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 Mark & Spensers 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 Spenser, 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 Car 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.

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 Money Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Car 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 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."

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Car 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 Car Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spencers, 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 Car Insurance from M+S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Strawberries & Extra Thick Channel Island Double Cream, at Marks and Spencer
Serves 8 Ready to eat Suitable for nut allergy sufferers Cream: 227ml Strawberries: 1kg As featured on page 53 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Autograph Leather Laced Desert Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Lace-up Stitch detail Block heel Contrast sole

Per Una Textured Stripe Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this stylish bra is made from soft textured striped fabric and features a lace trim. Soft padding and underwiring give support and a flattering natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Summer Manor Teapot, at Marks and Spencer
Floral pattern Contrast spout and handle H17.5cm x Diam13.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Tribeca 2-Seater Everyday Sofa Bed, at Marks & Spensers
H90 x W193 x D99cm Seat H46cm (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 Fabric options feature reversible cushions 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 Solid birch feet with a medium finish Mattress: L178 x W112 x D5cm Sprung mattress rests on a slatted wooden base Mattress recommended for everday use Sofa Bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Water Fade Drop Earrings, at Mark & Spencers
Hook fastening Drop style Pear design

Older Girls' Holiday Toe Post Sandals, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Toe post design Flat sole Slip-on style Plain

Domaine Grille-Midi Fleurie 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Light bodied Grape variety: Gamay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
Sophisticated and modern, this plain cardigan is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxurious softness

Classic Collection Floral Print Dress, at Mark's & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this short sleeve dress is made from a soft linen blend. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Per Una Bow Textured Shift Dress, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable knee length dress in soft fabric featuring a bow detail

Short Pillar Candle, at Marks & Spensers
Non-fragranced Pillar candle shape Single wick H12 x W24 x Diam 8cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Floral Print Sequin Shopping Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Sequin embellishment makes this fashionable bag even more special. Give your look the Per Una twist!

LEGO® 50th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: The big 50 Dont worry youll get OVER it! Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 215 x 150mm

Autograph Wool Rich 5 Button Waistcoat, at Mark's & Spencer
This finely tailored waistcoat adds a touch of refinement to your formal wear

Tiny Fairies Cake Stand Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Sweet Birthday Wishes Inside message: Especially for you Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Multi-Strand Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Multi-strand design Stretch style

Single Divan with 1 Small + 1 Large Drawer & F200 Coolmax° Mattress, at Marks&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 Deep layer of memory foam 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 Mattress spring count: 930 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

Stain Defence™ Non-Iron Trousers With Stormwear™, at Marks & Spencers
These trousers are treated with Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ technologies, so they repel water and stains. They're non-iron for convenience - for best results, machine wash, tumble dry and hang straight away

Autograph Pure Cotton Multi Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
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

Limited Collection Dogtooth Jacket, at Marks n Spencer
Inspired by classic French couture, this chic piece is one you'll love season after season. For a contemporary update, wear juxtaposed with denim to keep the look fresh and youthful

Long Sleeve Dobby Stripe Blouse, at Marks & Spensers
This fab long sleeve shirt features a stunning dobby stripe design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Formula Calming Eye Make-Up Remover Pads (30), at MarksandSpencer
Pack of 30 Calming formula

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

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

Portfolio Paint Splash Tunic, at M&S
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Humbug Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spenser
Drop style Hook fastening

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

Brass & Damask Collection - Floor Lamp, at Mark's & Spencer
Antique brass effect Damask shade H175 X Diam 41cm Bulb: 60W GLS or 11W CFL This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Criss Cross Bodyshaper Swimsuit, at M & S
Gorgeous and glamorous, this stylish swimsuit shapes and smoothes your figure, giving you a flattering fit. A stylish, shapely look

M&S Money Direct 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 Car 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; Car Insurance and Buildings 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 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 Money Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.