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 & Spencers 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 Spencers, 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 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 Direct 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 Direct 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 M & S 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's:

• 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 Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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 Property 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 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."

Pure Cotton Hooded Denim Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and fashionable, this pure cotton jacket is fully lined and features a hood . A comfortable, easycare style, machine washable for added convenience

Simi the Kitten & Butterflies Birthday Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text: Special Birthday Wishes! Inside message: Have a wonderful day! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Pure Cotton Straight Leg Multi Pocket Jeans, at Marks & Spencer
Multi pocket styling gives these jeans a modern twist. A practical and fashionable style

Autograph Square Porcelain Toilet Brush, at Marks&Spencer
H21 x W10 x D10cm Chrome handle Stripe design at the base Modern square design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton 4 Pocket Poplin Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Practical and fashionable, this mid length jacket is made from easycare cotton. Its contemporary styling will keep you looking sleek and chic season after season

Text Husband Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Husband Happy Anniversary Inside message: With lots and lots of love Approx size: 230mm x 114mm

Riptape Stitch Sandals, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and comfortable, these lightweight leather sandals make a great choice for relaxed style in the sun, at home or on holiday

Woodspice Talc for Men, at Marks & Spencers
Woodspice fragrance 200g

Patent Leather Belt, at Mark's & Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable patent leather belt

Ingredients Papaya Body Polish, at Mark's & Spencer
Papaya scented Exfoliating scrub 200ml

Silver Finish Wood Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at MarksandSpencer
Rectangle shape Pine wood border Silver finish Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7") Dimensions: H24.2 x W29.3 x D2.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leisure Drawstring Joggers, at Marks & Spencer
With added stretch for essential ease of movement, these comfy and practical cotton rich joggers are great for workouts or stylish relaxation

Antares Luggage Large Rollercase, at Marks and Spencer
Free 5 year guarantee A smart option for travel, the wheeled design and retractable pull handle offer easy mobility no matter where you are in the world. A zip fastening helps keep your belongings secure

M&S 1.5m Gold-Plated Scart Cable, at Mark's & Spencer
1.5 metre cable Gold-plated connectors reduce resistance and improve quality 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Embroidered Spot Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Marks & Spencer
Spot design Square shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Andrew Lloyd Webber - 60 At 60 CD, at Marks & Spensers
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

The Floral Collection Shower Cream Pack, at Mark's & Spencer
Celebrating a floral heritage, this indulgent shower cream collection will gently cleanse your skin leaving it soft, smooth and beautifully scented

Marlow 6-Drawer Chest, at Marks n Spencer
H118 x W46 x D43cm Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard Delivered fully assembled This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Globe Collection - Mini Table Lamp, at Marks & Spencers
Fabric cylinder shade Glass globe base H37cm x Diam 25cm Bulb: 240V~ SES 60W GLS or 11W CFL, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cashmere Bold Stripe Hooded Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and snuggly, this practical cashmere cardigan will keep her feeling warm and comfortable. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Big And Tall Suedette Rib Jacket, at Mark's & Spencer
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this single breasted jacket is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

Autograph Tinted Moisturiser, at Marks and Spencer
Firming tinted moisturiser Matt finish With ceramides SPF 15 Hypo-allergenic Oil free 30ml

Pure Cotton 3 Piece Long Sleeve check Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
Fun and practical, this cute 3 piece outfit features a check design. It's made from soft cotton to keep him comfy

Wipe-Clean Fairy Activity Book, at MarksandSpencer
Have hours of wipe-clean fun in this fairy activity book. Inside you will find mazes and puzzles, word searches and spot the difference plus much more! Decorate the pretty fairies and butterflies with your wipe-clean pens, then next time, wipe them off and start again

Collezione Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at M+S
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 this shirt to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Single Breasted 2 Button Herringbone Jacket, at Marks n Spencer
A style classic at a great value price, updated with a modern cut and contemporary detailing

The Floral Collection Magnolia Moisturising Hand & Body Lotion, at MarksandSpencer
Hand and body moisturising lotion 250 ml

MoDA Brown and Cream Floral Bamboo Paper Blank Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Blank Inside message: Blank for your own message Dimensions: 150 x 150mm Our MoDA range has been screen printed onto paper made from bamboo. Bamboo is a truly sustainable and renewable resource as it's the fastest growing plant on the planet!

Electronic Decision Maker Husband Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: To my, Gorgeous, Charming, Hunky, Cheeky, Fabulous, Handsome, Husband Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Hepworth Bookcase, at M+S
H167 x W80 x D44cm 2 fixed toughened-glass shelves Cupboard with 1 adjustable shelf Brass detailing Made from European Birch solids and veneers Treated with a rich stain and aged with dark patina known as a 'housemaid's rub' Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Door frames made with solid European Birch. Door panels are veneered Solid European Birch legs Side panels, door panels and back panels are veneered. Top panel is veneered with solid birch 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

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