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 M & S 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 Buildings 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 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 Money Direct, you get more, and you pay less.

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 Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at M&S 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."

Portfolio Cotton Rich Straight Leg Jeans, at M+S
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

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

Nature Beaded Napkin Ring, at Mark's & Spencer
Mixed bead design Diam 5.5cm x W4cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 °Climate Control Cotton Rich Assorted Slips, at Marks&Spencer
Climate control keeps you cool when you're hot and warms you up when you're cold so you're always at your optimum temperature. Exclusive to M&S, Climate control clothing is comfortable and breathable - ideal for sportswear. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology

Woven Silk Blackfriars Circle Tie with Stain Defence™, at Marks & Spenser
This woven silk tie has been treated with our stain defence™ technology giving inbuilt resistance to everyday spills, this repellence benefit is maintained after dry cleaning

Halenka Lace Bikinis, at Marks & Spenser
A great style for making your legs look longer, these lace bikinis are designed with a flattering high cut.

Sony Ericsson W350i - Vodafone Pay as you talk Mobile Phone, at Marks and Spencer
A maximum of 2 phones per customer may be purchased Talk time: Up to 8 hours Stand-by time: Up to 360 hours Dimensions: 10.3 x 4.2 x 1.1cm Weight: 80g Bandwidth: 900/1800/1900 Standard features: Memory slot, memory card, Bluetooth, hands free, voice activated dialling, Triband, GPRS, organiser and alarm Special features: Active flip, downloadable realtones, data modem, voice memo recorder and webmail Fun features: 1.3MP camera, games, polyphonic ringtones and mp3 player Vodafone Pay as you talk: Your mobile service provider will be Vodafone. A Vodafone SIM card is included with this handset. Click here to view Vodafone's Pay as you talk tariffs. 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

Collezione Single Lock Leather Briefcase, at Marks n Spencer
Sophisticated and luxurious, this leather briefcase is inspired by Italian style

iPod Nano Leather Flip Case, at Marks & Spensers
Flip Case for iPod Nano, the stylish black leather case also features a handy popper fastening attachment allowing you to have easy access to your iPod. The leather case with its quality stitching protect your iPod in style. Compatible with all Apple iPod Nano's

Limited Collection Quilted Coat with Belt, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel.

Big & Tall Stormwear™ Single Pleat Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
No more trips to the drycleaners! These smart, fashionable trousers can be machine washed and tumble dried. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Cotton Blend Rolled Sleeve Boyfriend Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
This casual v-neck cotton blend longline cardigan makes the perfect light extra layer. It features pintuck front pockets for an extra stylish touch

Dualit Vario Sandwich Cage, at Marks and Spencers
2 handles Suitable for use with 2 or 4 slice Dualit toasters handwash only Dimensions: H30.5 x W15 x D5cm 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

Barletta 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencer
H85 x W200 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

2 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Short Sleeve Vests, at Marks and Spencer
Comfortable, fashionable and practical, these essential vests are ideal for everyday wear.

3 Assorted Sequin Hair Bands, at Marks and Spencers
Tie back those tresses in style with these cute sequin hair bands

Autograph Bead Trim Tankini Top, at Marks and Spencers
Fabulously fashionable, this flattering tankini is designed in the latest shape. Designed to fit and flatter

Sterling Silver Twist Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
Twist design Butterfly stud fastening This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Oval Droplet Chandelier, at Marks & Spencer
Cylinder Droplet design Steel rim H80 x W82 x D28cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Light Control Smooth Mesh Trim Body, at Marks and Spencers
Look slimmer in seconds! This light control body gently shapes your figure all over for a smoother, sleeker silhouette

Limited Collection Wood Bead Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Tie fastening Wood bead design Cord chain Necklace length 69cm

Collezione Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket with Silk, at Marks & Spenser
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

Total Support Blossom Print Non-Wired DD-G Bra, at Marks n Spencer
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

Autograph Weekend Cotton Rich Turn-Up Bootleg Denim Trousers, at M & S
Modern and stylish, these turn-up bootleg trousers give a fashionable relaxed look. Casual dressing with a touch of luxury from Autograph Weekend

Snake Band Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Mark's & Spencer
Stylish and elegant, these fashionable bikini bottoms feature a pretty snake print band. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Broad Brim Summer Hat, at Marks and Spencer
Express your stylish side with this wide brim hat

Limited Collection Cotton Rich 3/4 Sleeve Top, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Adored Comfort Floral Embroidered Non-Padded E-G Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Soft and pretty, this non-padded bra is made from the softest fabric and embroidery, so it feels blissfully comfortable to wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look. Feminine everyday lingerie

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Embroidered Bib Top, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and versatile, this square-neck top is made from cool comfortable cotton

Blue Harbour Modal Blend Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at M+S
Relaxed and casual, this long sleeve stripe shirt is made from a modal blend, so it feels exceptionally comfortable to wear. Modal is a luxuriously soft fabric made from natural plant fibres

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 Buildings 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 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.