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 & 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 Car 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.

M&S Money Direct 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 Direct 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 and Spencer 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, Sainsburys, 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 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 Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Marks and Spencers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents Insurance or Car Insurance, but Marks & Spensers 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 Buildings & Contents 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 (Buildings & Contents 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 & Spenser insurance products in document format too.

3 Non-Iron Short Sleeve Shirts, at Marks and Spenser
This pack of 3 shirts is great value. A practical and convenient choice, they're easycare and non-iron to save you time. Taped reinforced seams give a smooth neat look

Royal Horticultural Society Pink Watercolour Roses Blank Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Pretty Pink Roses Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 150 x 150mm About the RHS: The RHS is dedicated to advancing horticulture and helping all gardeners. An interest in gardening is all you need to enjoy being a member of the RHS. For more information call 0845 130 464, or visit www.rhs.org.uk

Bourne Supremacy Blu-ray DVD, at Marks and Spencer
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Lichfield 3-Drawer Chest, at Marks & Spencers
H60 x W50 x D50cm (H23.4 x W19.5 x D19.5in) 3 drawers Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Handles made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered Top panel is veneered with solid oak 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. SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this chest as part of a set. Click here to view the Lichfield Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Widefit Leather Toepost Flip Flops, at Marks & Spencer
Flat sole Stitch detail Thong style Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Pure Cotton Deer All-in-One & Hat Set, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and practical, this cute 2-piece outfit features an all-in-one and matching hat. It's made from soft cotton to keep her comfy

Hibiscus Floral Swim Shorts, at M & S
Colourful and modern, these drawstring shorts fit comfortably and securely. A practical and stylish choice

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted 3 Button Jacket, at Mark & Spensers
Each collezione suit 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 garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other.

Small Chrome Case Clock, at Marks and Spencers
Simple design Quartz accuracy High shine chrome finish Metal case, glass lens Contemporary dial A quartz clock keeps time by the vibrations of a quartz crystal. It is judged to be the most accurate timepiece now on the market, losing or gaining only a minute a year, compared with one or two minutes a week for most other watches Case H20 x W20 x D4cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Maxim Tea Plate, at Marks and Spencers
Plain white porcelain Suitable for everyday use Versatile fine dining range Makes an ideal gift Diam 16cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Acetate Stripe Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencer
Providing essential protection for the eyes, these stylish and wearable shades will flatter most face shapes

19th Hole Whisky Gift Set, at Marks & Spensers
Keep the cold at bay while playing a round of golf with this Whisky Gift Set. It includes a bottle of Kenmore whisky, nine wooden tees, a divot repairer and magnetic ball marker. The handy collapsible drinking cup can be attached to your golf bag or can fit into a small pocket

Sunny Town Farmyard Friends, at Marks & Spencer
Horse, cow, hen, pig and sheep Promotes imaginative play Suitable for ages 12 + months This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Supersoft Scotty Dog Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Mule style Round toe Flat sole Scotty dog embellishments Contrast lining

Country Bunch Hand Made Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Happy birthday Inside message: ... with lots of love xxx Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Post Surgery Criss Cross Swimsuit, at Marks & Spensers
Feminine and flattering, this swimsuit has been especially designed for a perfect fit and great support after surgery. Every element has been considered for maximum comfort against delicate scar tissue and it's been extensively tested so every part stays in place

Autograph Textured Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Autograph's Luxe Tradition trend. Luxurious and contemporary with a sense of British heritage, this trend features a soft colour palette, modern prints and beautiful fabrics. A sophisticated look for the new season

Younger Girls' Heart Trekking Sandals, at M&S
Contrast stitch detail Riptape fastening Heart print

Non-Iron Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
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

Sony VGF-HS1E Home Server, at Marks and Spencers
Hard Drive Capacity: 1000GB Hard Drive Speed: 7200rpm Hard Drive Type: Serial ATA Interfaces: 3USB, 1 compact flash, 1 SD slot, Memory Stick™ standard, Memory Stick™ Duo, Memory Stick™ PRO, Memory Stick™ PRO Duo, high speed data transfer Network: Ethernet 10 BASE-T/100 BASE-TX/1000 BASE-T Compatible multimedia formats: JPEG, BMP, PNG, WAV, MP3, ATRAC, ATRAC Advanced Lossless, AAC, WMA, AVCHD, MPEG2, HDV(MPEG2-TS) Special Buttons: ''Copy'' button for ''One Touch Copy'', ''Connect'' button for ''Remote Home Access'', ''Display'' button for change value of OLED display Dimensions: H7.1 x W27 x D27cm Weight: 3.1kg (approx)

Occ Stools - PORT F/S BAKER CH, at Marks & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Is It Bedtime Wibbly Pig?, at Marks and Spencer
The perfect bedtime companion. Mick Inkpens' lovely children's book is about the adorable character 'Wibbly Pig' and his dislike for bedtime (something most children can relate to!) With charming illustrations and a simple storyline this book is sure to be a hit with your little toddler

Per Una Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spencers
Mule style Round toe Flat sole Embroidered 3 hearts logo

Heirloom Heart Necklace, at Marks and Spenser
Heart pendant Clasp fastening Adjustable length Necklace length 38cm

Older Boys' Riptape Twin Strap School Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Twin riptape straps Square toe Stitch detail Multi perforated hole design Grip sole Water-resistant Slip-resistant

5 Plain High Leg Knickers, at M & S
Offering great value and great comfort, these fantastic everyday knickers feature a flattering high leg cut set against an understated, easy to care for design

Portfolio Pure Linen 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Floral Print Shirt, at M&S
A contemporary floral print makes this cotton shirt a trend-conscious choice for fashionable boys. Stylish, practical and easycare

3 Cotton Rich Vests, at Marks and Spencers
There's no denying the soft and warm feeling you get from a pure cotton vest - and this great value set can give this to you every day

My First Joke Book, at Mark's & Spencer
With over 500 jokes, this book is never-ending fun!

When you're shopping at Marks & Spensers 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spencers 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."