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 Spenser 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 Spencer, 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 House 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 MarksandSpencer 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 House 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."

Besides Marks and Spencers Motor Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services House Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Financial Services Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks and Spenser purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier House Insurance and Standard House Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

Link Sunglasses, at M&S
With full UV protection and a flattering modern design, these smart sunglasses will see you through the summer in style

2 Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Pull On Hats, at Marks & Spencers
Add a stylish finish with these pull on cotton hats

M&S Combination DAB Digital Radio, at Marks & Spencer
Access over 8000 radio stations worldwide built-in WiFi 24 station presets (8 DAB / 8 FM / 8 internet) Podcast and listen again service compatible with media streaming of MP3/WMA & real audio file Alarm functionality, snooze button, headphone port, automatic scanning, firmware upgradeable and mains operated Stereo digital radio with 802.11b/g WiFi network, full Band III DAB and FM reception Frequency ranges: 802.11b/g, Band III 174-240 MHz, FM 87.5-108 MHz WiFi (802.11b/g) security: WEP, TKIP, WPA, WPA2 WiFi audio files format support: MP3, WMA, Real Audio Speakers: full-range 3" drive unit Input connectors: 9V DC power adaptor socket (230V supplied) Output connectors: 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm line out (analogue) LCD display: 2X16 character Type LCD display Mains power supply: 230V AC to 9V DC external power adaptor Aerial: captive telescopic aerial Dimensions (mm): 115mm high x 275mm wide x 65mm deep 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

The Incredible Hulk Blu-ray DVD, at M&S
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Per Una Styled Floral Emroidered Lace Shorts, at Mark & Spencers
Fresh and feminine, these stylish shorts are made from soft stretch lace. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Stainless Steel Melon Baller, at M & S
Hanging loop Stainless steel, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Monster Top, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable this long sleeve top in soft cotton is outstanding value!

Per Una Cap Sleeve Gathered Jersey Dress, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable cap sleeve dress, featuring scoop neck and gathered front detail

Per Una Floral Print Frill Blouse, at Marks and Spenser
An elegant short sleeve blouse in a soft cotton blend. Frill detail gives it the Per Una touch

Pure Cotton Lace Embroidered Bib Top, at MarksandSpencer
Stylish and versatile, this v-neck lace and embroidered bib top is made from cool comfortable cotton

Nature Plate, at Marks and Spencer
Round shape Swirl design Diameter: 32cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Best-Loved Plants Book, at Marks and Spencer
A beautiful range of 5 gardening titles, full of inspiring ideas and tips both for the novice and more experienced gardener. From pots and small backyards to larger gardens, feel confident in choosing the right flowers and shrubs for the right place all year round! Packed full of wonderful colour photography, these books will prepare and motivate you to garden.

Woodland Scene Playmat and Mobile, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable from birth Padded woodland quilt and arch with 3 different activities For added safety, the stuffing in this product is incorporated in an extra layer This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive W65 x D65cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Dark Dining Table & 6 Alton Fabric Dining Chairs Set, at Marks & Spencers
7 piece set Table: H76 x L180 x W100cm Extends to L230cm Seats 6 people, comes with extension leaf to seat 8 Extension leaf can be stored beneath the table top Chair: H99 x W46 x D56cm Chairs made from solid walnut with fabric seat Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Chairs made from solid wood Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Legs made from solid hardwood 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Château Gressina 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec Country of origin: France 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

Sun Formula Airbrush Propellant, at Marks & Spencer
For use with airbrush self-tan 300ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Big & Tall Single Pleat Microcheck Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend with stretch. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Hand Made Son Letters Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: To a very special Son on his birthday Inside message: Have a great day! Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Autograph Anodised Aluminium 20cm Saucepan, at Mark & Spensers
Charcoal-coloured aluminium design Riveted handle for durability Clear lid with handle Excellent heat distribution with no hot spots Non-stick interior for low-fat cooking and easy cleaning Suitable for all cooker types except induction Handwash only Diam: 20cm Capacity: 3 litre Oven safe to 180C/350F/gas mark 4, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Beatrix Potter Wrap Pack, at Mark's & Spencer
Pack contains: 2 sheets, 2 tags Each sheet: 495 x 695 mm Tags: 80 x 55 mm (folded) Frederick Warne & Co Limited 2008

Beatrix Potter Wrap Pack, at Marks & Spencer
Pack contains: 2 sheets, 2 tags Each sheet: 495 x 695 mm Tags: 80 x 55 mm (folded) Frederick Warne & Co Limited 2008

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - City Turn-Up Shorts with Stain Defence™, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable as well as practical, these city shorts make a stylish alternative to skirts or trousers for school. Stretch fabric gives a comfortable and shapely fit. Our unique Stain Defence™ finish repels everyday stains

The Floral Collection Moisture Rich Rose Handwash, at Marks and Spencers
Rose fragrance Moisture rich Handwash 250ml

Ontario Large Camoflage Holdall, at Marks and Spencer
There'll be no things that go bump in the night with this easy to transport trolley bag. Supported by sturdy wheels and a stand-alone feature, it is the ideal option for short trips or flying abroad

Moulton Coffee Table, at Marks & Spencers
H45 x L120 x W60cm Oval shaped table Glass top Glass table tops are made from safety-tested toughened glass Bottom under shelf Made from solid ash and ash veneer All wooden shelving is finished with a starburst veneer effect 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 SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this table as part of a set. Click here to view the Moulton Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Palacio Del Marques Tempranillo Syrah 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Tempranillo & Syrah Country of origin: Spain Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Slinky Lace Trim Waist Slip, at M&S
A practical fashion essential you can't do without! This cling resistant waist slip comes in a variety of lengths. It's a must-have for enhancing the look of your dresses and skirts, particularly those that look see-through under light

Sony CMT-LX401 Micro Hi-Fi, at Marks and Spencers
AM/FM/DAB radio 2 x 5w (RMS) power output CD+ -R/CD+ -RW playback Digital input 4 graphic equaliser presets Enables you to operate your equipment from a remote handset Hi-Fi unit dimensions: D20.5 x H22.1 x W20cm Weight: 8.6kg 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

Autograph 1 Button Plain Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Our Autograph suits are made from finer fabrics with superior attention to detail, giving you the ultimate in sharp, sophisticated style

Track-Snap Chuggington Game, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 3+ Not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts that may become detached and present a choking hazard This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Financial Services offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor Insurance policies are much the same is usually a bad idea. At worst it can be a very expensive mistake - this is when you find out that your Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Financial Services Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with Marks and Spencer 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, or Tescos Direct:

• Personal UK and European Breakdown Cover automatically included
• Comprehensive cover for trips abroad in the European Union - up to 90 days per trip
• Courtesy car during approved repairs automatically included
• Cover for Motor Legal Protection automatically included

So, it is clear that, besides being good value, M&S Motor Insurance also provides much more extensive cover than some of the top competitors. Additionally, you don't even need to be behind the wheel to benefit from M&S Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.