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 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 & Spencers, 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 Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Mark's & Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Motor Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Mark & Spensers, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Motor Insurance from Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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 Marks & Spencer 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, Sainsburys, or Tescos:

• 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.

Mother's Day Graphic Floral Medium Gift Bag, at Marks & Spenser
Contains: 1 gift bag H260 x W200 x D90mm

Reversible Knitted Wrap with Tassles, at Marks and Spenser
Keep warm without compromising on style! This fashionable wrap is reversible, making it even more versatile. A great way to add a cosy extra layer

Autograph Pure Cotton Regency Stripe Duvet Cover, at Marks&Spencer
Stripe design Comes in single, double, king-size and super king-size, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Essentials Long Sleeve Polo Neck Top, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Autograph Essentials - a collection of luxurious and timeless wardrobe must-haves featuring premium design and sophisticated styling

Portfolio Petite 3/4 Sleeve Basket Weave Blouse, at Marks and Spenser
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.

Sony Bravia 32'' KDL-32S5500 HD Ready LCD TV, at Mark's & Spencer
HD Ready 1080i: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 2 with a 32 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Dynamic Contrast: 25000:1 Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Watch digital TV with the integrated standard definition digital terrestrial tuner (MPEG-2, also receives analogue) Dimensions: With table stand: W80.7 x H55.7 x D22.2cm, without table stand: W80.7 x H50.8 x D94cm Weight: inc. stand 12.7kg, without stand 11.4kg Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: HDMI™ Inputs x 3, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2 BRAVIA Engine 2: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 2 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Picture Mode: Share your favourite photos and music on the big screen with the easy-to-use USB Photo Viewer and Music Player Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Happy Birthday Dog Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday to you Inside message: Have a fun day Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Pure Linen 3/4 Sleeve Pintuck Top, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and stylish, this open neck collar top features a striking pintuck detail for a fabulous feminine look

Pacific Footstool AU09 Newness, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Knot Stud Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
Knot design Butterfly stud fastening For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Serveware - NEW LARGE BOWL, at Marks and Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Ultimate Linen Roll Up Sleeve Chambray Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This Ultimate Linen shirt has a unique added performance that helps keep you cool, dry and fresh by drawing moisture away from the skin and reducing odour, while also helping your linen to stay smart throughout the day. It's also easy to iron, so looking your best is now easier than ever

3 Older Girls' Cotton Rich Frill Trim Bikini Briefs, at Marks and Spenser
Cute and trendy, this 3 pack of cotton rich bikini briefs feature frill trim and assorted designs

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Hello Kitty Rock Top, at Marks and Spencer
Fans of Hello Kitty will love this pure cotton short sleeve top featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Domaine Pierre de Prehy Chablis 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

The Mini Brain Games Puzzler, at Marks and Spencers
Take the challenge of the Mini Brain games puzzler for a total cerebral workout. This tiny book is full of a wide range of brain training puzzles so you can reap the rewards of an exercised and mentally agile mind !

Per Una Faux Fur Hooded Jacket, at MarksandSpencer
A cosy faux fur hooded jacket featuring water repellent finish

Maxim Salt & Pepper Set, at Marks & Spencer
Salt and pepper shakers Suitable for everyday use Versatile fine dining range H6cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Saddle Edge Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and easy to wear, this casual belt is a fantastic partner for your favourite jeans and chinos

Autograph Merino Wool Blend Tights, at Marks&Spencer
The ultimate in luxury, these merino wool tights are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and quality at high street prices

Classic Collection Waterfall Jersey Top, at Marks & Spencers
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

Sonoma Dark Double Wardrobe, at Marks&Spencer
H200 x W91 x D65cm 1 hanging rail and 1 shelf 2 doors and 1 drawer 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 Door frames made from solid wood. Door panels made from White Oak veneer 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 SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this wardrobe as part of a set. Click here to view the Sonoma Dark Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lyon Side Plate, at Mark's & Spencer
Rib detail Diam 21cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Château Moulinet 2004 - Case of 6, at M & S
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Country of origin: France 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

Reds & Whites - Case of 12, at Marks and Spenser
1 Catarratto Inzolia 2008 1 Tupungato Sauvignon Blanc 2009 1 Monte Antico IGT Toscana 2005 1 Tupungato Syrah 2008 2 Valmont Blanc 2008 2 Castillo del Moro Airen Sauvignon Blanc 2008 2 Valmont Rouge 2008 2 Castillo del Moro Tempranillo Syrah 2008 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

3 Bodysensor™ 40 Denier Silky Soft Opaque Ankle Highs, at Marks and Spencers
These comfortable 40 denier opaque ankle highs are made with added stretch and a reinforced toe for durability. They feature bodysensor™ technology to keep you warm when it's cool and cool when it's warm

Collezione Pure Silk Multiple Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Combining classic silk quality with a contemporary design, this stunning tie will make a valuable and versatile addition to your formal wardrobe. Made in Italy

Patch Jacquard Cushion, at MarksandSpencer
Rectangular Patch jacquard design L60 x W43cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Luxury Lace Total Support Bra, at M&S
Feel fabulous and comfortable in this elegant and supportive bra. It's lightweight yet shaped to give all-round lift and support thanks to extra wide back straps and wide shoulder straps

Animal Print Marl Tights, at Marks & Spencers
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These animal print tights have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencers 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 Property Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark's & Spencer 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."