practical, these plain jeans are outstanding value!

125 Years Limited Collection Vest & Shorts Set, at Marks & Spenser
Fabulous and modern, this vest and shorts set is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. They're made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. Casual, contemporary fashion

Bereche Brut Reserve Champagne - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 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

Woodphotoframes - MULTI APP DESK, at M & S
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Formula Calming Eye Make-Up Remover Pads (30), at Marks and Spenser
Pack of 30 Calming formula

3 White Rattan Storage Baskets, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 3 Rattan design 1 large, 2 small baskets, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

There are lots of ways to save money using M+S Money. Not least of these is M&S Standard Motor Insurance. With M+S 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 M+S 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 & Spencers, 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.