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

When you're shopping at Marks & 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 Money Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark's & 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."

Petite Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks & Spencer
A wardrobe essential at a great price, these straight leg jeans are outstanding value. Stock up on style!

Nintendo DS™ Speed Racer Game, at Marks & Spencer
After uncovering the corrupt influence of Royalton Industries and defeating his opponents, Speed Racer has returned to the track for a shot at winning the prestigious World Racing League Cup. Who will be the first racer to make it to the finish line? Chose from 19 thrilling tracks all set a beautiful 3D racing environment Challenge up to 5 friends with wireless play to see who has what it takes to win the World Racing League Cup 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, Platforms: Nintendo DS, ESRB Rating: Everyone

Classic Collection Sleeveless Embroidered Nightdress, at Marks and Spenser
Flattering and stylish, this nightdress is comfortable to sleep in and features a pretty floral embroidered design

Faux Pearl Stud Earrings, at Marks & Spencer
Butterfly stud fastening Faux pearl design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Autograph Milan Glass Shelf, at Marks and Spencer
Wall mounted H7 x W45.6 x D7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Pull-On Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear

Younger Girls' Heart Trekking Sandals, at Marks and Spencer
Contrast stitch detail Riptape fastening Heart print

Autograph Pure Cotton Butterfly Embroidered Top, at Marks & Spencers
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 Flock Stripe Lace Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious and elegant, this underwired bra features flock stripe design. Gentle padding and underwiring give a flattering uplifted shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Metallic Bloom Wallpaper, at MarksandSpencer
Printed wallpaper Offset pattern repeat 64cm - The design elements in the pattern run diagonally across the wall, so only alternating rolls should be the same at the ceiling. Every second roll will have to be dropped by half the repeat length for the pattern to match accurately. (Also known as half-drop match) Roll dimensions: W52cm x L10m Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and hallways Not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens Printed wallpaper is not washable - sponge cleaning only Made in the UK and sourced from sustainable, renewable forests How many rolls do you need?Click here for our wallpaper calculator Complete your room with made to order curtains. Click here to view our range For a detailed view of the colour and pattern, please click on the image and use the zoom function. Please note that your monitor settings may affect how colours are displayed, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Total Support Non-Wired Lace Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfortable, this lightweight bra is designed to give gentle all-round support and uplift. It's secure but lightweight and features extra wide straps

4 Floral Print Placemats, at Marks & Spencer
Pack of 4 Floral print design Rectangle shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Roma Pure Cotton Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks & Spencer
A smart pair of straight leg jeans in pure soft cotton. Sheen finish gives it the Per Una touch

Ruby Creamer & Sugar Bowl Set - Red, at Marks & Spencer
2 piece set Stripe design Sugar bowl H7 x diam 9.5cm Creamer H7.5 x diam 6cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited Pointelle Hat & Gloves, at Marks & Spensers
Snug and cosy, this cute hat and gloves set is a fashionable choice for chilly weather

Floral Polka Dot Small Wedding Photograph Album, at Marks and Spenser
Album and gift box 105 glue dots 700Mb CD-R Album: H155 x W200 x D33mm Box: H168 x W215 x D40mm

Generic Spots Slim Diary, at Marks & Spenser
Week to view Approx. size: 165 x 90mm (including binding)

12 Piece Coupe Dinner Set, at Marks and Spencer
12-piece dinner set Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 cereal bowls Pure white porcelain Versatile fine dining range, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Spider-Man™ T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Fans of Spider-Man will love this pure cotton t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Pure Cotton Assorted Print Hooded Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Cute and cosy, this hooded jacket is made from soft cotton fabric to keep him feeling comfy

2 Cotton Rich Frill Tights, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and comfy, these soft cotton rich tights feature a pretty frill design at the back

3/4 Sleeve Square Neck Button Top, at Marks & Spencer
This square neck top is a casual style essential. Perfect for mixing and matching with trousers or skirts

Wool Blend Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and contemporary, these trousers are made from a special wool blend fabric for extra strength, comfort and durability

Easy Iron Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Satin Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and innovative, this long sleeve stripe easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

2 Autograph Cut Glass Hurricane Candleholders, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 2 Handmade Stripe cut design Clear glass Candles included Burning time 40 hours 2.2kg H18 x Diam 14cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Pure Cotton Frill Front Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
A fabulous long sleeve cardigan in pure soft cotton featuring a stripe and frill front design

3 Water Hyacinth Round Storage Baskets, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 3 Double contrast handles Woven design Large basket: H35 x 42cm diam Medium basket: H32 x 37cm diam Small basket: H28 x 32cm diam, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Heritage Pure Cotton Corduroy Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
A smartly tailored single breasted corduroy jacket in pure cotton

Cotton Rich Scallop Trim Low Rise Shorts, at Marks & Spensers
These cotton rich shorts are shapely and modern. They have been designed with added stretch for a snug, comfortable and figure-flattering fit

Chunky Mixed Bead Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Rope necklace Chunky mixed beads Clasp fastening Necklace length: 97cm

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct 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 M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spencer, 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.