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

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 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 Finance Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

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

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

Divan Sets - F400 ZIPL/NON STO, at M&S
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Green Glitter Butterfly Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Birthday wishes Message: Have a lovely day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 114 mm

Duo Twist Platinum-Plated Rings, at Marks & Spenser
An elegant display of understated glamour puts this gorgeous platinum plated ring in a class of its own

Stainless Steel Rectangular Mirror, at Mark & Spencers
Freestanding Tilt base Rectangular H22 x W16cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Cotton Collection Cotton Bud Handwash, at Marks and Spencer
Moisture rich handwash 250ml bottle with pump

Single Sprung-Edge Suede Divan with 2 Small + 2 Large Drawers & Autograph F500 Latex Pillowtop Mattress, at Marks and Spenser
Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190 cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200 cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200 cm 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: 28.5cm Divan Height: 41cm Large Drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Small Drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Smaller drawers at the head end are designed to open without moving your bedside table Highly responsive pocketed springs Mattress features deep pillowtop layer of Talalay latex and luxurious white fibre Mattress also features two further layers of cotton and resilient white fibre for additional support Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges Spring count: 1225 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

Per Una Faux Fur Hooded Jacket, at Marks&Spencer
A cosy faux fur hooded jacket featuring water repellent finish

Large Handmade Mum & Dad Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Mum & Dad, Happy Anniversary Inside message: With lots of love Approx size: Unfolded: 220 x 220mm

Classic Collection Cotton Rich Jersey Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and fashionable, this cotton rich jacket is finished with stitch detail. A practical, versatile style that can be worn with smart or casual outfits

Fraser Armchair, at Marks & Spencer
H99cm x W107cm x D102cm Seat: H48cm (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 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 medium finish 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

Autograph Pure Cotton Stripe Roll Sleeve Shirt, at M+S
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

Sony Bravia 46'' KDL-46V5500 HD Ready LCD TV, at M+S
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 3 with a 46 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Dynamic Contrast: 60000:1 Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ channels and radio stations (subject to coverage) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dimensions: With table stand: W112.3 x H77.1 x D33cm, without table stand: W112.3 x H72.3 x D9.6cm Weight: weight inc. stand 27kg, weight without stand 23.5kg Dolby Virtual Surround and BBE Digital: Experience the effect of digital surround sound from only two front speakers with our advanced S-Force Front Surround technology Connectors: Digital Audio Output (optical) x 1, HDMI™ Inputs x 4, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, Analogue Audio Inputs x 2, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2, BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Video/Music/Photo), AppliCast™ BRAVIA Engine 3: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 3 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Xross Media Bar: New Sony interface to enhance the operability and ease of use Picture Frame Mode: Not watching TV? Turn it into a digital photo frame to display your own pictures or the 6 pre-installed images BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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 Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ceriso Styled Floral Embroidered Shorts, at Mark & Spencers
Feminine and fashionable, these modern shorts feature intricate floral embroidery.The low rise style gives a flattering, shapely fit, perfect for wearing with hipsters. Designed for women who want the latest look

Cuvée Cédric Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap Bottle: 12 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

Blue Harbour Crew Neck Fleece Top, at Marks & Spencer
Relaxed and cosy, this long sleeve crew neck fleece top is outstanding value!

Older Boys' Wrap Around Mirror Sunglasses, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and fab, these Mirrored wraparound sunglasses give 100% UV protection for safer style in the sun

Autograph Pure Silk Twister Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Silicone Nipple Covers, at Mark & Spensers
There are some clothes that simply don't work with a bra. These secure and effective nipple covers make the perfect solution

2 Easycare Assorted Shirts & Tie Set, at Marks & Spencers
Smart style for less! This pack of 2 shirts and tie is outstanding value

First Readers The Three Little Pigs, at Marks and Spenser
This popular story is part of the First Readers range. The three little pigs are each building their own house, but oh no here comes the big bad wolf! These First Reader story books help your child learn to read. They are closely linked to the National Curriculum. Their vocabulary has been carefully selected from the word lists recommended by the National Literacy Strategy

Vinzelo Douro 2006 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Grape variety: A blend of local Portuguese grape varieties Country of origin: Portugal Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

3 Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Assorted Tops, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and practical, this pack of 3 tops is great value. The soft cotton fabric will keep him comfy and happy

M&S 2 Shelf Glass TV Stand up to 43'', at Marks & Spencer
Supports LCD and plasma TVs up to 43" Toughened safety glass shelves Increased rigidity with simple home assembly Piano black finish Dimensions: H520 x W1000 x D460mm 70kg maximum top load weight 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

Blue Harbour Cargo Board Shorts, at Marks and Spenser
Practical and fashionable, these board shorts give a comfortable, flattering and secure fit

Sony Bravia 46" KDL-46W5500 HD 1080p LCD TV, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 3 with a 46 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Dynamic Contrast: 100000:1 Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ channels and radio stations (subject to coverage) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dimensions: With table stand: W112.3 x H77.2 x D33cm, without table stand: W112.3 x H72.5 x D9.6cm Weight: weight inc. stand 27.5kg, weight without stand 24kg Dolby Virtual Surround and BBE Digital: Experience the effect of digital surround sound from only two front speakers with our advanced S-Force Front Surround technology Connectors: Digital Audio Output (optical) x 1, HDMI™ Inputs x 4, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, Analogue Audio Inputs x 2, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2, BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Video/Music/Photo), AppliCast™ BRAVIA Engine 3: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 3 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Xross Media Bar: New Sony interface to enhance the operability and ease of use Picture Frame Mode: Not watching TV? Turn it into a digital photo frame to display your own pictures or the 6 pre-installed images BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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 Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ceiling - DROPLET CEILING, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Maxim Wine Glasses, at M+S
Pack of 4 Height 21.5cm 36cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Claret Quartet Collection, at Marks and Spencers
Chteau Greysac Cru Bourgeouis 2000 75cl (12.5% vol) Chteau du Couvent Pomerol 2004 75cl (13% vol.) Chteau Peymartin Saint-Julien 2003 75cl (13% vol.) Chteau De Clairefont Margaux 2005 75cl (13% vol.) Price includes delivery Glasses and serving dishes not included unless otherwise stated Looking to place a corporate bulk order? Please call 0845 6020602 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Essentials Chevron Print Top, at Marks and Spencer
This sleeveless chevron print top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features pretty gathered front design for a stylish casual look

Maternity Skirt & Leggings Set, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, this skirt and leggings set 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!

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