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 Mark's & 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 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.

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

When you're shopping at M&S 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 Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and 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."

Per Una 3 Button Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
A casual 3/4 sleeve cardigan featuring neckline embroidery

Autograph Pure Linen Shell Button Cushion, at Marks and Spencer
Square shape Shell button feature L56 x W56cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hepworth Bookcase, at Marks & Spensers
H167 x W80 x D44cm 2 fixed toughened-glass shelves Cupboard with 1 adjustable shelf Brass detailing 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 Door frames made with solid European Birch. Door panels are veneered Solid European Birch legs Side panels, door panels and back panels are veneered. Top panel is veneered with solid birch edging for strength 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

Die Cut Ice Cream Sister Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: To a special Sister Inside message: With love Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Check Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
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. Colour variations make each garment unique

Maternity Open Front Jersey Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this jersey cardigan is designed to flatter you and your bump. A clever cut gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A fashionable, functional choice

Vinzelo Douro 2006 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Grape variety: A blend of local Portuguese grape varieties Country of origin: Portugal Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Footglove™ Elastic Trainers, at M+S
Round toe Elastic straps Stitch detail Flat sole Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Ceriso Embroidered Bow Low Rise Shorts, at Mark & Spensers
Flirty and fashionable, these modern shorts feature bow embroidery and a lace and ribbon trim. The low rise, low leg style gives a flattering, shapely fit. Designed for women who want the latest look

3/4 Sleeve Scoop Neck Tunic, at Marks&Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this scoop neck tunic features a pintuck shoulder detail

Dinosaur Walkie Talkies, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for age 3-6 years Imaginative play Range of 30metres 210 x 95 x 155mm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Clear Glass Lantern, at Marks and Spencer
Hanging feature Circular glass holder H 7.5 x Diam 7.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Leather Laced Desert Boots, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Lace-up Stitch detail Block heel Contrast sole

Chevron Print Scarf, at Marks and Spencers
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your look with this elegant chevron print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Autograph Essentials Vintage Rose Embroidered Thong, at Marks & Spensers
Elegant and feminine this modern thong features rose embroidered details. The modern, high leg styling gives a flattering shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Pure Cotton Retro Spot Nightshirt, at Marks n Spencer
Soft and breathable, this cotton retro spot nightshirt makes an ideal choice for a comfortable night's sleep

Standalone Rectangular Mirror, at Marks & Spencer
Freestanding Stainless Steel Bevelled edges, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cuddle Bear Sleeping Bag, at Marks&Spencer
Popper button fastening Embroidered bear design Tog rating 2 0-6 months: L68 x W47cm 6-12 months: L68 x W54cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Special Princess Age 3 Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: To a very special little princess Inside message: Happy birthday This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 127 mm

Footglove™ Wide Fit Leather Platform Boots, at Marks & Spencers
Platform style Round toe Stitch detail Buckle and zip fastening Mid heel Heel height: 66mm Ankle high Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Easy Baking Recipes, at Marks & Spencer
Perfect to cook up after a hard day at work, these easy baking recipes are not only simple and quick, but they're fresh, delicious and healthy. There are meals for on-the-move, chill-out sessions, quick fixes, snacks and sweets treats, all for you to enjoy

Its A Groove Thing CD, at Mark & Spensers
Album, Marks & Spencer

Friuli D.O.C Grave Merlot 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Merlot Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

3 Pairs of 15 Denier Shiny Ladder Resistant Tights, at Marks & Spensers
These essential ladder resistant tights are fantastic value. They're made with added stretch for a great fit and shape retention

Per Una Short Sleeve Embroidered Longline Tunic, at Marks and Spencer
A gorgeous longline tunic featuring a stripe design, the smart embroidered neck trim makes it extra stylish

Bright Flowers 30th Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: 30 Happy Birthday Inner message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 125mm

Cotton Rich Zip Funnel Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spencers
A practical, casual jumper in a cotton rich fabric featuring a zip fastening. A great value easycare style

Thoughts & Crosses Game, at Marks & Spencers
Number of players: 2+ Suitable for ages 8+ Pack contains: Spinner, score pad, sand timer, 4 game pads, 4 pencils and instructions Approx. size: 135 x 135mm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ethnic Cateye Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Mixed bead design Stretch style

Autograph Weekend Tencel® Cropped Trousers with Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season.

M&S 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 House 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 House 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, M&S Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.