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 & 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 Mark's & Spencer, 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 Household Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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 Household 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 Household 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.

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 Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Household 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."

Abbey S/STL, at Marks & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Younger Girls' Dora the Explorer Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencers
Fun and fashionable, these Dora the Explorer sunglasses give 100% UV protection for safer style in the sun

Fabric Floral Birthday Wishes, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: Birthday Wishes Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Per Una Bootleg Twist Belt Jeans, at Marks & Spenser
A modern bootleg pair of jeans in stretch cotton featuring an on the waist design and multiple pockets. Comes with belt shown in the photograph

Older Girls Sparkle Mule Slippers, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Fluffy design Mule style Slip-on

Pure Cotton Spongebob Squarepants Crew Neck T-Shirt, at M+S
Fans of Spongebob Squarepants will love this crew neck cotton t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Sony VRD-P1 DVDirect® Express DVD Writer, at Marks and Spencer
Video transfer: Transfer home videos from select Sony Handycam camcorders to DVD - without a PC One-Touch recording: Simply connect the VRD-P1 to the compatible Sony Handycam camcorder, and then press the Record button on the VRD-P1 to transfer the latest video on the Handycam camcorder to DVD Control your recordings: One-Touch recording will automatically record the video captured since the last DVD recording. Additional recording modes are available using the connected Handycam camcorder's LCD screen, and allow the user to record either all the video from the Handycam camcorder to DVD1, or to be more specific based on dates or DVD scenes Simple connection: The VRD-P1 easily connects to the Sony Handycam camcorder via a built-in USB cable (mini A type). The same built-in USB cable also draws power from the connected Handycam camcorder, which means there is no need for an AC power adapter or electrical outlet DVD media: Records on DVD-R or DVD+R discs1, providing up to 6 hours of recording time (using LP mode) per DVD DVD playback: Recorded DVDs are playable on most home DVD players DVD player: The VRD-P1 can serve as more than just a DVD writer; it can be a DVD player as well, playing back the DVDs it creates. Simply connect the VRD-P1 to a compatible TV via the Handycam camcorder using the built-in USB cable and A/V cables supplied with the camcorder Compatibility: VRD-P1 is compatible with the following Sony Handycam camcorders only: DCR-SR47, DCR-SR67, DCR-SR87, DCR-SX40, DCR-SX41, DCR-SX60

Star Print Hooded Fleece Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Soft and warm, this pretty star print hooded fleece jacket will keep her cosy

M&S Midnight 4-Slice Toaster, at Marks and Spencer
Toast up to 4 slices Variable browning control Defrost, reheat and cancel buttons High lift facility Stainless steel finish H22 x W46 x D21cm 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

Side Zip Slim Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Greater choice of leg lengths now available Slim and stylish, these trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. Added stretch gives the perfect fit and a side zip fastening provides a fashionable update

Portfolio Patent Finish Stitch Detail Purse, at Mark & Spensers
Practical and stylish, this purse features compartments for your cash and cards and a secure popper fastening, making it an ideal choice for everyday use

Collections - LOTUS FL FILLED, at Marks & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Easycare Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

Autograph Weekend Cotton Rich Pencil Skirt with Belt, at Marks and Spencers
Modern and stylish, this belted skirt gives a fashionable relaxed look. Casual dressing with a touch of luxury from Autograph Weekend

125 Years 2 Storage Containers Set, at Marks & Spencers
Set of 2 Jelly design 'Marks & Spencer the Milk is in the mix' slogan, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Pure Silk 3/4 Sleeve Maxi Dress, at M&S
Pretty and feminine, this long length dress is stylishly detailed with an animal print and flared hem

Abbot Chair, at MarksandSpencer
H78 x W76 x D78cm Seat H43cm, arm H71cm Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Solid birch feet with a dark finish Free swatch samples: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Seams and pattern match on fabrics - Please note that the images of fabrics displayed here are overlaid onto models. These images act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished product. Seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Harrowgate Victoria Shiraz 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Shiraz Country of origin: Australia Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Larkspur Bouquet, at Marks and Spenser
Historically a symbol of love, this beautiful bouquet features five bunches of Larkspur - one of our favourite flowers of the season Available for delivery from 1st to 29th August 2009

Blue Harbour Linen Blend Short Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed casual style for less! This cotton and linen shirt is outstanding value

Autograph Round Face Link Strap Watch, at Marks and Spencers
Round face Analogue display Link strap

Autograph Pure Cotton Corduroy Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

3D Folding Jungle Scene Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: A Birthday riddle: What kind of animals should be invited to a really fun birthday? Inside Message: Party Animals! Happy Birthday! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Winnie The Pooh Meets Tigger Book, at Marks and Spencers
Chunky pages Disney, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

DeLonghi Icona Kettle - Silver, at M&S
1.7 litre capacity Rapid boil 3kW cordless kettle Stylish silver finish 360 swivel base with cord storage Water level indicator Auto shut-off when water begins to boil Removable, washable scale filter Cord storage Non slip feet This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pairs of Plain Cotton Rich Socks, at Marks & Spensers
These classic cotton rich socks are soft, breathable and comfortable. Added stretch gives a great fit

Harvard Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, at Marks & Spenser
200 ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Limited Collection Cat Print Top, at Marks & 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

Holographic Flowers Roll Wrap, at Marks & Spencers
1 roll wrap Approx size: 1.5 x 700mm

Autograph Tinted Moisturiser, at Mark's & Spencer
Firming tinted moisturiser Matt finish With ceramides SPF 15 Hypo-allergenic Oil free 30ml

There are lots of ways to save money using M+S Money. Not least of these is Marks & Spencer 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.