When you're shopping at Marks and Spenser 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 Property 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 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."

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 Property 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 Property 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.

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

Pure Cotton Straight Leg Multi Pocket Jeans, at M+S
Multi pocket styling gives these jeans a modern twist. A practical and fashionable style

3 Piece Cotton Rich Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
Practical and pretty, this cute long sleeve top, skirt and tights 3-piece outfit is made from soft cotton to keep her feeling comfy and happy

Limited Collection Multi Stripe Vest & Shorts Set, at Marks & Spencer
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

Pecorino 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Pecorino 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

Leather Hip Wallet, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and practical, this leather wallet is outstanding value

Pure Wool Anatolia Rug, at Mark & Spencers
Made from New Zealand wool Traditional pattern Fringed design Small: L140 x W80cm Medium: L170x W120cm Large: L230 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Silk Checkered Square 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

Superbad Blu-ray DVD, at Marks & Spencer
Rating Suitable for 15 years and over,

Sensuale 100ml Eau De Toilette, at Marks & Spenser
100ml Eau de toilette

Ceriso Styled Embroidered Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and flirty this modern bra features intricate floral embroidery. The padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fabulous fuller shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Autograph Essentials Wool Rich Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious and contemporary, these smartly tailored wool rich wide leg trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph range

Crew Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and stylish, this jumper features a round neck. A versatile, easywear style

Portfolio Ruffle Front Blouse, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Mimosa trend. A beautifully elegant look featuring chic, muted tones such as cocoa, mink, saffron and purple. Striking prints are key to this feminine trend

Floral Quilted Bedset, at M & S
Floral embroidered design Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in)and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pocket Yoga, at Marks & Spensers
Bringing your body, mind and spirit into balance and harmony has never been so much fun thanks to this pocket size yoga book jam packed with fun exercises and tips to help give you a good workout

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

Per Una Diffused Check Panel Skirt, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable mid calf length skirt featuring diffused check design and tape detail

Classic Collection Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear

Authentic Beach Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Loose fitting and lightweight, the functional design of these versatile beach trousers makes them a must-have for your summer wardrobe

Quebec Recliner, at Marks and Spencers
H101 x W85 x D93cm Reclines to L158cm Seat H50cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Back cushion made from fixed foam Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a dark finish Manual recline mechanism for extra relaxation All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Assorted Ankle Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and comfy, these soft cotton rich socks feature assorted designs

Twin Pleat Crease Resistant Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Adopt a fuss-free approach to formal dressing with the crease resistant fabric of these sharp trousers, allowing you to stay looking smarter for longer

16-Piece Manjaro Cutlery Set, at Marks and Spencer
16-piece set 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Single Breasted Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Girls Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

6 Stainless Steel Teaspoons, at M+S
6-piece set 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Andante Round Dinner Plate, at Marks & Spenser
Ideal for everyday use, durable Plain Diam 27.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

DD-G Lace Strap Minimiser Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this minimiser bra gently shapes your bust to make it look smaller. A flattering, supportive style

Autograph 2 Piece Pure Cotton Pinafore Dress & Top, at Marks and 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

Glacier Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
Hook fastening Drop style Double bead design

Autograph Leather Patent Trim Court Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Almond toe Patent trim Slip on Court style Slender contrast heel Heel height: 8 cm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

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's:

• 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.