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 MarksandSpencer 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 and Spencer, through its Marks & Spencers 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.

Marks & Spencers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and Spencers 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 & Spencers Money website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Money Direct products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or Marks & Spencers Money loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, Marks & Spencers 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 & Spencers 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.

When you're shopping at Marks & Spenser 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 & Spencers Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Motor 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 Marks & Spencers 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 & Spencers Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the Marks & Spencers 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."

Ruby Creamer & Sugar Bowl Set - Red, at Marks and Spencer
2 piece set Stripe design Sugar bowl H7 x diam 9.5cm Creamer H7.5 x diam 6cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Multi Stripe Hooded Cardigan, at M & S
The fun multi stripe design makes this hooded cardigan extra special. The soft cotton knit will keep him warm and comfy

Per Una Short Sleeve Sequin Embroidered Top, at Marks&Spencer
An elegant short sleeve embroidered top featuring a sequin and satin embellishment

M&S 2400W Steam Iron, at Marks n Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Plain Tie, 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

Darting Estate Scheurebe Beerenauslese 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Sweet dessert wine Grape variety: Scheurebe Country of origin: Germany Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 50cl. Alcohol by volume: 9.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 4.6 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.2 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Sony Bravia 40'' KDL-40Z4500 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks and 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: 40 inch LCD, 10 Bit Panel, 6.2 Mega Pixels, Picture Mode:14:9 Mode, 4:3 Mode, Screen Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Contrast ratios: Dynamic contrast 80000:1 Integrated Digital and Cable Tuners: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) and is cable TV ready (with supported operators only Dimensions: W100.5 x H70.5 x D27.9cm (including table top stand) Weight: 25.5kg (including table top stand) Surround Sound Effect: 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), 3 x HDMI™ Inputs, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, 1 x Component Inputs, 1 x Composite Video In, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone), PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, 3 x RCA AV Input, RF In, 2 x Scart Inputs (RGB), BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Music/Photo), Digital Media Port BRAVIA Engine 2: Experience incredibly clear and defined images with BRAVIA ENGINE 2 picture enhancement technology and Advanced Contrast Enhancer Live Colour Creation with x.v.Colour: Uses a larger colour palette to produce vibrant colour the way nature intended it to be seen 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Xcross Media Bar: No more confusing menu screens thanks to our easy-to-navigate XrossMediaBar™ to browse all your TV functions Picture Frame Mode: When you are not watching TV, turn it into a digital picture frame with Picture Frame Mode. Fill the black hole in your living room by using your TV to display your own pictures or the 6 pre-installed images BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Control your entire home cinema set-up with just one click on the TV remote and access the menus on compatible peripheral devices such as Handycam camcorders thanks to BRAVIA Sync 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

Per Una Wool Blend A-Line Skirt with Belt, at Mark & Spensers
A feminine A-line skirt in soft wool blend, the crinkle effect makes it extra stylish

Per Una Short Sleeve Antique Lace Jersey Top, at Marks and Spencer
An elegant short sleeve top featuring antique print and lace detail

Bear Collection - Cot Bed Quilt, at M & S
Embroidered bear detail L120 x W100cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph 4-Piece Copper Base Saucepan Set, at Mark & Spensers
4 piece set includes: 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans and single steamer insert High performance copper bases for even heat distribution Stainless steel for maximum durability and shine Riveted handles with silicone inserts for comfort and safety Twin pouring lips for left and right-handed cooks Unique glass straining lids for ease and safety Oven safe to a maximum of 180C/350F/gas mark 4 Suitable for all cooker types except induction, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Authentic Beach Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Loose fitting and lightweight, the functional design of these versatile beach trousers makes them a must-have for your summer wardrobe

Collezione Luxury Pure Wool Fine Stripe Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece 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 these trousers to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

RealCool Cotton™ Active Performance Cotton Rich Joggers, at Marks and Spencer
Perfect for active wear, these RealCool Cotton™ Performance joggers are made from high-performance breathable stretch fabric. They're designed in the latest style for a great fit and essential ease of movement

Autograph Sateen - SATEEN STRIPE PC, at Marks&Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Baby Song & Sound Old Macdonald Book, at Marks & Spencer
A true classic song for children. Come and join the fun on the farm by reading this story. Press the picture buttons to hear the tune and sing along

Long Glacier Bead Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Adjustable length Clasp fastening Mixed beads Long length

Stain Defence™ Non-Iron Adjustable Waist Trousers With Stormwear™, at Marks and Spencer
These trousers are treated with Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ technology so they repel water and stains. They're non-iron for convenience - for best results, machine wash, tumble dry and hang straight away

Fern Embroidered Bedset, at M+S
Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in)and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases Super king size includes super king size duvet cover (6ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Plated Cutaway Cuff Bangle, at Marks and Spencer
Cuff style Cutaway design

Flowers Small Gift Bag, at Marks & Spenser
Contains: 1 gift bag Approx size: H160 x W160 x D90mm

Girls' Limited Diamanté Button Cropped Cargo Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Girls' Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Classic Collection Floral Print Skirt, at Marks & Spencers
Elegant, stylish and comfortable, this maxi length pull-on skirt is finished with floral print design. The ideal match for blouses and fine knits in coordinating colours

Younger Boys' Transformers Flip Flops, at Marks & Spenser
Flat sole Slip on 'Transformers' design 2007 Hasbro

Per Una Chiffon Neckline Knitted Top with Angora, at Marks & Spencer
An elegant 3/4 sleeve top with fluffy angora featuring chiffon neckline panel

Floral Foil Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: To a special Daughter Inside message: With love on your birthday Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

Rosina 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spencer
H82 x W174 x D97cm Seat H45cm (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 Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a medium finish 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

Crook Handle Umbrella, at Marks and Spencer
Lightweight and easy to carry, this umbrella provides you with effective protection from those sudden downpours

Autograph Glass Charger Plate, at Marks & Spencer
Plain glass Silver trim, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Diagonal Stripe Bandeau Swimsuit, at Marks & Spencers
Feminine and delicate, this flattering swimsuit is designed in the latest shape. A stylish, shapely look

Marks & Spencers Money Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Buildings Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, Marks & Spencers Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.