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 and 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 Mark's & Spencer, 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 Home 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, Sainsbury's, or Tesco:

• 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.

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 Marks and Spencer are so useful. Marks & Spencer Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Marks & Spencer Money Home 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 Marks & Spencer Money Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Autograph Occasions Chiffon Floral & Feather Headdress, at Mark's & Spencer
Indulge in a touch of luxury with this chiffon floral headdress which features a feminine feather detail

Girls' Limited Hat, Scarf & Mitten Set, at Marks & Spencer
Snug and cosy, this colourful hat, scarf and mitten set is a fashionable choice for chilly weather

Diamanté Shoe Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Stoneburn Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screwcap 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

Blue Harbour Pure Lambswool V-Neck Stripe Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
An extremely comfortable jumper. It's made from extrafine lambswool which is spun for the softest feel. Conveniently, it can be machine washed and tumble dried and it resists bobbling

Base & Top Coat Nail Polish, at Mark's & Spencer
2 x 11ml Protects your nails from staining Prolonged wear for your nail colour Lasting and brilliant shine Protection against chips

Relaxed Pure Cotton V-Neck Pyjama T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this cotton pyjama t-shirt can be worn with a number of our pyjama bottoms and shorts to create your own style

Cotton Rich Lace Trim Shorts, at M & S
Smart, snug and easy to care for, these cosy shorts combine a flattering fit with a lace design and stretchy fabric to create the perfect knickers for day to day wear

Multicolour Boxes Rug, at Marks and Spencer
Multi-coloured box pattern Small: L140 x W80cm Medium: L170x W120cm Large: L230 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Exotica Print Hipster Bikini Briefs, at Mark's & Spencer
Sophisticated and elegant, these fashionable bikini briefs features a striking exotic print. A fabulous fashionable look

Die Cut Tiny Fairies and Stars Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: To Someone very special Inside message: With lots of love x Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Eyelash Curlers, at Marks & Spenser
Contains: 1 eyelash curler

F300 Memory Foam Mattress, at Marks & Spencer
Single (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 25cm Soft knitted cover adds extra comfort 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 Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning 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

Older Boys' Bump Toe Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Round bump toe feature Triple riptape straps Stitch detail Grip sole

3 Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Tatty Teddy Sleepsuits, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and snuggly, this practical pack of sleepsuits is great value! The cotton fabric is comfy to sleep in and popper fastenings make quick changes easy

Kitten Photo Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover Text: Have a lovely birthday Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Football Shirt Cake, at Marks & Spencer
Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Serves 40 Blue icing Sponge cake: all-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam 16.5 x 25cm 1.9kg Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores As featured on page 65 in the food to order brochure Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Chocolate and sponge cakes can be eaten up to 5 days after collection

Pure Cotton Checked Crop Pyjama Bottoms, at M&S
Pretty and feminine, these cropped pyjama bottoms are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Detroit Extending Dining Table, at MarksandSpencer
H75 x W90 x L160cm (extends to L205cm) Comes with extension leaf to seat 8 Extension leaf is stored beneath the table top Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Delivered flatpack due to size 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Deep Lace Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
These pretty deep lace shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

8 Mini Craft Floral Cards Multipack, at Marks & Spenser
Contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Cover text: Design 1: Blank, design 2: Just to say..., design 3: Blank, design 4: Thank you Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Good Housekeeping - Magazine Gift Subscription, at Marks & Spensers
Every month Good Housekeeping helps its readers look good, feel good and make better choices about the things that matter most to them. With fashion and beauty that really work, tried and tested recipes, best buys for your home, useful advice on relationships, health and finance and thought provoking interviews with inspiring women

Silver Triple Twist Necklace, at Marks & Spenser
Triple strand twist design Adjustable length Clasp fastening Length: 41cm Extender: 8cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Charlotte Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spencer
H94 x W184 x D96cm Seat H50cm, arm H63cm, top back rail H77cm (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 Feet are castors 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

Pink Spotty Shoes 40th Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy 40th birthday Inside message: Hope you have a lovely day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 126mm

25 Sweet Bergamot Room Scenters, at Marks & Spencer
25 candles Sweet scented fragrance Burns up to 4 hours, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Seville Pepper Mill, at Marks & Spencer
Acylic and brushed chrome design Fitted with a durable stainless steel mechanism Fully adjustable mechanism from fine to coarse grinds just tighten or loosen the knob Lifetime guarantee Comes filled with Pepper Approx size: L5.5 x W5.5 x H14cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ultimate Brain Puzzle Book, at Marks & Spencer
Flex your brain power with this Ultimate Brain Puzzle Book. It features 700 brain training exercise and includes a pen too

Per Una Chunky Knitted Scarf, at Marks & Spensers
Keep out the chills in fashionable style with this warm soft textured scarf in a modern chunky cable knit.

When you're shopping at M&S 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 Home Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks n 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."