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 Marks and Spencers, through its Marks & Spencer 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 Home 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 Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Marks & Spenser Standard Motor Insurance. With Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from M&S, 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 Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.

When you're shopping at Marks and Spenser 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 Marks & Spencer Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Motor 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 Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the Marks & Spencer 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."

Learning Cubes, at Marks & Spensers
Assorted colour cubes Suitable for ages 0-3 years Encourages activity and develops interactive play This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive 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

Per Una Dip Dye Knitted Top with Chiffon Scarf, at Marks & Spencer
An elegant v-neck top featuring dip dye design. Floral print chiffon scarf gives it the Per Una touch

Blue Harbour Pure Lambswool Argyle Jumper, at Marks & Spenser
An extremely comfortable jumper. It's made from extrafine lambswool which is spun for the softest feel. Conveniently, it can be machine washed and tumble dried and it resists bobbling

5 Floral Lace Full Briefs, at Marks n Spencer
Offering superior coverage and comfort, these attractive briefs team the flattering look of a low leg with an understated combined lace and plain design. An easycare fabric and added stretch provide a fuss free fit you'll love

Water Resistant Digital Sports Watch, at M+S
Ideal for sports, this stylish watch looks great with casualwear too

Autograph Pure Cotton Hooded Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this cotton dressing gown makes the perfect lightweight cover up

Autograph Babylon Collection Floor Lamp, at Marks and Spencer
Chrome base Faux silk shade (included) H162 x Diam 45cm Bulb: 100W GLS or 21W CFL This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Cotton Rich Cropped Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
A stylish cropped pair of jeans in stretch cotton featuring a slit side hem. Comes with a silver plaited belt, making it extra stylish

Classic Collection Cashmilon™ Floral Cardigan, at Marks & Spensers
Stylish and so comfortable, this cardigan in softest cashmilon™ feels as good as it looks and the pretty floral design adds the perfect finishing touch

Autograph Trilby Hat, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, this trilby hat makes a stylish finishing touch

Bon Bon Table Lamp, at M&S
Chrome plated steel Clear glass ball design Fabric shade H38 x Diam 18cm Suitable Light Bulb: 60W E14 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Larkspur Bouquet, at Marks and Spencers
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

Per Una Face Palette, at Marks & Spensers
Hypoallergenic Includes: 18 eyeshadows, 12 lip colours, a bronzer and 3 cheek colours

Patch Kitten Bedset, at Marks and Spencer
Kitten design Floral detail Single set includes single duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pure Cotton Classic Briefs, at Marks & Spencer
Easy to care for cotton and a classic cut ensures these comfy briefs are a staple part of any underwear drawer

Cookies Book, at Mark's & Spencer
Everybody loves chocolate chip cookies but how about creating a whole range of cookies and biscuits with great new combinations of tastes and textures: almond and plum crescents, iced marshmallow butterflies or some snickerdoodles! Here are over 50 fantastic ideas that will have you rushing for your baking tray immediately

3/4 Sleeve Self Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this 3/4 sleeve shirt features a stunning self stripe design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

MoDA Café Scene Bamboo Paper Blank Card, at M+S
Cover text: Blank Inside message: Blank for your own message Our MoDA range has been screen printed onto paper made from bamboo. Bamboo is a truly sustainable and renewable resource as it's the fastest growing plant on the planet! Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

2 Cotton Rich Sleeveless Mesh Vests, at M&S
A seam free design along the sides and the soft qualities of cotton ensures these great vests provide the ultimate in everyday comfort

Maxim Egg Cup, at Marks & Spencer
Egg cup Versatile fine dining range Plain porcelain Suitable for everyday use H6.5 x diam 5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Maxim 4-Slice Toast Rack, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for everyday use Can hold up to 4 pieces of toast Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain H7 x W8cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bodyshaper Textured Diamond Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Add a stylish touch of chic with this head-turning diamond design

Samsung 42" PS42B451 HD Plasma TV, at Marks & Spenser
HD Ready 1080p: HD 1080p compatible to display High Definition signals in breathtaking quality, i.e. Playstation 3, Blu-Ray, etc. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) delivers crystal-clear, digital audio and video signals using a single cable. 1080p is the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use Display: 42 inch Widescreen plasma TV with 1024 x 768 pixels Contrast Ratios: Dynamic Contrast 30000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W1055.5 x H721 x W316mm (with stand) W1055.5 x H660 x D74mm (without stand) Weight: 27.8kg (with stand) 24.1kg (without stand) SRS TruSurround XT: For enhanced surround sound effect Connectors: 3 x HDMI, PC input (D-sub), PC Audio Input (Mini Jack), DVI Audio Input (Mini Jack), Component (Y/Pb/Pr), Digital Audio (Optical), RF Input, Audio Out (L/R), CI slot, Composite (AV) DNIe+ Technology: The Digital Natural Image Engine produces images with incredible depth and density. Advanced contrast and detail enhancers combine to produce deeper richer lifelike colours Wide Colour Enhancer 2: Primary colours are strengthened to increase depth and intensity to show pictures in all their natural beauty Anynet+: The Anynet+ system allows control of a SAMSUNG Anynet+ TV via one single remote control FilterBright Panel FilterBright is a powerful anti-reflective film that absorbs external light and transmits internal light, thereby increasing the contrast levels and preventing unwanted reflection. In bright daylight, FilterBright creates high contrast with pure black to show clearer image details and generate superb industry-leading dark area representation 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: 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 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Cars Lightning McQueen T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Fans of Cars will love this short sleeve cotton t-shirt featuring Lightning McQueen. A practical, easycare style

Portfolio Faux Pearl Necklace, at Marks and Spenser
Faux pearl Chain necklace Hook fastening

Spot Net Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These spot print tights have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

The Floral Collection Magnolia Bath Cream, at Marks and Spencers
Foaming bath cream Moisture rich Magnolia fragrance 500ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Magnolia Liliflora (Magnolia), Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Laureth-4, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-2, Magnesium Nitrate, Propylene Glycol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Sorbitol, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Linalool, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, CI 19140, CI 14700

2 Serving Spoons, at Marks & Spenser
Set of 2 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Red Wine, Chocolate & Rose Basket, at Marks & Spensers
The perfect basket of treats for a loved one! Includes a giftwrapped cream rose plant, a bottle of French red wine and a box of tempting chocolates Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 M&S 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 Tesco 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 Marks & Spencer Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.