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 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 and Spencer, 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 Motor 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.

When you're shopping at Mark's & 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 Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to House Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and 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."

Marks & Spensers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your House Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks & 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 M&S Money Direct website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of Marks & Spencers 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 House 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 (House 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 and Spencer insurance products in document format too.

Sony ICFC1IPB iPod® Dock & Clock Radio, at Marks & Spencer
FM/AM Tuner Audio-in connector to connect any music player Stereo Speakers with MEGAXpand 2 x 3 watt speakers Charges your iPod while docked Compatible with all iPods (excluding iPhone and 1st generation shuffle) Dimensions: L39.5cm x W19cm x H20cm Full Function Wireless Remote Control (supplied) allows access to all the music on your iPod from across the room Set two separate alarms with the option of waking up to your iPod, the radio or a buzzer Built-in calendar automatically recognises daylight savings time changes Built-in Lithium battery maintains the correct time in the case of a power interruption 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 iPod sold separately This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Compton Sideboard, at Marks and Spencers
H90 x W174 x D55cm 2 cupboards 4 drawers Traditional metal fittings Made from White Oak solids and veneers Hand distressed, with the distressing aged with dark patina Mid-brown stained finish, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side panels, door panels, back panels made from oak veneer Top panels made from oak veneer with a solid oak edging for strength Drawer fronts and boxes made with solid hardwood. Draw bottoms made with oak veneer Solid hardwood legs Solid hardwood doors 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

Delonghi EC33OS Pump-Driven Espresso Maker, at Marks & Spencers
Stylish brushed stainless finish pumped espresso maker High performacne 15 bar pump pressure ensures best tasting espresso/cappuccino with no limit to the number of cups produced Stainless steel boiler for longer life Transparent 1 litre reservoir which can be refilled at any time Self-priming system means machine is always ready for use Cappuccino System mixes steam, air and milk, producing a rich, creamy froth for great cappuccino Easy to use - 3 button operation Cup warmer Separate coffee and steam thermostats Adjustable steam emission Crema filter holder Deep removable drip-tray Built-in coffee tamper, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Divers Watch with Minute Dial, at Marks and Spencer
Round face Minute dial Water resistant up to 100M Resilient strap Date indicator Analogue display

Hand Finished Characters & Text Mother's Day Card, at M&S
Cover text: BEST MUM IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! Inside message: With love on Mother's Day Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Autograph Reversible Leather Belt, at Mark's & Spencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather belt

Autograph Bead Trim Tankini Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Fabulously fashionable, this flattering tankini is designed in the latest shape. Designed to fit and flatter

Perfect Pleat Front Satin Shell Top, at Mark & Spencers
It's all about shades of green this autumn. This pretty satin shell top is perfect for adding a flash of colour under a suit

Sonoma Bedstead, at Marks&Spencer
H103 x L207 x W114 Headboard: H108cm Underbed: H16cm Single: L204 x W108cm Double: L214 x W158.5cm King size 5ft: L224 x W173.5cm Super king size 6ft: L224 x W203cm Mattress sold separately Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Made from solid oak and oak veneer Side and back made from White Oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Corduroy Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
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

Power Rangers Jungle Fury Activity Case, at Marks & Spencer
This activity case holds the Power Rangers treasury, storybook, poster book and colouring book, providing hours of fun for all Power Rangers fans. It includes fun, colourful pens for colouring in the Rangers and villains as well as 2 stencils for children to create their own unique Power Rangers illustrations on paper.

Floral Print Swim Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Sure to make a splash, these colourful shorts feature a floral print. The tie fastening waist helps give a secure fit. Fashionable, practical and easycare

Hannah Montana Range Set of 3 Pens, at Marks & Spencer
3 ballpoint pens Hannah Montana design 135 x 10mm Disney

Linen Blend Contrast Stitch Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Sleek and stylish, this linen blend skirt is a stylish, versatile choice. Stylish, practical and fashionable

King Kong Blu-ray DVD, at Marks and Spencer
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Steel Slotted Spoon, at Marks & Spencers
Slotted design Suitable for non-stick saucepans Hanging loop, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Younger Girls' Tatty Teddy Star Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencer
Fans of Tatty Teddy will love this fluffy dressing gown featuring a motif of the popular character

Autograph Pure Cotton Shirt and Stripe Tie Set, at M+S
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

Baby Flashcards, at Marks and Spencer
Start learning early with this fun and stimulating interactive toy. It features board pages with plastic ring

Suzie Damask Jacquard Duvet Cover, at Marks & Spencers
Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6in), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft) Damask jacquard design Cotton rich, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ Trek Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
These trousers are treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains. They feature a versatile zip-off leg design, so are a fantastic choice for voyaging during the summer months

De Saint Gall Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut Champagne - Case of 6, at M & S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Pure Silk Big Button Cushion, at Marks & Spenser
Rectangular shape Button detail L43 x W60cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Rectangle Face Mesh Strap Watch, at MarksandSpencer
Rectangle face Analogue Mesh strap

Pull Cord Dynamo Camping Torch, at Marks and Spencer
Perfect to keep in your car, caravan, garage or backpack, this torch will never leave you in the dark, it requires no disposable batteries so this makes it an environmentally friendly torch, which saves money compared to conventional torches

Portfolio Cotton Rich Bootleg Joggers, at M&S
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Easy Iron Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Gingham Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and innovative, this gingham easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

1 Pair of Gel Pads for Toe Posts, at Marks & Spencers
Ideal for use with flip flops and sandals with toe posts. These comfortable gel pads prevent painful rubbing between toes and on the balls of your feet. The non-slip design gives a secure grip

Footglove™ Leather Loafers, at Marks&Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail Slip on Low wedge heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Blue Sketchy Floral Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 140 x 340mm

M&S Money Direct offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Direct Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with M+S 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, 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 Motor 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.