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 & Spenser 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 & Spenser, through its Marks & Spencer Money 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.

Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks&Spencer 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 Tescos:

• 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 Marks & Spencer Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Marks & Spencer Money 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, Marks & Spencer Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

2 Pure Cotton Jersey Pyjama Bottoms, at M&S
Soft and comfortable, these cotton pyjama bottoms can be worn with a number of our pyjama tops and t-shirts to create your own style

Travel Speakers, at MarksandSpencer
Portable size 4 x 1.5V AAA batteries included Specially designed sound chamber with heavy casing to provide extra bass. Built in amplifier Unique retractable speaker from the main body and speaker to give you stereo sound. 3.5mm jack for connecting to your CD or MP3 player or your computer Power switch on/off with LED light For added functionality and portability, the speakers can be powered either through an AC adapter or with batteries Remove isolator tab before use 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

Per Una Cable Knit Mule Slippers, at M&S
Mule style Round toe Flat sole Cable knit design Contrast lining

Floral Lace Footsies, at Marks & Spencers
These soft floral lace footsies are designed to hide inside your shoes for extra comfort

Real Cool Cotton™ Cropped Leggings, at Marks & Spencers
As worn by GB Olympic pentathletes. Made from Real Cool Cotton™ and with added stretch for essential ease of movement, these comfy and practical cropped leggings are great for active workouts or stylish relaxation

Easycare Long Sleeve Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

Autograph Quad Shade Eyeshadow, at Marks & Spenser
Powder eyeshadow Hypo-allergenic Contains 4 shades

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Robot T-Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Fun and fashionable, this long sleeve t-shirt in soft cotton features a robot motif design and slogan. A practical easycare style

Autograph Shell Button Cushion, at Marks and Spencers
Square shape Shell button detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Zip Shoulder Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious and beautiful, this leather handbag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's front pocket make it practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Signature Grapefruit & Ginger Burner & Refresher Oil, at Marks and Spencers
Grapefruit and ginger fragrance 15ml, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Aluminium 14cm Milk Pan, at Marks & Spensers
Triple layer non-stick finish Excellent for low fat cooking Riveted silicone and stainless steel handles offer an easy grip Suitable for all cooker types 14cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Square Print Pleated Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
This fab long sleeve shirt features a stunning pleated design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Pure Cotton Fine Rib Runner, at Marks n Spencer
Ribbed design Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Piece Embroidered Dress & Leggings Outfit, at Marks n Spencer
Modern and pretty, this 2 piece dress and leggings outfit looks fabulously fashionable worn together or separately

Gladiator Sandals, at Marks n Spencer
Buckle fastening Contrast stitching Flat sole

Linen Blend Single Breasted Blazer, at M & S
This flattering single breasted blazer looks great worn over casuals for a relaxed look. Finished with a contemporary 2 button fastening, this easycare jacket will see you through the season in style

Stainless Steel Can Opener, at Marks and Spencer
Classic design Built-in bottle opener, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Ruffle Stripe Top, at Marks and Spencer
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features ruffle trim placket detail for a stylish casual look

Indian Summer Pure Cotton Sequin Stripe Table Runner, at Marks and Spencers
Sequin detail Stripe design Dimensions: L230 x W33cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Marble Swirl-Effect Candy Floss Bowl, at Marks and Spencers
Swirl effect Opaque design Round shape Soda glass H5.5 x Diam29cm Weight: 0.95kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Medium Value Soft Leaf Print Rollercase, at Mark & Spensers
Capable of expanding to provide an extra 20% of luggage space, a tough, hardwearing fabric and fitted padlock for extra security helps ensure your peace of mind while on the move

Firm Control Smooth Magic Waist & Thigh Cincher, at Marks & Spencer
These thigh slimmers work like magic with with targeted control areas to shape you where you need it most. They gently flatten tummies, smooth hips and lift bottoms for a flattering, shapely look. They're comfortable, breathable and easy to move in and a special finish keeps you cool and dry

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Multi Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and stylish, this multi stripe shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Portfolio Abstract Print Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
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

Chateaubriand, at Marks & Spencers
Serves 3-4 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 750g As featured on page 35 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

Edmonton 2-Seater Sofa, at M&S
H92 x W163 x D98cm Seat H48cm (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 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 The feet are solid birch with a dark finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Non-Iron Cotton Blend Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and innovative, this easycare shirt has a special finish on the fabric and is cleverly constructed to make it non-iron. A great time saver, ideal for work wear

Play Kettle, at MarksandSpencer
Suitable for ages 3+ Promotes imaginative play Height: 30cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Siemens Extractor Hood LC47650GB, at Marks and Spencer
Ducted: H684 - 1083 x W600 x D500mm (chimney height adjustable) Recirculating: H775 - 1083 x W600 x D500mm (chimney height adjustable) Suitable for recirculating or ducted extraction Recirculating kit not included Stainless steel 3 speed operation 2 x removable metal grease filters 2 x 40W lamps Suitable for wall mounted installation This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencers 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 Marks & Spencer Money. 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 Marks & Spencer Money. 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 Marks & Spencer Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the Marks & Spencer Money 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."