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 & Spensers, through its M+S Money 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. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings 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. 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, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M+S 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."

M+S Money offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car 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 Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M+S Money Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car 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 & Spensers 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, 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 Car 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 UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Pago Real Rioja 2006 - Case of 6, at Mark & Spencers
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Tempranillo and Garnacha Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per 125ml:10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Saddle Stitch Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Olympus FE-35 Digital Camera, at M & S
Pixels: 10 Megapixels Zoom: 3x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom Screen: High-definition 2.5-inch LCD monitor with about 230,000 dots Dimensions: W93.8 x D26.7 x H61.5mm Weight: 110g Face Detection: Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically, Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces,Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur 16 shooting modes (e.g. Night Scene with Portrait and Candle) ensure the camera has the right settings for different situations "One button, one function" design principle and in-camera help guide and for easy operation Movie recording: Movie AVI Motion JPEG up to 640 x 480 (30 fps/15 fps)

Autograph Pure Silk Embroidered Tie, at M & S
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Formal Gold Prong Reversible Belt, at MarksandSpencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather belt

50/50 Panelled Bedset, at Marks & Spencer
Panelled Single set includes duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover and 2 pillowcases Kingsize set includes duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Pure Cotton Velour Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable long sleeve jacket in pure soft cotton featuring a notch lapel and stitch detail

5 Lace Thongs, at M & S
Providing the ultimate in comfort and fit. A consistently flattering cut and easy to care for fabric makes these great value thongs a superb solution for stocking up your day to day underwear drawer

BT Verve 450 Trio Cordless Phones with Answer Machine, at Marks & Spencers
Fully GAP compatible (register up to 5 handsets) 200 name and number directory Text messaging Clock/alarm Call timer Caller groups with individual ring tones Conference call 10 hours talktime, 100 hours standby Up to 15 minutes recording time for the answering machine Message counter Answer only option Playback through base or handset Call screening 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

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Hooded Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Relaxed and modern, this long sleeve hooded jacket makes a comfortable and practical choice

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

Pure Cotton Broiderie Vest Top, at Marks & Spenser
This sleeveless vest top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a pretty lace trim for a stylish casual look

Night Light Up Bear, at Marks & Spensers
Suitable for ages 12 months + Heart shape glow design on the tummy with colour changing lights Contains 3 x AA batteries This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ribbed Trim Waistcoat, at Marks & Spensers
Modern and stylish, this waistcoat features front pockets. Ideal for layering

Ceriso Snake Print String with Silk, at Marks and Spenser
Feminine and fashionable, this modern string features snake print and a lace trim. The low rise style gives a flattering, shapely fit, perfect for wearing with hipsters. Designed for women who want the latest look

Brown Square Reading Glasses, at M & S
Comes in +1.25 to +3.0 strengths Magnifying lenses aid close work and reading Brown square frame design

Sony Bravia 40'' KDL-40EX1 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks & Spencers
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 2 with a 40 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ channels and radio stations (subject to coverage) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dolby Virtual Surround and BBE Digital: Experience the effect of digital surround sound from only two front speakers with our advanced S-Force Front Surround technology Connectors: Digital Audio Output (optical) x 1, HDMI™ Inputs x 4, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, Analogue Audio Inputs x 2, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2, BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Video/Music/Photo), AppliCast™ BRAVIA Engine 2: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 2 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Xross Media Bar: New Sony interface to enhance the operability and ease of use Picture Frame Mode: Not watching TV? Turn it into a digital photo frame to display your own pictures or the 6 pre-installed images BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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 Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Domaine Mandeville Shiraz 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Shiraz Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Limited Collection Vintage Charm Bracelet, at Marks and Spencers
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Mixed charms

Natural Beauty Enriching Body Butter, at Marks & Spensers
200ml Naturally fragranced

Per Una Pure Linen Flared Panel Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Comes with belt shown in image An elegant A-line skirt in a cool linen blend, the panel design makes it extra stylish

M&S HP 45 Compatible Cartridge, at Marks and Spencer
Black cartridge Compatible with HP printers using HP 45 For use in deskjet: 710c, 720c, 722c, 815c, 820cxi, 830c, 850c, 855c, 870cxi, 880c, 890c, 895cxi, 930c/cm, 950c, 959c, 960c, 970cxi, 990cxi, 990cxi/cm, 995c, 1000c, 1100c, 1120c, 1125c, 1180c, 1220c/cps/cxi, 1280, 1600c/cm 6122, 6127, 9300 series For use in photosmart: 1000, 1100, 1115, 1215, 1218, 1315 For use in officejet: Pro 1150c, Pro 1170, Pro 1175c, g55, g85, g95, k60, k80, r45, r40, r60, r65, r80, t45, t65 For use in fax: 1220 For use in colour copier: 160, 180, 260, 280, 290 For use in designjet: 700, 750c, 755cm This cartridge is not an original product but has been re-manufactured and refilled to the most exacting standards 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund

Per Una Ostrich Print Clutch Bag, at M&S
An ostrich print makes this fashionable purse even more special. A practical and stylish accessory with the Per Una twist

Per Una Pure Cotton Pleated Criss Cross Knitted Top, at Mark & Spencers
A gorgeous 3/4 sleeve knitted top in pure soft cotton. The pleated criss cross design gives it the Per Una touch

Autograph Anodised Aluminium 20cm Saucepan, at Marks and Spenser
Charcoal-coloured aluminium design Riveted handle for durability Clear lid with handle Excellent heat distribution with no hot spots Non-stick interior for low-fat cooking and easy cleaning Suitable for all cooker types except induction Handwash only Diam: 20cm Capacity: 3 litre Oven safe to 180C/350F/gas mark 4, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Linen Blend Buckle Detail Bootleg Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Greater choice of leg lengths now available Say goodbye to stuffy formal dressing. Summer suits are light and easy, with relaxed styling to match your mood

Per Una Short Sleeve Cornflower Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
A feminine knitted cardigan, the single button fastening gives it the Per Una touch

Collections - PB WOOD PUL/TRAIN, at MarksandSpencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Glamorous Black Dress Daughter Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Boutique Wonderful Daughter Inside message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 230 x 114mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Longline Tunic, at Mark's & Spencer
A fashionable longline tunic featuring tie waist feature, finished with a pintuck detail

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

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car 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 Car Insurance from Marks & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.