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's & 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 and 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 Car 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.

Besides Marks and Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Property Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Money Direct Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks&Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

When you're shopping at Marks and Spenser 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 Car 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."

Fern Armchair, at M & S
H98 x W106 x D98cm Seat: H50cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining Ecoflex™ foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support, made with 80% recycled plastic bottles 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 Available with loose cushion covers 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 glides Available in Fairtrade certified cotton (cream coloured) 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

Autograph Wool Rich Hairline Stripe Trousers with Cashmere, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and contemporary, these stripe trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Harbour Scene 60th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Happy 60th Birthday 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: 230 x 114mm

Goat Skin Cushion, at Marks&Spencer
Square design Fluffy Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Orion Collection - 5 Arm Ceiling Light, at Marks and Spencer
5 arm Spotlight style shades H 31 x Diam 37cm Bulb: 40W Golf Ball This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mats,coasters,trays - GRID COASTER 4PK, at M+S
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph 3 Piece Pure Cotton Jeans Outfit, at Marks & 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

Silver Plated Abalone Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks and Spencer
Y shaped necklace Drop style earrings Abalone effect This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Nintendo Wii™ Console with 3 Games Bundle, at Marks and Spencer
Includes wireless Wii Remote, Wii Nunchuk, Sing It with Mic, Sonic and The Black Knight and Tomb Raider Underground Sing it with Microphone: Disney Sing It is the new karaoke video game that allows fans to perform to 35 songs from Camp Rock, High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus, Aly & AJ, Jesse McCartney and more Sonic and The Black Knight: Sonic returns to the Wii to take a wild ride through the storybook world of Camelot in his all-new adventure Sonic and the Black Knight Tomb Raider Underground: Access online Wii™ Channel for news, weather, photo viewing, message boards and more Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming service Completely backward compatible, all the way to the NES of the 1980s Fully compatible with GameCube games Supports up to 4 GameCube controllers 2 slots for Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards Plays two disc formats in a single, self-loading media bay Comes with A/V cable and UK power adapter Features a processing chip from IBM and a graphics chip from ATI

Round Face Faux Crocodile Print Watch, at Marks&Spencer
Round face Metallic rim Analouge Large numerals Faux crocodile print strap

Pure Cotton Roll Up Sleeve Stripe Ruffle Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
This fashionable stripe shirt is made from pure soft cotton that looks and feels great. Modern styling ruffle front detail gives it a cool contemporary edge

Embroideries - GLOBAL CUSHION, at Marks & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Piece Autograph Check Pinafore Outfit with Wool, at Marks & Spensers
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

Mens Leather Casual Jeans Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and easy to wear, this casual belt is a fantastic partner for your favourite jeans and chinos

Older Girls Sparkle Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Fluffy design Mule style Slip-on

Sprung-Edge Divan on Legs & F300 Memory Foam Mattress, at Mark's & Spencer
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm 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: H31cm Soft knitted cover adds extra comfort to the mattress and works with the memory foam for optimum support Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body once warmed by body heat providing high levels of support 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

Portfolio Floral Print Layered Short Sleeve Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Mimosa trend. A beautifully elegant look featuring chic, muted tones such as cocoa, mink, saffron and purple. Striking prints are key to this feminine trend

Jersey Bootleg Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart and practical, these easycare trousers are ideal for school. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and great shape retention

Weekend Leather Curvy Overnight Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Recommended in Guardian Weekend Curvy and colourful, this weekend bag is a must-have for stylish overnight stays and mini breaks. Real leather gives an irresistibly luxe look and feel

M&S 3m Gold HDMI Cable, at Mark's & Spencer
3 metre cable 24 carat gold connections HDMI to HDMI Suitable for high definition devices Multiple shielding for minimum interference 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

Supima® Pure Cotton Non-Iron Vallance, at Marks and Spenser
Internationally recognised as the world's finest cotton High performance non iron finish offering the ultimate in easy care Supima is renowned for its superior strength, enhanced durability and sumptuous feel Corner pleats 180 thread count Comes in single, double, kingsize and super-kingsize This sheet is for bed base only, it does not go over the base and mattress, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ceriso Frill Fan Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and fashionable, this modern bra features a fan print and is finished with a frill trim. The padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fabulous fuller shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Per Una Folk Print Border Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
A stylish high waist skirt featuring a folk print border and pleated design

Pure Cotton Multiple Pocket Jeans, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and practical, these cotton jeans are hardwearing and comfy. The 'sheriff' motif gives a cute look

2 Pure Cotton Assorted Tops, at Marks & Spenser
Cute and practical, this pack of 2 tops is outstanding value. The soft cotton fabric will keep him feeling comfy

Per Una Cotton Blend Gem Paisley Top, at Marks & Spensers
A stylish short sleeve top in a soft cotton blend featuring a gem paisley print and embroidered detail

Autograph Pure Silk Weave Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Parisian Chic Desk Calendar, at M & S
Approx. size: 155 x 180mm

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 1 Small + 1 Large Drawers & M300 Mattress, at Marks & Spensers
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190 cm 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 Smaller drawers at the head end are designed to open without moving your bedside table Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Mattress has reinforced side stitching giving greater edge support Individually pocketed springs Spring count: 896 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

Blue Harbour Leather Bomber Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Practical and fashionable, this pure leather bomber jacket is outstanding value! It features a funnel neck

Marks and Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Property Insurance or Car 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 Money Direct website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M+S Money products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money Direct loans, credit cards or Property Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct insurance products (Property Insurance, Car 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.