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 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 & Spenser, 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 Car Insurance, M&S House Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Contrary to popular opinion, not every insurance company is out to get you, and it's not every insurance company that will disect the fine-print until they find some way of denying your insurance claim. However, you do need to shop around for the financial products and insurance policies that are the best suited for your individual needs.

That's why insurance policies, and other financial products, from Marks & Spencers are so useful. M&S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks&Spencer a profit, but there is no denying that they are also very good value for money, offering many features as standard which you'd often need to pay extra for at other insurance companies.

Take, for example, House Insurance policies. Usually, UK House Insurance policies have limits on particular types of items such as freezer contents, garden furniture and outdoor toys, outbuildings or cars, etc. These restrictions are called inner limits. However, the only inner limits on the M&S Money House Insurance policy are £500 for cash; £2m for property-owners and personal liability; £10m for domestic employees liability and £40,000 for tenants liability. Even better is the fact that you're likely to pay no more for M&S Money House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Marks and Spencers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your House Insurance or Car Insurance, but Mark & Spensers 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 website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Finance products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money loans, credit cards or House Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money 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 insurance products (House Insurance, Car 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 n Spencer insurance products in document format too.

3 Cool & Fresh Assorted Trunks, at Marks & Spenser
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

Bold Maxi Sunglasses, at Mark's & Spencer
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Barletta Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencers
H85 x W227 x D98cm Seat H48cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that gives long-lasting performance and helps to maintain the cushions look and shape. Provides improved resilience without compromising on softness. Easy-care and springs back to its original shape after re-fluffing 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 dark finish Includes 2 free matching bolsters All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - 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

Dualit Hand Mixer - Chrome, at Marks n Spencer
300 watt heavy duty professional motor 5 speed settings Chrome mark-resistant finish, with Soft Touch easy grip handle Includes 2 multi-purpose oversize flat beaters, 2 dough hooks and 1 balloon whisk Unique retractable power cord storage Integral plug storage Beater ejector unit Weight: 1.3kg Dimensions: H30 x W20 x D9.5cm 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

Older Boys' Scotland Swimming Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Sports fans will love these cosy swimming shorts featuring a Scotland motif. A practical, easycare style

La Perla Cushion With Recycled Filling, at M+S
Square design Textured Comes in 10 different colour variations L50 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Luxury Pure Wool Tweed Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Beautifully designed, made from superior fabric and finished with careful attention to detail, this 2 button tweed jacket is exceptionally stylish and luxurious

Underwired Plain Body, at Marks and Spenser
Everyone's skin tone is different, so after some research into skin tones we've come up with Body Nudes, a range of flattering shades to suit everyone. Body Nudes is soft and comfy with no visible lumps or bumps, so you can be sure your clothes will look their best

Pure Cotton Floral Print Jersey Top, at Marks & Spencers
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features pretty floral print for a stylish casual look

16-Piece Manjaro Brushed Cutlery Set, at Marks and Spencers
16-piece set Includes 4 forks, 4 knives, 4 dessert spoons and 4 teaspoons Brushed stainless steel finish 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Watercolour Floral Calendar, at M+S
Month to view Dimensions: 150 x 400mm

Per Una Pleated Handbag with Charm, at Mark's & Spencer
A heart shaped charm makes this fashionable bag even more special. Give your look the Per Una twist!

Lotus Flower Room Spray, at MarksandSpencer
Floral scent This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Double Cut Floral Glass Vase, at M & S
Fluted spout Floral design Thick base W14.5 x D14.5 x H20cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pure Cotton "Hello Kitty" Vests, at M & S
Fun and fabulous, this 3 pack of cotton vests feature Hello Kitty

Limited Collection Bow Fastening Shoes, at Marks&Spencer
Round toe Bow lace up Stitch detail Heel height 38mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

M&S Flush Wall Mount with Tilt for 23-32'' TV, at Marks & Spencers
Fits LCD, TFT and plasma screens from 23-32 inches Slim fit and tilt VESA compliant for 23-32in screens Simple 3-part assembly Drilling template supplied Dimensions: H28.5 x W78.5 x D8.5cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton In The Night Garden Romper & Bib, at Marks and Spencer
A great choice for active babies, this soft pure cotton romper suit is comfortable and practical. Stripe design and motif print adds a cute finishing touch

Same Difference - Pop CD, at Marks n Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Total Support Daisy Embroidered Non-Wired Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Soft and comfortable, this non-wired gives all-round support and uplift with good coverage, extra wide straps and 3 hook-and-eye fasteners. It's secure but gentle and lightweight, an ideal choice for everyday wear

Platinum Plated Cross Necklace, at Mark & Spencers
Rope chain Platinum plated Cross pendant Length: 40cm

Per Una Short Sleeve Cornflower Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
A feminine knitted cardigan, the single button fastening gives it the Per Una touch

Disney Pretty As A Princess Activity Book, at MarksandSpencer
Dressing up is so much fun and little princesses will love all the fabulous hair and beauty tips that Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White and the rest of the Disney Princesses have to offer inside! Together with fun activities and pictures to colour, this book is sure to delight and inspire!

Girls' Limited 3 Piece Printed Outfit, at M+S
Part of Girls Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Stainless Steel Pasta Server, at Marks & Spencer
Loop in the handle for hanging L32.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2008 - Case of 12, at M&S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Verdicchio Country of origin: Italy 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

Multi Floral Padded Underwired Bra, at Marks and Spenser
Sleek and stylish, this bra is perfectly smooth so there are no visible outlines under clothing. Light padding and underwiring give an enhanced natural shape. Designed for women who want a streamlined silhouette

Charlotte Large 2-Seater Sofa, at M&S
H94 x W184 x D96cm Seat H50cm, arm H63cm, top back rail H77cm (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 Feet are castors 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

Pure Cotton Varied Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
A stylish smart-casual look, this short sleeve polo shirt in soft cotton features varied stripe design. Practical, comfortable and easycare

Boycat Merlot 2008 - Case of 6, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: 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

When you're shopping at Marks&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 House Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spensers 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."