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 & Spensers, through its M&S Financial Services 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.

M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

When you're shopping at Marks and 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 Financial Services. 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 Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Financial Services. 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 Financial Services, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Financial Services 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."

5 Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Classic Slips, at Marks and Spencer
A practical choice with a selection of colours, an easycare cotton weave translates into a practical solution for soft, easy to wear comfort

Portfolio Short Sleeve Geo Print Jersey Dress, at Marks & Spenser
Sophisticated and elegant, this jersey dress features a cross-over neckline. A flattering, stylish look

Gold Jewel Effect Roll Wrap, at Marks and Spenser
Includes 1 roll wrap Approx. size: 150 x 70cm

Classic Collection Cotton Rich Pull On Corduroy Trousers, at MarksandSpencer
Effortlessly stylish, these easycare pull on casual trousers are finished with a smart decorative fob at the waist. They're designed to give a comfortable, flattering fit and make a perfect match for fashionable tops and t-shirts.

8mm Ball Stud Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
Ball design Butterfly fastening For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Leaf Guipure Moulded T-Shirt Bra, at M & S
Smooth and versatile, this comfortable t-shirt bra is designed for a no-show look under your clothes

Palacio Del Marques Tempranillo Syrah 2008 - Case of 12, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Tempranillo & Syrah Country of origin: Spain Closure: Synthetic closure 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

Ruched Back Low Rise Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these pretty lace detail shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

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

Pure Wool 2 Button Single Breasted Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Don't sacrifice style for comfort this summer. This Pure Wool jacket is specially designed for the warmer months. It's made with a lighter weight fabric, has a softer feel and it features an antibacterial body lining to help keep you feeling fresh

Lichfield Wardrobe, at M & S
H195 x W115 x D60cm Full length hanging rail Half-length mirror Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Handles made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered Top panel is veneered with solid oak edging for strength Delivered flatpack due to size. 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. SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this wardrobe as part of a set. Click here to view the Lichfield Collection Set. Click here to view the internal layout of this furniture This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Detroit Extending Dining Table, at Marks & Spencer
H75 x W90 x L160cm (extends to L205cm) Comes with extension leaf to seat 8 Extension leaf is stored beneath the table top Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Delivered flatpack due to size 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Lightweight Flap Pocket Chinos, at Marks and Spenser
A great smart casual look for summer, these flap pocket chinos are made from soft cotton and offer a comfortable, relaxed fit

3 Pairs of Collezione Pure Cotton Socks, at Marks and Spenser
Smart socks with a luxurious feel and appearance. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Florentyna Hand & Nail Cream, at Mark's & Spencer
To use: carefully massage into the hands, especially after washing paying particular attention to dry or damaged skin 100ml

North Coast Pure Cotton Bootleg Jeans with Belt, at Marks&Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these bootleg jeans give a fashionable casual look

Autograph Leather Tramline Lace-Up Shoes by Jeffery-West, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Punched hole and zig zag cut-out detail 4 eyelets Lace-up Block heel Tramline design Designed exclusively for Autograph by Jeffery-West

Pure Cotton Lightweight Flap Pocket Chinos, at Marks n Spencer
A great smart casual look for summer, these flap pocket chinos are made from soft cotton and offer a comfortable, relaxed fit

5 Pure Cotton Plain Midi Knickers, at Marks&Spencer
Made from pure natural cotton, these plain briefs are cool, comfortable, breathable and perfect for everyday wear

Autograph Pure Cotton Diagonal Dress, at Mark's & Spencer
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

Autograph Spot Print Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks n Spencer
Glamorous and sexy, this modern bra is made from soft fabric trimmed with fine lace. The flattering balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Pure Wool Single Breasted 1 Button Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Hours of handcrafting have gone into this superior quality suit for authentic tailored style. Every detail has been carefully considered to give a luxurious look and feel

The High Waist Wide Leg Belted Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
These belted high waist trousers come in this season's fashionable mini dogtooth check. Wide legs always look elegant and create a flattering and striking silhouette

Footglove™ Riptape Dolly Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Almond toe Stitch detail Riptape fastening Flat sole Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Autograph Antique Leather Wallet, at Marks and Spenser
Smart, stylish and practical, this antique leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

Flat Compact Umbrella, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and easy to carry, the practical design of this handy umbrella is the perfect solution for dealing with sudden downpours

Castillo del Moro Tempranillo Syrah 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: 85% Tempranillo and 15% Syrah Country of origin: Spain Closure: Screw Cap Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Short Sleeve Antique Lace Jersey Top, at Mark & Spencers
An elegant short sleeve top featuring antique print and lace detail

Artificial Orchid in Square Layered Vase, at Marks & Spensers
Artificial orchid Square layered glass vase No watering required therefore easy care Fresh looking throughout the year Diameter: 28cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Extra Wide Open Toe Sports Sandals, at Marks and Spencer
Open toe Rip tape fastening Flat thick sole Contrast stitch Extra wide fit

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 Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spencer 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 & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents 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 Financial Services Buildings & Contents 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 Financial Services Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.