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 M+S Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S House 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 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 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 Direct:

• 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 UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Marks and Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your House Insurance or Car Insurance, but Marks n 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 Finance 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 House 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 (House 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 M+S insurance products in document format too.

Cotton Rich Fine Stripe Belted Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and sassy, these easy fit cotton rich shorts are relaxed and casual. A large bow detail adds a stylish finishing touch

Autograph Leather Cross Body Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Luxurious and beautiful, this leather handbag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's front pocket make it practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Blue Harbour Linen Blend Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and stylish, this large check shirt is made from a blend of linen and cotton so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Jeans, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, these cotton jeans are hardwearing and comfy. The pretty floral embroidery and tie waist gives it a cute look

North Coast Pure Cotton Chinos, at Marks & Spencer
A stylish smart casual look, these plain chinos are made from soft cotton and designed for a fashionable and comfortable relaxed fit

Autograph Silk Rich Pleated String, at Marks & Spensers
Elegant and feminine this figure-hugging string is made from a luxurious silk rich fabric and finished with a contrast lace trim. The modern low rise, high leg styling gives a flattering shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Limited Collection Contrast Heel Peep Toe Shoes, at Mark's & Spencer
Peep toe Slip on Contrast high heel Heel height: 93mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Plain Top, at Marks and Spencer
For casual elegance, you can't beat this 3/4 sleeve, scoop neck top. A great value cotton essential

Classic Underwired Non Padded Lace Bra, at Marks and Spencer
A lovely addition to your day to day underwear drawer. This versatile bra combines the shaping and support of underwiring and adjustable straps with the convenient comfort of an easy to care for design

Philips 42FL5604 42" Full HD Digital LCD TV, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Full HD W-UXGA Act. matrix, 1920 x 1080p Screen Enhancement: Anti-Reflection coated screen Brightness: 500 cd/m Viewing angle: 178 (H)/178 (V) Picture enhancement: Pixel Plus HD, 3/2 - 2/2 motion pull down, 3D Combfilter, Active Control + Light sensor, Colour Enhancement, Colour Transient Improvement, Digital Noise Reduction, Dynamic contrast enhancement, Luminance Transient Improver Sound: Output power (RMS) - 2 x 10 W; Sound Enhancement - Incredible Surround, Treble and Bass Control; Sound System - Nicam Stereo Child Protection: Child Lock+Parental Control Smart mode: Game, Cinema, Personal, Energy saving, Standard, Vivid Playback Formats: MP3, LPCM, JPEG Still pictures, MPEG1, MPEG2, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC Tuner bands: Hyperband, S-Channel, UHF, VHF Connectivity: Ext 1 Scart - Audio L/R, CVBS in, RGB; Ext 2 Scart - Audio L/R, CVBS in, RGB; Ext 3 - YPbPr, Audio L/R in; Front/Side connections - HDMI v1.3, S-video in, CVBS in, Audio L/R in, Headphone out, USB 2.0 Other connections - Audio constant level out, PC Audio in, PC-In VGA, S/PDIF out (coaxial), Common Interface; HDMI 1/2 - HDMI v1.3; EasyLink (HDMI-CEC) - One touch play, System info (menu language), Remote control pass-through, System audio control, System standby Mains power: 220240 V, 50 Hz Power consumption: 210 W Dimensions: W103.4 x H64.4 x D8.3cm Weight: 16kg, 20kg(with stand) Included Accessories: Tabletop swivel stand, Power cord, Quick start guide, CD-ROM with software + manual, User Manual, Warranty certificate, Remote Control, 2 x AAA Batteries Pixel Plus HD for better details, depth and clarity 28.9 billion colours for brilliant natural images Dynamic contrast 50000:1 for incredible rich black details 2.1 channel surround with subwoofer for deep bass USB for fantastic multimedia playback 3 HDMI inputs with Easylink for a full HD connection PC-input allows you to use your TV as a PC monitor MPEG4 HDTV reception via DVB-T and DVB-C tuner with CI+ 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Cotton Blend Assorted Lace High Leg Knickers, at M & S
These briefs are perfect for everyday wear and this multipack makes a great way to stock up your underwear drawer

Per Una Jacquard Spot Print Lightweight Scarf, at M+S
This sophisticated jacquard spot print scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. Tassel trim adds a stylish finishing touch.

Classic Collection Pleated Neck Top, at Marks and Spencer
Ideal for everyday wear, this smart top is made from soft easycare fabric and the fit is comfortable and flattering. A fashionable and practical style

North Coast Pure Cotton Washed Denim Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
This pure cotton shirt has been dyed using a special process to give an authentic washed down look which will fade fashionably with time and wear

Silver Plated Assorted Petal Y Design Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Y design chain necklace Assorted petal design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Long Sleeve Bold Stripe Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and fashionable, this bold stripe dress with button feature is outstanding value!

Bold Butterfly Sunglasses, at Marks & Spenser
Bold, dark and oversized, these stunning shades make a fabulous way of wearing this seasons hot trend for classic glamour

Sonoma Dark 10-Drawer Wide Chest, at Mark's & Spencer
H88 x W170 x D50cm 10 drawers Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Handles made from solid wood Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid hardwood. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Legs made from solid hardwood 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 SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this chest as part of a set. Click here to view the Sonoma Dark Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Patchwork Text Anniversary Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text reads: Anniversary Inside is blank for your own message Approx size: 228mm x 114mm

Instant Fix 24 Cooling Eye Pads, at Marks & Spencer
Place a pad on each closed eyelid, lie back and relax for 1-15 minutes For extra soothing, store in a refrigerator before use Includes 24 cooling cucumber eye pads With aloe vera, cucumber extract and camomile

Autograph Mousse Eye Shadow, at M+S
4ml Hypo-allergenic

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Assorted Bikini Briefs, at M&S
Add some fun, vibrant style to her underwear drawer with the adorable bow feature decorating these soft and easy to care for briefs

Per Una Knee Length Pleat Detail Skirt, at MarksandSpencer
A fashionable knee length skirt in pure soft cupro fabric. The bow tie detail gives it the Per Una touch

The Cotton Collection Cotton Bud Handwash, at Marks and Spencers
Moisture rich handwash 250ml bottle with pump

5 Pairs of Plain Sports Socks with Cool&Fresh, at Marks and Spenser
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

Big & Tall Linen Blend Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at M&S
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this linen blend jacket is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

North Coast Pure Linen Check Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and stylish, this short sleeve shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Short Sleeve Textured Cardigan, at Mark's & Spencer
Modern and stylish, this cardigan features a textured knit. Ideal for layering

Domaine Régismont Merlot Cabernet 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Full Bodied Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Short Sleeve Neon Stripe Top, at Marks&Spencer
This short sleeve top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a smart stripe design for a stylish casual look

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 M+S Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to House Insurance and Car 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 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."