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 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 Spencer, through its M+S 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 Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

M+S 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 M+S 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 Marks & Spensers 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 UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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

3 Authentic Woven Pure Cotton Spot Boxers, at Mark & Spensers
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy spot boxers are ideal for everyday wear

LEGOŽ 40TH Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Youve hit the big 40! Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 215 x 150mm

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Chic and modern, this short sleeve t-shirt is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a graphic print

Kraft and Copper Foil Flowers Luxury Wrap Pack, at Mark's & Spencer
Contains: 1 sheet wrapping paper, 1 ribbon, 1 gift tag Wrap: 980 x 685mm Ribbon: 2 m Tag: 115mm diameter

Lightweight Crinkle Scarf with Wool, at Marks n Spencer
This sophisticated crinkle scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The tassel detail adds a stylish finishing touch

Metal Gem Bud Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at Marks & Spencer
Metal bud design Aperture 13 x 18cm (5 x 7 in), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

7 Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Assorted Bodysuits, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and practical, this pack of 7 bodysuits is great value. Popper fastenings and envelope necklines make quick changes easy and the soft cotton fabric will keep him feeling comfy and happy

Ivory and Black Cake or Favour Boxes, at M&S
Contains: 10 cake or favour boxes Flat: 155 x 85 mm Folded: L130 x W80 x D27mm

Circular Stool, at Marks and Spencer
H31 x Diam 86cm (all dimensions are approximate) Top cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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 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 08457 624 624 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

The Mini Crossword Puzzle Book, at Marks & Spenser
There is probably no more satisfying a puzzle to solve than a crossword. Whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare, this superb collection of puzzles will challenge and entertain

2 Cotton Rich Lace Trim Vests, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and practical, this pack of 2 vests makes a great value way to stock up your underwear drawer. The stretch cotton fabric is the ideal choice for everyday wear and gives a comfortable flattering fit.

Short Sleeve Faux Snake Print Belted Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Chic and modern, this short sleeve shirt features a stunning faux snake skin design. A vibrant new look, perfect for this season

Moon Marble Bead Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Marble shaped beads Moon effect Adjustable length Lobster claw fastening Necklace length 72cm, extendable by 8cm

3 Pairs of Newborn Cotton Rich Assorted Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Brighten up his underwear drawer with these fashionable assorted design socks made from soft breathable cotton rich fabric

Pink Wrapping Accessory Pack, at Marks and Spencer
1 flower sticker 1 blue ribbon 1 pink ribbon 1 pink spotty ribbon Ribbon lengths: 1.5m Bow: 105mm diameter

Layered Cover Up Dress, at Mark's & Spencer
Fabulously fashionable, this flattering cover up is designed in the latest shape. Fashionable, practical and comfortable

Per Una Dandy Floral Print Panel Dress, at Marks & Spensers
A stylish floral print dress in soft fabric featuring a panel design

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Assorted Shorts, at M+S
Cute and trendy, this pack of 5 cotton briefs makes a great way to stock up on essential style

Art Nouveau Pendant & Earrings Set, at Marks & Spenser
2 part set Pendant necklace Stud earrings Art Nouveau design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Musicals CD, at M&S
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks and Spencers
Comfortable and stylish, these straight leg jeans are outstanding value!

Photographic Humour Calendar, at Marks and Spencer
Dimensions: 150 x 400mm

Blue Harbour Classic Pure Cotton Funnel Jacket, at Mark & Spensers
A contemporary design makes this jacket a fashionable choice

Lightweight Animal Print Scarf, at Marks & Spencer
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your look with this elegant animal print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Widefit Almond Toe Court Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Almond toe Slip-on Lined Heel height 64mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Autograph Pure Silk Diagonal Stripe Tie, at M&S
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Younger Girls' Buckle Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Single strap with buckle fastening Contrast lining Flat sole Comes in sizes 4-13

Classic Collection Wool Rich Lined Mouflon Coat, at M&S
Wrap up in style! This warm, soft coat in wool-rich mouflon will keep you feeling cosy and looking chic. Lined and smartly finished with a stitch detail, it's the perfect blend of fashion and comfort

Handcrafted Calendar Valentine Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text: I've pencilled you in... Inside message: ...for the 14th? This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Trousers with Cashmere, at Marks & Spencers
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on these trousers to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

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