Besides Marks and Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money 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 Money 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 Money 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.

When you're shopping at Marks and 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 Money. 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 Money. 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, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Money 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."

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 & Spensers 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 website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Coronation Street Happy Families Card Game, at Mark's & Spencer
Number of players: 3+ Suitable for ages 8+ Pack contains: 52 cards, instruction card Approx. card size: 77 x 107mm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - 2 Non-Iron Short Sleeve Blouses, at Marks and Spencer
This pack of 2 blouses is great value. The flared short sleeves and fitted shape give a fashionable look. A practical and convenient choice, they're easycare and non-iron to save you time

Classic Collection Floral Embroidered Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Floral embroidered design Ballet style Flat sole

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

Autograph Victorian Faux Pearl Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Ribbon fastening Multi strand Faux pearl design Victorian pendant feature Necklace length 80cm

Nintendo Wii™ Console with Disney Sing It Game Bundle, at Marks&Spencer
Includes wireless Wii Remote, Wii Nunchuk and Sing It game with Microphone Sing it Game with Microphone: Disney Sing It is the new karaoke video game that allows fans to perform to 35 songs from Camp Rock, High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus, Aly & AJ, Jesse McCartney and more Plays two disc formats in a single, self-loading media bay Features a processing chip from IBM and a graphics chip from ATI Completely backward compatible, all the way to the NES of the 1980s Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming service Online Wii Channel for news, weather, photo viewing, message boards and more Supports up to 4 GameCube controllers SD card slot Fully compatible with GameCube games Comes with A/V cable and UK power adapter

Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Charger for iPod, at Marks & Spenser
Designed specifically for use in the car Large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen affords quick, precise station selection and easy status at a glance Antenna: Built-in Modulation: FM Stereo Control speaker volume from your car stereo controls SmartScan - the easiest-to-use FM transmitter Power: Provided by 12 Volt cigarette lighter / power outlet (no batteries required) Frequency response: 50Hz to 15KHz Compatible with all 30 Pin Dock iPod's Nano 1G 2G 3G, Mini, Photo, Click Wheel, Video, Classic, Touch 1G but this iTrip does not charge iPod Nano 4G and Touch 2G Product Dimensions: 14 x 3.7 x 20.3cm Weight: 908g

Girlie Dress Up Drawstring Bag, at Marks and Spencer
This folding drawstring bag is a brilliant addition to any school kit. Keep it folded up in its pouch inside a school bag and unfold when you need to carry extra kit such as homework, library book or games kit. The drawstrings feature special safety catches which snap apart under pressure

Wentworth 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencers
H96 x W146 x D100cm 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 Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Feet are castors 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 All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Enamel Diamanté Photo Frames 5 x 7.5cm (2 x 3''), at Marks n Spencer
Set of 3 assorted shapes: circle, rectangle and square Diamant detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Block Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Pork Crackling Joint, at Mark's & Spencer
Serves 9-11 Ready to cook 2kg As featured on page 37 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Ring Trim Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these flattering bikini bottoms are designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Handcrafted Edwardian Lady Mother's Day Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover text: To my lovely Mum on Mother's Day Inside message: Hope you have a lovely day Approx size: 178 x 126mm The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady Rowena Stott (Designs) Ltd and RW.UK. Ltd 2008 Licensed by opyrights Group

Limited Collection Cotton Rich 3/4 Sleeve Top, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Older Boys' Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Ben 10™ Pyjamas, at Marks & Spensers
A must for fans of Ben 10, these pyjamas features the popular character

Autograph Summer Manor Large Pillar Candleholder, at Mark & Spencers
Handmade glass candle holder Includes candle Burning time 65hrs Dimensions: 11.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bordeaux 2006 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Grape variety: Merlot 75%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Country of origin: France Closure: Natural Cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

3 Piece Cotton Rich Outfit, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and pretty, this cute short sleeve top, skirt and leggings 3 piece outfit is made from soft stretch cotton fabric to keep her feeling comfy and happy

Jacquard Patchwork Curtains, at Marks & Spenser
Pencil pleat Patchwork jacquard design Fully lined Comes in standard 168cm/66'' (STD) and wider 219cm/86'' (WDR) widths Also comes in three drop lengths: short (137cm/54''), medium (183cm/72''), long (229cm/90'') How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Sleeveless Broderie Vest Top, at M&S
A feminine sleeveless vest top in soft stretch cotton featuring a frill neckline and broderie design

In Bloom Honeysuckle & Jasmine Moisture Rich Body Wash, at M+S
Body wash Moisturising 225ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Cream Polka Dot Cake or Favour Boxes, at Marks and Spencer
Contains: 10 cake or favour boxes Flat: 155 x 85 mm Folded: L130 x W80 x D27mm

Cross Dye Bedcover, at Marks & Spencer
Quilted design Medium: L150 x W200cm Large: L260 x W265cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Mr Grumpy Pyjamas, at Mark & Spencers
Fun and fashionable, these pure cotton long sleeve mr grumpy pyjamas feature a motif print

His and Hers Calendar, at Marks and Spencer
Approx. size: 225 x 390 mm

125 Years Stormwear™ Pure Cotton Trench Coat, at Marks and Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection. These exclusive garments have been inspired by some of the beautiful pieces in our archive and reference the iconic decades of the 20th century. Retro styling has been given a contemporary twist for the modern day

Play Toaster, at Mark's & Spencer
Suitable for ages 3+ years Includes 2 pieces of 'toast' Movable dial and lever Height: 25cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Formula Energising Body Tonic, at Marks and Spencer
A zesty, fruity blend of Grapefruit, lemon and lime oils energise, detoxify and rejuvenate Refreshing orange and zingy mandarin stimulate senses Enhanced with balancing Geranium oil to de-stress and uplift emotions Pepper essence helps soothe muscles Grapefruit and mandarin work together to help brighten up dull skin 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Weekend Leather Boxy Bag, at M+S
Recommended in LOOK magazine Gorgeously glossy, this weekend bag is a must-have for stylish overnight stays and mini breaks. Patent leather gives an irresistibly luxe look and feel

M&S Money 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 Money 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, Sainsbury's, 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 Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.