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 Financial Services. 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 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."

M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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 and Spencers 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 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 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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

Portfolio Bootleg Dome Button Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
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

Johnny Cash - The Legend CD, at Marks & Spencers
Album, Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited Hello Kitty Hat & Scarf Set, at Mark & Spensers
Snug and cosy, this cute hat and scarf set is a fashionable choice for chilly weather.

Pure Cotton Lightning McQueen T-Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
A must for Disney's Cars fans, this crew neck t-shirt in soft cotton features a fun motif of the poplular character Lightning McQueen. Practical, easycare fashion

Turned Wood Table Lamp, at M+S
Pleated shade Round base Turned wood design Bulb: 60W SES or 11W CFL H55 x Diam 23cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cross Over Stripe Tankini, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and stylish, this comfortable tankini is sure to make a splash!

Zebra Print Jacquard Scarf, at Marks & Spencers
Add some sheer glamorous sparkle to your look with this elegant zebra print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Oval Face Roman Numeral Watch, at MarksandSpencer
Oval face Analogue Roman numeral Leather-effect strap

Autograph Spot Print Corsage Camisole, at Marks & 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

Garmin® Nüvi® 255 Satellite Navigation System, at Marks & Spenser
Free 2 year guarantee Simple, safe and portable with optional traffic re-routing, the nvi 255 is your personal travel assistant. This simple, safety-minded navigator includes turn-by-turn directions, traffic avoidance and a unique, advanced safety camera warning system. Packed with up to a million points of interest and maps for Europe, the 255 is compact, versatile and easy to use

Golfers Shoe Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Invaluable accessory for the golfer, this care kit contains all you need to maintain your golf shoes and clubs

10 Classic Keys Change of Address Cards, at Marks & Spensers
Cover Text: Change of Address, We have moved... New home - we have moved... New home Inside Message: Will be moving to... Tel... Email... As from... 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: 130 x 130mm

Sony Ericsson W350i - Orange Pay as you talk Mobile Phone, at Marks & Spencer
A maximum of 2 phones per customer may be purchased Talk time: Up to 8 hours Stand-by time: Up to 360 hours Dimensions: 10.3 x 4.2 x 1.1cm Weight: 80g Bandwidth: 900/1800/1900 Orange Pay as you Go: Your mobile service provider will be Orange. An Orange SIM card is included with this handset. Standard features: Memory slot, memory card, Bluetooth, hands free, voice activated dialling, Triband, GPRS, organiser and alarm Special features: Active flip, downloadable realtones, data modem, voice memo recorder and webmail Fun features: 1.3MP camera, games, polyphonic ringtones and mp3 player

Autograph Loretto 2 Right-Hand Chaise & Coffee Table/Footstool Set, at Marks & Spencers
3 piece set - 2 chaise longue and 1 combination Coffee Table/Footstool Coffee Table/Footstool has a removeable top cushion. Can be used as a footstool or a coffee table All-weather synthetic rattan Silver-effect rattan Quick drying seat pads in 100% polyester Chaise dimensions: H62 x W200 x D97.5cm, seat H30.5cm Coffee table/Footstool dimensions: H30.5 x W80.5 x L80.5cm Suitable for indoor or outdoor use *Save 30% when you buy this set. Individually 2047. Save 648. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3D Rosebud Cushion - Gold, at Marks and Spencers
Square shape 3D rosebud appliqu design L43 x W43cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Philips HX6311 Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush, at Marks&Spencer
KidTimer: Increases brushing time slowly over 90 days, building towards the dentist recommended 2 minutes Power modes: 2 Kid-friendly power modes adapt to different ages providing a gentle cleaning that's ideal for different ages. There is a low mode for ages 4 to 6 and a high mode for ages 7 and older Brush Heads: 2 brush head sizes that are specifically designed to gently clean and protect teeth at key developmental stages KidPacer: Fun sounds encourage kids to brush the front and back of both upper and lower teeth Fun interchangeable panels: Allows kids to customise their toothbrush Anti-roll shape: Sturdy handle design allows kids to store it upright as well as apply toothpaste while the toothbrush is laying flat Multi grip design: Ergonomically designed to enable parents and kids to brush together or on their own Battery type: Li-Ion Rechargeable battery Speed: 31,000 brush strokes per minute Operating time (full to empty): Fully charged should provide 42 2-minute brushings (3 weeks) Voltage: Multi-Voltage Charger 100-240 V M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Crocodile Derby Lace-Up Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Luxurious and stylish, these leather shoes are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Their superior quality, design and attention to detail make them modern classics

Autograph Best Pure Silk Contrast Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Autograph Pure Cotton Jeans with Plaited Belt, 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

Body Formula All Day Long Hand Cream with SPF15, at Mark & Spencers
Liquorice to reduce the appearance of age spots Vitamin complex to strengthen and protect UVA and UVB filters shield the hand 75ml

PlayStation®3 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 Game, at Marks & Spencers
All-New EA Sports GamerNet, where online interaction has been taken to the next level Record everything from your greatest rounds to crazy, awe-inspiring shots, then post each challenge on EA SPORTS GamerNet for the world to beat Put yourself in the game like never before. Upload real-life photographs of yourself, friends, and family All-new Shot Confidence tracks your performance on every hole Featuring the greatest PGA Tour and LPGA Tour pros, including Tiger Woods, John Daly, and Vijay Singh Plus Annika Sorenstam, Natalie Gulbis, Christie Kerr, and Morgan Pressel Suitable for ages 3 years + 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Organic Cotton Twiggy Eco Shopper, at Marks & Spencer
Shop greener by using this organic cotton shopper instead of plastic carriers. The portrait of model Twiggy was commissioned from eminent fashion illustrator David Downton, making this bag a must-have stylish accessory

4 Pairs of Everyday comfort socks with silver technology, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these cotton blend sports socks are naturally breatheable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Sleeveless Button Top, 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

Pure Wool Pebble Rug, at Marks and Spenser
Rectangle shape Textured design Small: L140 x W80cm Medium: L170x W120cm Large: L230 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Centre Stripe Belt, at Marks & Spensers
This centre stripe design belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

Side Zip Slim Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Greater choice of leg lengths now available Slim and stylish, these trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. Added stretch gives the perfect fit and a side zip fastening provides a fashionable update

Pure Cotton Patchwork Camisole, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and comfy, this fashionable top is made from soft cotton

Single Breasted Wool Blend 3 Button Slim Fit Pinstripe Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Slim fit suits are cut closer for a cleaner sharper silhouette. Designed in a contemporary style, they give a longer, leaner appearance and a flattering fit

Leather Mini Bag, at M+S
Fashionable and practical, this mini bag features a secure zip fastening

Besides Mark's & Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services Buildings & Contents Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Financial Services Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks and Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Financial Services Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.