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 n 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 & 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 Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents 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 Marks n Spencer 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 & Contents 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 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."

Marks & Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks & Spencers 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 & Spencers 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 & Contents 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 & Contents Insurance, Motor 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 & Spencer insurance products in document format too.

Autograph Essentials Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Autograph Essentials - a collection of luxurious and timeless wardrobe must-haves featuring premium design and sophisticated styling

Contemporary Kiwi Collection, at Marks and Spencer
Stoney Range Sherwood Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008(75cl) Sherwood Estate Pinot Noir 2007(75cl) Presented in a stylish wooden gift box Price includes delivery Licensing Act 2003: it is an offence for any person under 18 years to buy or attempt to buy alcoholic liquor Looking to place a corporate bulk order? Please call 0845 6020602 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Portfolio Pure Linen Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks n Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

7 Pure Cotton Assorted Bodysuits, at Mark's & Spencer
Stock up on stylish essentials with this pack of 7 bodysuits in natural breathable cotton

Just For You Hedgehog Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Just for you... Inside message: blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Denim Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and casual, these straight leg jeans are made with stretch for comfort and ease of movement

Dry Creek Fumé Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: USA Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 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

Classic Straw Hat, at Marks&Spencer
Keep your cool in this straw sun hat, a summer and holiday essential

Wentworth Large 2-Seater Occasional Sofa Bed, at M+S
H96 x W172 x D100cm Seat H50cm (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 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 Feet are castors Mattress: L180 x W112 x D6cm Foam mattress rests on polypropylene base Mattress recommended for occasional use Sofa Bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Curlers Photographic Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: Mum, I'm still your little girl... And you'll always be my best friend... Inside Message: Happy Mother's Day Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Set of 3 Rococo Style Photo Frames 5.1 x 7.6cm (2 x 3"), at Marks & Spencer
Set of 3 Rococo style Option to stand or hang Dimensions: 5.1 x 7.6cm (2 x 3"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Nice And Easy CD, at Marks & Spensers
Album, Marks & Spencer

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable 3/4 sleeve stripe cardigan in textured fabric. Assorted buttons make it extra stylish

Autograph Long Sleeve Narrow Bengal Stripe Shirt, at M+S
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Perfect Autograph Double Tramline Slip-On Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail Slip-on Block heel

Classic Letters 40th Birthday Card, at Mark & Spensers
Approx. size: 230 x 114mm Cover text: On your 40th birthday Inside message: Have a very special day

Satin Pleat Wing Collar Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Make a smart impression at formal engagements with the timeless cut, French cuffs and satin pleat design of this elegant wing collar shirt

Travel Shoe Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Prevent scuffs and marks on your favourite shoes, by placing them in this funky shoe bag

Clarendon 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencer
H91 x W202 x D103cm Seat H52cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that maintains the cushions' look and shape. Click here to Find out more 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 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 Feet are castors 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Low Rise Narrow Stripe Shorts, at Marks and Spenser
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these stylish narrow stripe shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

Modal Rich Vintage Lace Bow Shorts, at M & S
These shorts are made with supersoft modal. They feel incredibly comfortable and silky smooth against the skin

Pure Linen Pintuck Bib Dress, at Marks & Spensers
This fresh fashionable dress in cool pure linen is beautifully styled and detailed with pintucked bib feature

Snake Band Halterneck Bikini Top, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and stylish, this flattering bikini is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

M&S 8GB USB Memory Stick, at Marks and Spencers
8GB storage space Hi speed USB 2.0 compliant Plug & play compatible Capless design Requires no external power or cables Operating system: 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, OS9.X, OSX and Linux Kernel 2.4 or higher Speed: read speed max. 11 MB /s, write speed 7 MB /s Dimensions: 68 x 19.6 x 10.2mm

Lichfield Extending Dining Table & 6 Leather Seat Slat-Back Chairs Set, at Marks & Spencer
Rectangular dining table Table: H75 x L145 x W95 Extends: L195cm Extensions leaves available Set of 6 slat-back dining chairs Chairs: H102 x W46 x D60cm Seat: H50cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Chair frames made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered Top panel is veneered with solid oak edging for strength 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Baby Brothers Mix - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
3 Chardonnay VdP Cteaux de Tannay 2008: Showing all the crunchy green apple fruit, citric acidity and pebbly minerality youd expect of a decent Chablis, this is a vibrant and characterful Chardonnay... 3 Sauvignon Blanc VdP Val de Loire 2008: Flavours of ripe apricot and dried herbs are matched by juicy acidity and a classic note of wet stone in this expressive and engaging unoaked dry white... 3 Ctes du Rhne Les Closiers 2007: This full-bodied yet elegant red has firm tannins, engaging flavours of ripe plum and cherry fruit, together with a gentle, spicy persistence... 3 Bordeaux 2006: With its engaging flavours of ripe damson fruit, caramel and grilled herbs, this is an elegant and classic Merlot-based Bordeaux blend... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Tankini Boy Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and feminine, these flattering shorts are designed in the latest shape. A stylish, shapely look

Adored Lily Embroidered Non Padded DD-G Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and elegant, this non-padded bra is made from the softest fabric, embroidery and lace, so it's blissfully comfortable to wear

Sprung-Edge Suede Divan with 2 Small + 2 Large Drawers & F400 Pocket Memory Foam Mattress with Coolmax° - Medium, at Marks and Spencers
Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 25cm Divan height: H41cm Large drawers: H14 x W78 x D52cm, small drawers: 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 Mattress 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

Watercolour Floral Multipack of Easter Cards, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: design 1: Happy Easter, design 2: Easter Wishes Inside message: All designs, blank for your own message 6 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 145 x 70mm

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 Motor 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; Motor Insurance and Buildings & Contents 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 & Contents 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.