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 & Spensers, through its M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Home 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 Marks n 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 Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Car 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 Financial Services. 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 Financial Services, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Financial Services 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."

MarksandSpencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Home Insurance or Car Insurance, but Mark & Spensers 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 Financial Services 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 M&S Financial Services loans, credit cards or Home Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services insurance products (Home 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 Marks & Spensers insurance products in document format too.

Autograph Leather Lace-Up Gibson Shoes, at M+S
Round toe Lace-up Contrast stitch Low heel

Pure Cotton Pintuck Bib Jersey Top, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, this pintuck bib top is made from cool comfortable cotton, and features a contrast sleeve trim and button placket

Floral Pattern Mug, at Marks & Spensers
Floral design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Suede Sprung-Edge Non-Storage Divan & M400 Mattress - Medium, at Mark & Spencers
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L90cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan Height: 41cm Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give the mattress edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs 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

Cut Flowers Wax Lantern with Plate, at Mark & Spensers
Wax lantern Cut flowers roomscenter Roomscenter burns for up to 4 hours 15ml roomscenter Comes with candle plate, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Top Hat and Tiara Wedding Card, at M & S
Cover message: Bride and Groom Inside message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx. size: 230 x 114mm

Footglove™ Widefit Round Toe Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Buckle fastening Stitch detail Mid heel

Siemens Built-In Induction Hob EH775501E, at Marks & Spencers
H60 x W575 x D505mm Black ceramic glass hob with stainless steel trim Four induction zones with boost function LED display Front-mounted electronic controls 17 temperature settings including 'keep warm' setting Residual heat indicator for each zone Automatic safety cut-out and emergency stop facility Child lock 2-year guarantee This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Acapulco Drop Earrings, at Marks & Spencers
Drop style Hook fastening Acapulco detail

The Floral Collection Magnolia Gift Set, at Marks and Spencer
Magnolia frangrance Presented in gift purse Moisturising Hand and Body Lotion 50ml Moisture Rich Foaming Bath Cream 50ml Moisture Rich Shower Cream 50ml

3 Water Hyacinth Round Storage Baskets, at Marks & Spensers
Set of 3 Double contrast handles Woven design Large basket: H35 x 42cm diam Medium basket: H32 x 37cm diam Small basket: H28 x 32cm diam, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Art Deco Jewellery Box, at M & S
Art deco design 4 drawers Mirror finish Internal compartments 35 x 25 x 16cm

Peach Floral Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover Text: Happy birthday Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

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

Autograph Baugette Tassel Necklace Made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements, at Marks & Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Baugette gem feature Made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements Necklace length 40cm, extendable by 7.5cm

Long Length Seam Skirt with Belt, at Marks&Spencer
Smart and modern, this flared skirt is a stylish, versatile choice. A look that works dressed up or down

Black Trim Trainers, at Marks and Spencer
Crafted from leather for a natural, laidback look, these attractive trainers feature an easy grip sole providing you with lasting durability and comfort. Great for weekend sports and walks along the beach

Silver Jewel Effect Roll Wrap, at Marks and Spencer
Includes 1 roll wrap Approx. size: 150 x 70cm

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Straight Leg Chinos, at Marks & Spencer
A stylish smart casual look, these straight leg chinos are made from soft cotton and designed for a fashionable and comfortable relaxed fit.

Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these stripe trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear

Collezione Leather Brogue Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Pointed toe Punch feature Stitch detail 5 eyelets Lace-up Block heel

Patent Animal Print Shopping Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and environmentally conscious, this animal print shopping bag makes a great alternative to plastic carriers

Autograph Wool Blend Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious and elegant, this smartly tailored single breasted jacket is part of our exclusive Autograph range

Vegetarian Platter, at Marks & Spencers
20 pieces Serves 4-6 Ready to eat 5 different sandwich fillings Suitable for vegetarians As featured on page 7 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 2 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

2 Limited Collection Cotton Rich Spot Print Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Fabulous and modern, these shorts are part of our Limited Collection lingerie. Theyre made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Airflex™ Wide Fit Raised Suede Lace Up Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Square toe Stitch detail Lace up Block heel Lightweight, flexible and durable Unique Airflex™ airflow system for unbeatable comfort Wide fit

Brand New 200 Sudoku Puzzles for The Weekend, at Marks & Spensers
At the end of a stressful working week, relax with this new collection of sudoku puzzles. You dont need to be a maths whiz, all you need is a logical mind. So prepare your favourite breakfast and grab yourself a pencil to enjoy this collection of 200 sudoku puzzles for the weekend.

2 Piece Multi Spot Dungaree Outfit, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and pretty, this cute dungaree and bodysuit 2 piece outfit is made from soft cotton to keep her feeling comfy and happy

3 Piece Mr Noisy Outfit, at M+S
Fans of Mr Men will love this 3 piece outfit featuring Mr Noisy. Fun, practical and great value

Cherry Blossom Cake, at M+S
162 portions Three tier set of three cakes: Small - diam 15cm, Medium - diam 20cm, Large - diam 25cm Fruit Cake: Made with vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Sponge Cake: All-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Total height (including board): 29.5cm Fruit cake weight: 12.77kg total Sponge cake weight: 8.03kg total Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians As featured on page 56 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 21 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

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