When you're shopping at Marks & 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents 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."

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 M & S 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 & Spencer, 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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

Blue and Brown Floral Anniversary Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: With Love Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 mm x 125 mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

The Old Gentleman Shiraz 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Shiraz, also known as Syrah Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Trainer Liner Socks, at Marks & Spencers
Designed to hide neatly inside your trainers, these breathable cotton rich socks are made with added stretch for comfort, superior shape retention and durability

Deep Lace Trim Stripe Shorts, at Marks&Spencer
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these pretty stripe shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

Mongolian Sheepskin Cushion With Recycled Filling, at M+S
Square shape Plain Dimensions: 43cm x 43cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Handcrafted Die Cut Daffodil Easter Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Happy Easter Inside message: with love at easter Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Older Girls' Shopper Bag with Scarf, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this shopper bag features a colourful scarf. It's easy to carry and there's lots of room for all the essentials

North Coast Cotton Blend Funnel Neck Parka, at Mark's & Spencer
A contemporary design and multiple pocket feature makes this parka a fashionable choice

Senior Wool Blend Blazer with Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and innovative, this stylish blazer is made from a hardwearing wool blend. It's treated with our unique Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ finishes, making it resistant to water and stains

Lichfield Extending Dining Table & 6 Alton Scroll Back Leather Chairs Set, at M+S
Extending dining table: H75 x W95.5 x L145cm (H29.3 x W37.2 x L56.6in ) Dining chair: H102.5 x W55 x D66 Table seats 6-8. Comes with extension leaf to seat 8 Extension leaf is stored beneath the table top Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Chair frames made from solid European hardwood Top panel is veneered with solid oak edging for strength All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

7 Pairs of FreshFeet Stripe Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks & Spencers
Our odour control Freshfeet socks are now better than ever with a new Sanitised Silver finish. Known for its natural antibacterial properties, silver helps reduce the presence of bacteria that causes smelly odours, so your feet stay fresh with every step and it keeps working for the lifetime of the socks

Lexington Collection Medium Trolly Bag, at Marks & Spensers
There'll be no things that go bump in the night with this easy to transport holdall. Supported by sturdy wheels and a stand-alone feature, its the ideal option for short trips or flying abroad

Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Lochmuir™ Salmon & Prawn en Croute, at Marks and Spencer
Serves 6 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 1kg As featured on page 39 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

Pure Cotton Roll Up Broad Brim Hat, at Marks & Spencers
Express your stylish side with this wide roll up brim hat

Jazz Café CD, at Marks & Spencers
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

String Shade with Diffuser, at Marks and Spencer
String shade Large: H22 x Diam 45cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pink Polka Dot Get Well Soon Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Get Well Soon Inside message: Get Well Soon

Stainless Steel Avocado Slicer, at Marks&Spencer
Looped handle for hanging storage L21cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

F100 Open Coil Memory Foam Mattress with Coolmax°, at Marks and Spencer
Single (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Spring count: 288 Coolmax stretch knit cover helps regulate body temperature and adds a soft feel Open coil mattresses provide a hard-wearing and supportive background Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body once warmed by body heat providing high levels of support Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning Manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Brow Bar Sunglasses, at M+S
With full UV protection and a flattering modern design, these smart sunglasses will see you through the summer in style

Pure Cotton Short Sleve Checked Top, at Marks & Spensers
This fashionable top features a stylish check design for a fab contemporary look

Per Una Wool Blend Open Weave Beret Hat, at Marks & Spenser
Berets always look so chic making this knitted beret the perfect way to add a stylishly warm finishing touch.

Ultra Bright LED Torch, at MarksandSpencer
Scare away the dark with this super bright 3 LED Bulb Torch! Its superb 3 white LEDs provide an amazing brightness. Ultra Bright torch is compact and a very handy size. This torch does not just light the way ahead, it practically scares off the dark

Belt Stitched Tote Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Stylish and useful, this tote bag features buckled loop strap detail and a stitch belt design. A practical and fashionable accessory

Movement Mantle Clock, at Marks and Spencer
Visible mechanics Roman numerals Free standing Dimensions: 19cm x 16cm x 8cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sleep Station Bedstead, at M & S
Dimensions: L205 x W104cm Headboard: H123cm Endboard: H123cm Single size bed with traditional open coil mattresses Open shelving unit 3 drawer unit Pull out desk 2 cupboards Made from solid pine and pine veener Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Delivered flatpack due to size This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Padded Multiway Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Everyone's skin tone is different, so after some research into skin tones we've come up with Body Nudes, a range of flattering shades to suit everyone. Body Nudes is soft and comfy with no visible lumps or bumps, so you can be sure your clothes will look their best

Medium Silver Bursts Gift Bag, at Marks & Spencer
1 gift bag with tag Double handle Circle spot design

125 Years Stormwear™ Pure Cotton Trench Coat, at Marks & 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

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 MarksandSpencer 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 Tesco:

• 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.