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

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 Marks & Spencer Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spenser 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."

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Postage Print T-Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and relaxed, this postage print t-shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Pure Ramie Short Sleeve Tunic Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a stunning pintuck detail

Georgian Antique-Silver Effect Bedstead, at Mark's & Spencer
Headboard H136cm Endboard H105cm Sgl L195 x W96cm Dbl L195 x W145cm 5ft L216 x W160cm 6ft: L216 x W189cm Antique-silver effect Sprung slats for support and comfort, Mattress sold separately Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item 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

Collezione Leather Hip Wallet, at Marks and Spenser
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

M&S 512MB Micro SD Memory Card, at Mark & Spencers
Compatible with digital devices with a microSD card slot Read (MB /s): 10MB Write (MB /s): 3MB Available capacity: 480MB 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

In Bloom Orchid & Vanilla Foaming Bath Elixir, at Marks & Spensers
Orchid and vanilla fragrance Moisture rich Foaming bath elixir 200ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Silk Plain Tie with Stain Defence™, at Marks & Spencer
This silk tie has been treated with our stain defence™ technology giving inbuilt resistance to everyday spills, this repellence benefit is maintained after dry cleaning

Cotton Blend Long Sleeve Boyfriend Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfy, this long sleeve boyfriend cardigan is made from cotton blend and features a front tie waist. A fashionable easycare style

Per Una Front Pocket Stud Bag, at Marks and Spenser
A shiny bag featuring stud detailed belt and front pocket. Give your look the Per Una twist!

Autograph Square Porcelain Soap Dish, at Marks and Spencer
H2 x L14 x W9cm Stripe design Square dish, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Antique Brass & Glass Coffee Table, at Mark's & Spencer
H46 x W111 x D45cm Made of antique-effect solid brass tubing Tops made from toughened glass Legs made from solid brass tubing Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required, but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this table as part of a set. Click here to view the Antique Brass Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Nostalgic Fishing Dad 70th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy 70th Birthday Dad, May you have a very happy day, Made even happier, too, By the wishes and the thoughts of those, Who think so much of you Inside message: Hope you have a special day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Maternity 3/4 Sleeve Wrap Jersey Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and modern, this 3/4 sleeve wrap dress is designed to flatter you and your bump. Added stretch and a clever cut give a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. Enjoy your pregnancy in style!

Limited Collection Sparkle Skinny Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Show off curves and cinch in your waist with this skinny belt with bead detailing for an on-trend look for day or night

Assorted Stripe Mug, at Marks & Spencer
Assorted stripe, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Griffin iClear Touch Case, at Marks and Spencer
iClear's transparent and unobtrusive design protects your iPod with a tough polycarbonate shell, strong enough to take the daily abuse of active lifestyles

Autograph Wool Blend Pinstripe Suit Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Perfect for smart occasions, these classic pinstripe suit trousers make a fashionable and practical choice

Cotton Rich Sporty Cycle Shorts, at Marks & Spensers
Ideal for sports and PE, these cycle shorts are made from cotton with stretch so they're comfortable, breathable and easy to move in

Buxus Ball Topiary, at Marks and Spencer
Presented in a smart planter, this buxus ball plant is a fantastic addition to any outdoor space Available for delivery from 28th April to 30th September 2009

Straight Leg Stitch Detail Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Simple and stylish, straight leg trousers are a modern classic. They are cut to skim the hips and thighs, giving a sleek flattering shape that's always in style

Artemis Small Lightweight Rollercase, at Marks & Spencer
A smart option for travel, the wheeled design and retractable pull handle offer easy mobility no matter where you are in the world. A zip fastening helps keep your belongings secure

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Frill Front Top, at M+S
Bring some casual elegance to your wardrobe with this short sleeve top, that features frilled neckline with lace giving it an extra stylish twist

Kitchen 2 Door Base Unit, at Marks and Spenser
H87.5 x W100 x D52cm Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Contrast Stitch Bootleg Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Flattering and fabulous, bootcuts make legs look longer and are kind to curves. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Leopard Print Cross Body Bag, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable, comfortable and secure, this cross-body bag features an adjustable strap and multiple pockets. A practical and stylish accessory

Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo 8GB, at Marks and Spencers
Optimum for storing, sharing and transferring thousands of high quality pictures, videos and music Memory: Flash Memory Storage Capacity: 8GB Dimensions: 20 x 31 x 1.6mm Weight: 2g Operating Voltage: 2.7 V - 3.6 V Environmental temperature: -25C to 85C Minimum write speed: 15 Mbps(1875MB/sec) Free to Download, the Memory Stick Data Rescue Service enables quick recovery of deleted photographs and files(www.sonydigital-link.com/memstick/) Warranty: 5 years Delivered with a standard size adaptor Ideal for high resolution video recording Compatible with all Sony Cyber-shot, Handycam, VAIO, PSP & Alpha released after 2007 Compatible with copyright protection technology ("MagicGate")

Sonoma Wardrobe, at Marks & Spensers
H200 x W91 x D65cm 1 shelf 1 hanging rail Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid Oak. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Handles made from solid wood Side and back made from White Oak veneer Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength Shelves made from White Oak veneer 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Click here to view the internal layout of this furniture, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs Stripe Trim Sports Socks with Cool&Fresh, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these cotton rich sports socks are naturally breatheable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Autograph Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Stylish and contemporary, this pure cotton long sleeve shirt is part of our luxurious Autograph collection. The fabric has been created exclusively for us to tie in with this season's key looks, so you won't find it anywhere else

Perfect Supima® Pure Cotton Towel Collection & Bathmat, at Marks and Spencer
Neutral tones, delicate pastels or bright, bold shades Face: L33 x W33cm Hand: L100 x W50cm Bath: L137 x W68cm XL: L178 x W89cm Bathmat: L86 x W55cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Marks and Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Motor Insurance, but M&S 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 Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer Money loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, Marks & Spencer Money can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of Marks & Spencer Money insurance products (Buildings 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 MarksandSpencer insurance products in document format too.