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 Spencers 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 Spencers, through its M&S Finance website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car 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.

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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks&Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Finance. 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 Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 Car 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; Car Insurance and Buildings & Contents 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 & Contents 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 Finance Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Tropicana Multi Strand Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Button toggle fastening Rope chain Multi strand Mixed bead design Length: 56cm

Freshfeet Rip Tape Velour Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Rip tape fastening Tartan style lining pattern Flat sole Slip-on With built in Freshtech™ technology for fresh, odour-free slippers Freshtech™ technology combats the bacteria that causes bad smells and odours Freshtech™ technology is permanently built in to the slipper and still performs after many washes

All Seasons 13.5 Tog Duck Feather & Down Duvet, at M&S
13.5 tog Suitable for cooler months or colder rooms or those who prefer a warm, snug duvet 230 thread count and 100% cotton downproof cover Excellent value for money, natural duck feather and down filling ensures a soft and comfy night's sleep Highest quality class 1 duck feather down Available in Single, Double, King size and Super King size 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

Satin Trim Camisole, at Marks and Spencer
A simple design provides the perfect finish to the snug, easy to care for fabric of this wardrobe staple. Ideal for sleeping, layering under your favourite tops or simply wearing on its own

Malabar Glazed Unit, at Marks and Spencer
H190 x W110 x D49cm 4 drawers 3 adjustable shelves Made from solid mango wood Treated with a protective low-sheen lacquer that provides added durability Fitted with antique-brass-effect handles Glass doors are made from safety-tested toughened glass All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Memory Foam Mattress Enhancer, at Marks & Spencer
Comes in protective bag Moulds to your body for a fully supported night's sleep Equalised pressure on sensitive areas Sculpted support zones giving personalised comfort, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Knocked Up Blu-ray DVD, at M & S
Rating Suitable for 15 years and over,

Sprung-Edge Divan on Legs & M300 Mattress, at Marks and Spencer
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190 cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 31cm Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Mattress has reinforced side stitching giving greater edge support Individually pocketed springs Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel Mattress spring count: 896 Sprung-edge divan can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Birthday Text Roll Wrap, at Mark's & Spencer
Pack contains: 1 roll wrap 'Happy birthday to you' text Approx size: 150 x 70cm

Spots & Butterflies Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover Text: To a special Daughter Inside Message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 175 x 125mm

Wild Print Halterneck Tankini Top, at Marks & Spenser
Gorgeous and glamorous, this flattering tankini top features a striking print. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ Pure Cotton Classic Jacket, at M & S
A fashionable favourite, the classic jacket is given a modern update with contemporary styling

Maternity 3/4 Sleeve Wrap Jersey Dress, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable and modern, this 3/4 sleeve wrap dress is designed to flatter you and your bump. Added stretch and a clever cut give a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. Enjoy your pregnancy in style!

Pure Cotton 'Ben 10' T-Shirt, at M+S
Fans of Ben 10 will love this short sleeve t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Wave Shade, at Marks and Spencer
Cylinder shade Wave design Contrast trim H 35.5 x Diam 30cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Handheld Grater, at Marks & Spencer
Grip handle Wide plate, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Velvet Bed Cover, at Marks & Spencer
Square design Quilted look Stitched detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Alsace Pinot Grigio 2007 - Case of 12, at M&S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Grigio Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap 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

Smooth Jazz CD, at Marks and Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Autograph Stepped Border Rug, at Marks and Spencers
Rectangular Handtufted Small: 80 x 140 Medium: 120 x 180 Large: 160 x 230, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Evoke 1S Luxury DAB & FM Portable Radio, at Marks & Spencer
Program up to 30 DAB or FM station presets Organic LED display for superior contrast and improved readability from any angle Scrolling text can be paused or stored for browsing at a later date RDS for FM station name display and RDS scrolling text Connect an iPod or MiniDisc and play it directly through the EVOKE-1S speaker Light sensor adjusts the display brightness to suit the ambient light in your room Dedicated kitchen timer button, ideal for timing your eggs to perfection Add new features as they become available via USB Environmentally friendly - standby power consumption of less than 1W and made from 70% recycled material 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

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Floral Skirt, at M+S
Beautifully designed to fit, flare and flatter, this fully lined pull-on skirt is bias cut for an elegant shape. The ideal match for blouses and fine knits in coordinating colours

Deep V-Neck Cover Up Beach Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and stylish, this flattering beach dress is designed in the latest shape. A fabulous fashionable look

16-Piece Cutlery Set, at Marks n Spencer
16-piece set Includes 4 knives, 4 forks, 4 spoons and 4 teaspoons Coloured handles 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 l, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Blush Body Spray, at Mark's & Spencer
To use: Shake well. Spray 15cm from your body 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Sprung-Edge Non-Storage Divan & Autograph M500 Mattress - Firm, at Mark's & Spencer
No turn mattress Mattress and divan are anti-allergy Mattress: spring count 1225, depth 27.5cm Divan height: 41.5cm Single 3ft: W90 x L190cm Double 4ft6: W135 x L190cm King size 5ft: W150 x L200cm Super king size 6ft: W180 x L200cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Single Breasted 2 Button Stripe Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Smart, practical and comfortable, our essential suits are made in stylish designs from durable fabrics. Ideal for everyday wear

Body Formula All Day Long Hand Cream with SPF15, at Mark's & Spencer
Liquorice to reduce the appearance of age spots Vitamin complex to strengthen and protect UVA and UVB filters shield the hand 75ml

Perfect Autograph Weekend Modal Rich Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks and Spenser
Modern and sophisticated, these drawstring pyjama bottoms are part of our exclusive Autograph Weekend collection. They're beautifully designed and made from modal with stretch which feels incredibly soft and comfortable to wear

2 Cotton Rich Padded Underwired Bras, at Marks & Spenser
Soft and comfortable, this pack of 2 bras is great value. They're designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

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 Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spencers 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, Buildings & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents 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 Finance Buildings & Contents 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 Finance Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.