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

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 & Spencer are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spenser 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 Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 Money Direct Buildings 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 Money Direct Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct 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&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, Sainsburys, 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 M&S Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Limited Collection Side Popper Leggings, at Mark & Spensers
These leggings are part of Limited Collection's Ethereal trend. An eclectic fairytale look featuring vintage inspired crochet, frills and a mix of prints and bright summertime shades

Ceriso Floral Print DD-G Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Flirty and feminine this modern bra is beautifully detailed with a frill trim and floral print design. Soft padding and underwiring give great support and a fabulous flattering shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Funnel Neck Half Zip Fleece Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
An essential part of any wardrobe, this great value half-zip fleece is warm and cosy. A fashionable and practical choice

Per Una Cotton Rich Stripe Bootleg Trousers, at M&S
A smart pair of bootleg trousers in stretch cotton featuring stripe design

Moon Marble Bead Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Marble shaped beads Moon effect Adjustable length Lobster claw fastening Necklace length 72cm, extendable by 8cm

Flat Front Crease Resistant Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers.

Checkerboard Cosmetic Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Rectangular Zip fastening Check pattern Side pouch

2 Pairs of Wool Blend Long Argyle Socks, at Marks & Spencer
A wool blend makes these socks soft, breathable and absorbent to keep feet warm, dry and comfy

Flitter Heart Wedding Card, at M&S
Cover text: With love on your wedding day Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 178 x 126mm

Blue Harbour Heritage Pure Cotton Herringbone Denim Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Relaxed and stylish, this long sleeve shirt is made from pure cotton, so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Spot Fishnet Tights, at Marks n Spencer
Add a stylish touch of chic with this head-turning spot fishnet design

Autograph Floral Diamanté Hat, at Marks & Spenser
Luxurious, fashionable and elegant, this feather and diamant trim hat is sure to turn heads at stylish summer events To receive your FREE hat box, simply click on the hat box below and add it to your basket

2 Piece Pure Cotton Check Pinafore Outfit, at M+S
A cute look in pure soft cotton, this coordinated outfit combines a top with check pinafore skirt. The pleat detail adds a pretty finishing touch

Sony Bravia 46" KDL-46W5500 HD 1080p LCD TV, at Marks & 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

Older Girls' Widefit Permair™ Leather Flower Bar School Shoes, at M&S
Round toe Floral detail Riptape fastening strap Flat sole Scuff resistant Permair™ micro porous coating makes the shoes scuff- and water-resistant and easy to clean, while allowing feet to breathe

Per Una Pure Cotton Tropic Leaf Print Dress, at M+S
A colourful tropic leaf print dress in pure soft cotton featuring a pleated neck detail

Woodland Owl Cot Mirror, at Mark & Spencers
Suitable from birth Interactive cot owl Includes a mirror tummy, squeaker and crinkly wings Double lined for safety, the stuffing in this product is incorporated in an extra layer This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive H27 x W28cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Glass Ball Candle Holder, at Marks & Spencers
Ball design Thick base Diam 10.6 x H13cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 1 Small + 1 Large Drawers & F400 Coolmax® Pocket Memory Foam Mattress, at Marks n Spencer
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Small drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Individually pocketed springs Mattress features a layer of resilient foam and memory foam, and also polyester fibre Mattress has foam layers to encourage air circulation Two rows of hand side-stitching give edge-to-edge support on the mattress Quality Belgian fabric for added durability Coolmax stretch knit cover helps regulate body temperature and adds a soft feel to the mattress Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body once warmed by body heat providing high levels of support Pocket sprung mattresses give a flexible feel 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

Classic Duckling Medium Gift Bag, at Marks & Spencer
1 gift bag Approx size: H260 x W200 x D90mm

3 Authentic Woven Pure Cotton Stripe Assorted Boxers, at Marks and Spencer
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy boxers are ideal for everyday wear

Luxury Glass Orchid, at Marks and Spencer
Add a touch of luxury to your home with this twin-stemmed phalaenopsis orchid. The glass pot helps to create an elegant, contemporary look Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

2 Underwired Plain T-Shirt Bras, at Marks & Spensers
Feminine and pretty, these underwired plunge bras are outstanding value

Blue Night Shiraz Cabernet 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz Country of origin: Australia Closure: Natural cork 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

Half Moon Mantle Clock, at Marks & Spenser
Half moon shape Free standing Roman numeral face Clear centre with visible clock work detail Dimensions: 27.3 x 14.1 x 6.4cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Machine Washable Diagonal Multi Stripe Tie, at M+S
Combining machine washable convenience with a contemporary design, this stunning tie will make a valuable and versatile addition to your smart wardrobe

Assorted Hair Bands, at Marks & Spencer
Tie back those tresses in style with these fabulous hair bands

Collezione Pure Silk Mixed Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

Autograph Skinny Tie, at Marks & Spencer
Cut narrower for a contemporary look, this skinny tie adds a smart finishing touch. Ideal for sixth form wear

Collezione Leather Hip Wallet, at Mark & Spensers
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

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 Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings 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 Direct. 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 Direct, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Money Direct 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."