When you're shopping at Marks & 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 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 Spencer 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."

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 & Spencers are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & Spencer 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Property 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 Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Besides Marks and Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Property 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 Finance 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 & Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Finance Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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.

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

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Deckchair T-Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and relaxed, this short sleeve t-shirt is made from pure cotton. It's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

3 Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Cutie Tops, at Marks and Spencers
Stock up on essentials for less! This great value pack of 3 pure cotton long sleeve cutie tops is comfortable, practical, fashionable and easycare

Lotus Flower Lantern Candle, at Marks and Spencer
Scented Includes wooden plate, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Plain Ribbon Tie Joggers, at Marks and Spencer
Perfect for the gym or simply strolling around the park, these comfy joggers are a must-have addition to any active lifestyle

Sony Bravia 26'' KDL-26V4000 HD Ready LCD TV, at Mark's & Spencer
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 26 inch LCD with 3.1 megapixels Contrast Ratio: Dynamic contrast 30000:1 Integrated Digital and Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ channels and radio stations (subject to coverage) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dimensions: H69.5 x W50.5 x D24.2cm (with stand), H65.9 x W46.6 x D9.5cm (without) Weight: 12.5kg (with stand) 10kg (without) Virtual Dolby Surround Sound: BBE ViVA high quality sound and built-in Virtual Dolby creating the effect of full surround sound from only 2 front speakers Connectors: HDMI™ Inputs x3, Scart Inputs (RGB) x2, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x1, Composite Video In, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, RF In BRAVIA Engine Picture Enhancement: It uses the advanced BRAVIA engine to create stunning images with enhanced clarity, depth and definition BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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 Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band Aerial. Suitable portable TV Aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using a indoor aerial Use wall mount

Autograph Pure Cotton Bold Stripe Shirt, at Mark & Spensers
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

4 Neutral Dot Stacking Mugs, at Marks and Spenser
Pack of 4 mugs Includes stacker Dot design Contrast trim and handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cashmere V-Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
This luxurious v-neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for ultimate softness and comfort. Innovative construction helps it to be machine washable. Part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Corsage Cardigan, at M & S
A sophisticated 3/4 sleeve cardigan in a chunky knitted fabric featuring a stripe design and floral corsage

Collezione Pure Wool Single Pleat Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit 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

My First Sticker Book, at M & S
Learning is easy with this big sticker book. Fun sticker activities and photographic pages are designed to introduce young children to key concepts, such as colours, numbers, letter practice, shapes and many more...

Lightweight Fleece Dressing Gown, at Marks n Spencer
Relax in style and comfort in this cosy dressing gown made from soft fleece

Ceriso Frill Dot & Bow Push Up DD-G Bra, at Mark & Spensers
Feminine and fashionable, this modern push up bra features an intricate fril trim. It's underwired for extra support and the padded plunge style gives a fabulous enhanced cleavage for a push up effect. Designed for women who want the latest look

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 2 Large + 2 Small Drawers & M100 Mattress, at M&S
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190 cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 21cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Small drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Mattress has dust-free polyester fibre filling Open coil mattresses provide a hard-wearing and supportive background Mattress spring count: 288 Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are 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

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Marl Stripe T-Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and relaxed, this marl stripe t-shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Sprung-Edge Divan on Legs, at M & S
Single: W90 x L190cm Double: W135 x L190cm King size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size (6ft): W180 x L200cm H31cm Solid wooden frame Sprung edge Non-storage divan Anti-allergy - provides effective protection against dust mite allergies, so you'll have a trouble free sleep 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

Sony CMT-LX401 Micro Hi-Fi, at Marks & Spenser
AM/FM/DAB radio 2 x 5w (RMS) power output CD+ -R/CD+ -RW playback Digital input 4 graphic equaliser presets Enables you to operate your equipment from a remote handset Hi-Fi unit dimensions: D20.5 x H22.1 x W20cm Weight: 8.6kg This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

Sheriff Star Reversible Bedset, at Marks & Spencer
Sheriff star design Set includes single duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Pillowcase: L76 x W48cm Duvet cover: L198 x W137cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hannah Montana Magazine Bag & Charm, at Marks & Spencer
Contains: 1 magazine bag and 1 handbag charm Hannah Montana motif Approx sixe: 263 x 369mm Disney

Funnel Neck Half Zip Fleece Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
An essential part of any wardrobe, this great value half-zip fleece is warm and cosy. A fashionable and practical choice

Per Una Floral Print Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
A beautiful long sleeve blouse featuring fan cuff detail and bold floral print

Hastings 4+2-Drawer Chest, at Mark & Spensers
H119 x W86 x D44cm 6 drawers Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard 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

Daughter and Son-in-Law Large Wedding Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: To a Special Daughter and Son-in-Law Inside message: With love on your wedding day Approx. size: 220 x 220mm

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

Autograph Pure Cotton Slim Fit Plain Poplin Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Humorous Photo Valentine Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: To my Valentine... It was Bob's 'selective' deafness that kept the relationship so strong over all the years! Inside message: Valentine... Please grow old with me, The best is surely yet to be! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Cotton Rich Leaf Damask Quilted Bedcover, at Marks & Spenser
Quilted design Leaf jacquard pattern L250 x W265cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Thermal Wide Ribbed Leggings, at Marks & Spenser
Keep warm and comfortable in these soft thermal leggings. Cosy without being bulky, they make the perfect extra layer for cold weather

Schoolwear Plus Fit 3 Easycare Long Sleeve Shirts, at Marks and Spencers
This 3 pack of larger sized easycare long sleeve shirts is outstanding value! A school essential View Plus Schoolwear Size Guide. Find out more

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 and 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:

• 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.