When you're shopping at Marks & 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spensers 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."

Shopping for financial products at M&S Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencers online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Finance website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from Marks&Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Finance in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Finance website.

M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 and Spenser 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 Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Pure Silk Stripe Tie, at M&S
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary stripe tie in pure silk

Girls' Limited Slogan T-Shirt with Check Scarf, at Marks & Spenser
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.

Mummy's Day Love Lane Sheet Wrap Pack, at Marks&Spencer
Contains: 2 sheets, 2 tags Approx size: Each sheet: H695 x W495mm

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at M+S
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione jacket is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Funky Round Face Diamanté Ladies Watch, at Marks and Spencer
Round face Metallic rim Analogue Large numerals with diamant detailing Bling strap Buckle fastening

North Coast Pure Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and relaxed, this crew neck t-shirt is made from pure cotton. It's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Coloured Glass Collection - Large Hurricane Lamp, at Mark & Spensers
H23 x Diam 17.5cm Coloured glass Thick base Comes with candle and sand Hurricane lamp style design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Parisian Damask Duvet Cover, at Marks & Spensers
Floral design Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6in), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Sleeveless Vests, at Mark & Spencers
Comfortable, fashionable and practical, these essential vests are ideal for everyday wear

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

Panasonic NN-GD377S 850W Family Combination Oven, at M & S
Oven capacity: 20 litre Output power: 850 W Grill power: Quartz 1100 Inverter: Yes Auto programs: 10 Turn table size: 24.5cm Control panel: Buttons/dial Interior dimensions: W32.5 x D33 x H19.1 Exterior dimensions: W48.2 x D36.4 x H28.4 Weight: 11kg Accessories: Turntable(round glass tray) and round wire rack Features: Auto guide, chaos/turbo defrost and child lock 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

Pure Cotton Floral Stitch Table Runner, at Marks and Spencer
Floral design Dimensions: L230 x W35cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Illusions Dark Circle Concealer, at M & S
Formulated with Haloxyl™ to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness This concealer also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines Hypo-allergenic Available in 3 shades

2 Angel Cotton Rich Padded Non-Wired Bras, at Marks and Spencer
These great value bras are ideal for everyday wear. They're made with stretchy fabric for a supportive and comfortable fit and the non-wired design is the best choice for first bras

Pure Cotton Cup Cake Print Mock Layer Top, at Marks & Spensers
A cup cake motif makes this soft cotton top extra cute

Beer Keyring, at Marks & Spensers
You'll never lose your keys again with this eye-catching keyring and it's beer design

Uva Mira Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Screw cap Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Pure Cashmere Oversize Scarf, at M&S
Indulge in a touch of luxury with this pure cashmere knitted scarf. It looks and feels gorgeous and comes in a range of beautiful colours so you'll be able to accessorise every outfit

Limited Collection Bow Clutch Bag, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, this bow clutch bag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Pure Cotton Embroidered Satin Rose Duvet Cover, at Marks & Spensers
Embroidered 3 dimensional rose design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Anthony Bear Pompom Flowers Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: To a special Daughter Inside message: Happy birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Ruched Floral Bedcover, at Mark & Spencers
Floral design Ruched finish Stitched detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Double Breasted Mid Length Mac, at M+S
Practical and fashionable, this water resistant mac features a double breasted design. Perfect for drizzly days, it can be accessorised with a rain hat or umbrella to see you through the season in style

Easycare Long Sleeve Textured Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

Blue Harbour Ultimate Linen Roll Up Sleeve Chambray Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
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

Ceramic Pot Pourri Bowl, at Marks and Spenser
Grooved design inside Circular shape Ceramic bowl Weight: 0.650kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Soft Grip Pasta Server, at M&S
Hole in handle for hanging storage Soft grip handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure Merino Wool Slipover, at Marks and Spenser
Part of our exclusive Autograph collection, this luxurious slipover is made from pure merino wool so it feels soft and comfortable to wear. Practical as well as stylish, it's hardwearing and keeps its shape

Autograph Wide Leg Belted Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. A stylish, fashionable look

Per Una Short Sleeve Ditsy Lace Top with Camisole, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable floral print top featuring a plain camisole, the crinkle design makes it extra stylish

Contrary to popular opinion, not every insurance company is out to get you, and it's not every insurance company that will disect the fine-print until they find some way of denying your insurance claim. However, you do need to shop around for the financial products and insurance policies that are the best suited for your individual needs.

That's why insurance policies, and other financial products, from Marks and Spencers are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make M+S a profit, but there is no denying that they are also very good value for money, offering many features as standard which you'd often need to pay extra for at other insurance companies.

Take, for example, Buildings & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents Insurance policies have limits on particular types of items such as freezer contents, garden furniture and outdoor toys, outbuildings or cars, etc. These restrictions are called inner limits. However, the only inner limits on the M&S Finance Buildings & Contents Insurance policy are £500 for cash; £2m for property-owners and personal liability; £10m for domestic employees liability and £40,000 for tenants liability. Even better is the fact that you're likely to pay no more for M&S Finance Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.