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 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 Motor 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.

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

When you're shopping at Marks&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 Property Insurance and Motor 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. 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."

Per Una Pure Cotton Stripe Kaftan, at Marks & Spenser
A fashionable stripe kaftan in pure soft cotton. The corsage design on the neckline makes it extra stylish

Angel Contrast Strap Cutie Motif First Bra, at Marks & Spensers
This pretty contrast strap bra is designed for a supportive and comfortable fit. The non-wired design is the best choice for first bras

Pure Cotton Robot Fun Joggers, at MarksandSpencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these casual joggers are made from pure cotton and feature a pull tie fastening waist. A practical easycare choice

Reds & Whites - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
1 Mcon Millly-Lamartine Blanc 2007: It's so difficult to find good value white Burgundy these days, which is exactly why this wine is a real gem. With aromas of roasted peach and grilled nuts... 1 Trentino Chardonnay 2008: A scrumptious, lip-smackingly fresh style of Chardonnay from the mountain slopes of northern Italy. Charged with mineral, apple and nutty aromas... 2 Turn the Table Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Durbanville: A lively and invigorating Sauvignon Blanc with crisp acidity and a lovely touch of spice on the finish. Classic flavours of cut grass and freshly podded peas are complimented by a note of tangy lemon... 2 El Tidon Sauvignon Blanc 2008: Packed full of fresh, spicy flavour, this Spanish Sauvignon Blanc offers outstanding value for money... 1 La Tentation de Richelieu 2005: A powerful Bordeaux red which offers a wonderful combination of traditional flavours with ripe fruit concentration... 1 Chianti Riserva 2004: With its subtle, engaging flavours of sour cherry, dark chocolate and baked herbs, this is classic Chianti made in a highly approachable style... 2 Turn the Table Shiraz 2007: A deliciously juicy, fresh style of South African Shiraz that sets a new quality standard for affordable Cape reds... 2 El Tidon Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: A fresh and deliciously fruity red blend from the sunny vineyards of Castilla La Mancha in central Spain... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Oval Frame Reading Glasses, at Marks&Spencer
Oval lens 2 tone frame For near vision and reading use only Not suitable for persons under 16 years of age Marks and Spencer reading glasses conform to British Standard BS: EN 14 139:2002

Pure Cotton Quick Iron Button Down Oxford Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Stylish and innovative, this pure cotton easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

Snake Print Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencer
Gorgeous and glamorous, these stylish bikini bottoms feature a striking snake print. A fabulous fashionable look

Dangerous Book for Boys Trivia Game Cards, at Marks and Spencer
Number of players: 2+ Suitable for ages 8+ Pack contains: 90 question cards Approx. card size: 83 x 116mm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Cashmilon™ Turtle Neck Jumper, at Mark's & Spencer
Stylish and so comfortable, this jumper in softest cashmilon™ feels as good as it looks and the smart turtle neck adds the perfect finishing touch.

Classic Guipure Vest, at Marks & Spencers
This guipure vest is outstanding value. A great opportunity to stock up your underwear drawer!

Per Una Lash Extension Mascara, at M+S
Lash lengthening mascara Hypo-allergenic

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

North Coast Pure Cotton Marl Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Autograph Pure Cotton Polo Shirt & Argyle Top Set, 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

Older Girls' Star Print Hello Kitty Wellie Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Wellie style Round toe Hello Kitty motif Star print Lined 1976-2009 SANRIO CO. LTD

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Woven Top, at Marks & Spensers
The assorted floral print makes this top so cute. It's made from soft cotton fabric and feels comfy to wear

Sprung-Edge Divan on Legs, at Marks and Spencers
Single: W90 x L190cm Double: W135 x L190cm King size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size (6ft): W180 x L200cm H31cm Solid wooden frame Sprung edge Non-storage divan Anti-allergy - provides effective protection against dust mite allergies, so you'll have a trouble free sleep 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

Gold Plated Sparkle Floral Ring, at Marks and Spencer
Gold plated Cluster design

Earth Sign Bracelet, at Mark's & Spencer
Stretch style Beaded design Earth charms Diamant detail

Blue Energy Shower Gel, at Mark & Spencers
200ml

Limited Pure Cotton Skull T-Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
A casual contemporary street style, this t-shirt features a skull motif. The soft cotton fabric makes it comfortable, practical and easycare

The Gruffalo, at Marks & Spencer
"A gruffalo? What's a gruffalo?" "A gruffalo! Why, didn't you know? He has terrible tusks, and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws." And so begins the story of a quick-witted mouse as he encounters a host of predators who seem to think he might make a tasty treat. As he ventures deeper into the deep dark wood, stumbling across a hungry fox, a not-so-wise owl, and a slimy snake, spinning ever-extraordinary yarns about the scary, scaly gruffalo, he quickly realises that the hungry beast he has been talking of isn't imaginary after all.

Baby Girls' Warm Lined Pram Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Riptape fastening Emboidered motif Ankle high

Younger Girls' Warm Lined Knitted Boots, at Marks & Spenser
Round toe Knitted design Button detail Slip-on Flat sole Warm lined Comes in sizes 4-13

Ribbon Trim Hat, at Marks and Spencer
Keep ahead of the trends with this contemporary ribbon sunhat, an essential look for style in the sun

Cotton Blend Funnel Neck Zip-Up Tracksuit Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and practical, this fashionable zip-up tracksuit jacket is ideal for workouts or relaxed casualwear

Cats Slim Diary, at Marks & Spencers
Week to view 3D effect Dimensions: 165 x 80mm

3 Big & Tall Authentic RealCool Cotton™ Keyhole Trunks, at Marks&Spencer
Specially designed to keep you cool and dry, this high performance fabric ensures perspiration is drawn away from the body for rapid evaporation. Soft seams and added stretch create a snug, comfortable fit

Per Una Assorted Charms Stretch Bracelet, at Mark's & Spencer
Stretch bracelet Mixed bead design Assorted charms

2 Hepworth Upholstered Dining Chairs, at Marks and Spencer
H97 x W46 x D62cm Seat H48cm Neutral-coloured stripe fabric Sold as a pair Made from European Birch solids and veneers Treated with a rich stain and aged with dark patina known as a 'housemaid's rub' Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Chairs made from solid wood for strength Solid European Birch legs 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. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spenser may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Property Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Mark's & Spencer 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 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 loans, credit cards or Property Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money 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 insurance products (Property Insurance, Motor 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 & Spencers insurance products in document format too.