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&Spencer 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 Finance website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

M&S Finance 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 Car 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; Car Insurance and Buildings & Contents 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 & Contents 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 Finance Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 & 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:

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

Pure Cotton Spot Print Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and practical, these spot print pyjama bottoms are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Paddington in The Garden, at M+S
For Paddington, one of the nicest things about being a bear and living with the Brown family is being able to share their lovely garden. But gardens don't just happen, and the one at number thirty-two Windsor Gardens keeps the whole family busy, so Paddington is only too pleased to lend a paw when they give him a chance. He may not have 'green fingers' but the fact that paws and marmalade are never far apart leads to some unexpectedly colourful results during the National Garden Week

Windsor Wardrobe, at Mark's & Spencer
H195 x W102 x D60cm 1 hanging rail and 1 shelf Made from from solid pine Finished with low sheen lacquer for added durability 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Multi Stripe Vest & Shorts Set, at Marks & Spencers
Fabulous and modern, this vest and shorts set is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. They're made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. Casual, contemporary fashion

Per Una Long Sleeve Celtic Pin Cardigan, at Marks & Spensers
A versatile long sleeve cardigan featuring a celtic fastening pin in a delicate knitted fabric

Single Sprung Edge Divan with 1 Large + 1 Small Drawer & Autograph F500 Mattress, at Marks & Spenser
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Mattress depth: 28.5cm Divan Height: 41cm Large Drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm, Small Drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Smaller drawers at the head end are designed to open without moving your bedside table Highly responsive pocketed springs Mattress features deep pillowtop layer of Talalay latex and luxurious white fibre Mattress also features two further layers of cotton and resilient white fibre for additional support Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges Spring count: 1225 Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Pure Linen Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

Adored All Over Lace Non-Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Delicate and pretty, this soft lace bra is exceptionally comfortable and gently supportive. Underwiring and gentle shaping give secure support and an enhanced natural look. Feminine everyday lingerie

Pure Cotton Contrast Trim Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this stripe shirt is made from cool comfortable cotton and features contrast trim

Safari Sunglasses, at Mark & Spensers
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Spots & Butterflies Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover Text: To a special Daughter Inside Message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 175 x 125mm

4 Pavilion Platinum Band Mugs, at Marks & Spenser
Set of 4 Platinum band in centre Sleek handle Height: 8.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Soft Poly Flat Front Slim Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Slim and stylish, these trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. The flat front design adds a fashionable update

Cotton Rich Printed Motif Joggers, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and comfortable, these casual joggers are made from soft cotton rich fabric and feature a motif. A practical easycare choice

Per Una Rainbow Stripe Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable stripe bikini bottoms featuring a side tie

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Bib Top, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this short sleeve top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a bib detail

Green Floral Pencil Pleat Curtains, at MarksandSpencer
Floral embroidered design Pencil pleat Lined Comes in standard 168cm/66in (STD) and wider 219cm/86in (WDR) widths Also comes in two drop lengths: short (137cm/54in) and medium (183cm/72in) How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Heart Drop Earrings, at Mark's & Spencer
Drop style Hook fastening Heart shape Leaf design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Burra Brook Shiraz Grenache Rosé 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Shiraz & Grenache Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol.x 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

Ceriso Floral Print Brazilian Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Flirty and feminine, these modern brazilians feature a floral print and centre bow. The low rise style gives a flattering, shapely fit, perfect for wearing with hipsters. Designed for women who want the latest look

Per Una Dandy Floral Print Panel Dress, at Marks & Spensers
A stylish floral print dress in soft fabric featuring a panel design

Collezione Single Breasted Hopsack Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques

Older Boys' Widefit Tramline Loafer School Shoes, at M&S
Square toe Tramline detail Plain Slip on Loafer style Widefit feature

Autograph Long Sleeve Satin Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary satin stripe design

Pure Silk Snake Print Lightweight Scarf, at Marks&Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk snake print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Top, at MarksandSpencer
Feminine and pretty, this floral print top will give your look an instant lift. It looks lovely worn with plain skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic collection

Burgundy Celebration Cake, at Mark's & Spencer
36 portions Fruit Cake: Made with vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Cake weighs 2.7kg. Can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Sponge Cake: All-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Cake weighs 1.7kg. Can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Cake size: 20.5cm square Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 68 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Zip-Up Cardigan, at M & S
The chunky design and zip-up fastening give this pure cotton cardigan a fashionable twistbr>

Glass Contrast Border Photo Frame 20 x 25cm (8 x 10"), at Marks and Spenser
Contrast border Rectangle shape Aperature 20 x 25cm (8 x 10 in), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Long Sleeve Faux Fur Lined Fleece Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Want style and comfort? This faux fur lined fleece jacket looks great and will keep you feeling warm, cosy and snug

When you're shopping at Marks & 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Finance. 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 Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance 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."