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 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 & Spenser 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."

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks and Spencers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Financial Services you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M&S Financial Services, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Mark & Spencers, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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 n Spencer are so useful. M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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 Financial Services Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Rotating Spice Rack, at Marks and Spencer
Set of 12 Wooden rack Triangular design Dimensions: H26cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

125 Years Limited Collection Vest & Shorts Set, at Marks and Spencer
Fabulous and modern, this vest and shorts set is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. They're made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. Casual, contemporary fashion

Ceriso Silk Blend Spot Print Padded Bra, at M+S
Flirty and fashionable, this glamorous bra is made from silk mix fabric with a spot print, finished with a lace trim. It's underwired for extra support and the padded plunge style gives a fabulous enhanced cleavage. Designed for women who want the latest look

Trailing Hearts Cushion, at MarksandSpencer
L50 x W50cm Square

Pure Cotton Ottoman Placemat, at Marks and Spenser
Ribbed design Rectangle shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Kapersky Internet Security 2009 1 User 1 Year License, at Marks and Spencers
Extended Protection: Two-way personal firewall; secure Wi-Fi and VPN connections, Application rules configured automatically, Security rating assigned to unknown applications, Access to users resources and data is restricted for unknown applications, Improved antispam protection Content Filtering: Parental control Data & Identity Theft Protection: Virtual keyboard for safe entry of logins and passwords, Prevents theft of data exchanged via secure connections (HTTPS / SSL), Disables links to phishing websites Essential Protection: Protects from viruses, Trojans and worms, Protects from spyware and adware, Scans files, email messages and Internet traffic, Protects instant messengers (ICQ, MSN), Proactive protection from unknown threats Preventive Protection: Scans operating system and installed applications for vulnerabilities, Disables links to malware sites Usability: Automatic configuration, Wizards for common tasks, Automatic or interactive mode, Round-the-clock technical support, Automatic database updates, Global threat monitoring (Kaspersky Security Network) Advanced Protection & Recovery: Program can be installed on infected computers, Self-protection from malware, Restores correct system settings after removing malicious software Suitable for 1 user for 1 year

°Climate Control Medium Support Pillow, at Marks & Spencer
Keeps you in a comfort zone all night long Absorbs body heat, releasing when you need it Made using outlast technology, originally developed for NASA, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Airflex™ Leather Loafer Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these shoes are specially designed with the Airflex™ sole system. This innovative technology gives your feet enhanced support, comfort and flexibility

Leather Crocodile Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Define your waistline with this fashionable crocodile finish waist belt

Double Breasted Mid Length Coat, at Marks & Spencers
A smart coat in a flattering shape will never go out of style. This coat is made from a machine washable, non iron fabric for added convenience

Pink Cake Wedding Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: To have and to hold, Forever in Love Inside message: With love on your wedding day Approx size: Unfolded: 230 x 114mm

Pure Cotton Denim Cargo Shorts with Wristband, at Marks & Spensers
A contemporary take on a casual relaxed look, these pure cotton cargo shorts feature multiple pockets. A fashionable, easycare style

Older Girls' Tatty Teddy Soft Dressing Gown, at Marks&Spencer
Fans of Tatty teddy will love this soft dressing gown featuring a motif of the popular character

Per Una Pure Cotton Floral Kimono, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and feminine, this pretty kimono is made from soft cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Collezione Wool Rich Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
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

Mirrored Leaves Wall Art, at Marks & Spensers
Wire tree design Mirror leaf design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Short Sleeve Antique Lace Jersey Top, at Marks & Spensers
An elegant short sleeve top featuring antique print and lace detail

DD-G Contrast Embroidered Non-Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this bra is specially designed for fuller busts. It's underwired and structured to give great support and a flattering enhanced shape

Cluster Pendant Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Cluster pendant Rope necklace Tie fastening Length: 81cm

Snake Band Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Mark & Spensers
Stylish and elegant, these fashionable bikini bottoms feature a pretty snake print band. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Penny Sweet Drop Earrings, at M & S
3 bead drop Hook fastening Drop style

Spot Design Shower Curtain, at Marks and Spencers
Spot print design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Autograph Addison Brown Dining Chairs, at Marks & Spencer
H86 x W47 x D51cm Brown luxury Italian leather seats Sold as a pair Made from American Black Walnut solids and veneers, with Beech veneer on unseen faces Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Chairs are made from solid wood 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy these chairs as part of a set. Click here to view the Addison Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Mid Heel Leather Loafers, at Marks & Spenser
Square toe Cross stitch detail Mid heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Panelled Herringbone Knee Length Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this herringbone skirt makes a fashionable, flattering choice. A smart modern choice

3 °Climate Control Cotton Rich Plain Hipsters, at Marks and Spencer
Climate control keeps you cool when you're hot and warms you up when you're cold so you're always at your optimum temperature. Exclusive to M&S, Climate control clothing is comfortable and breathable - ideal for sportswear. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology

Small Spencer Bear, at Marks and Spencer
Scarf detail Stitch detail on paw pads Suitable for ages 12 months + This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

My Friend Fashion Dressing Kit, at Marks and Spencers
Suitable for ages 3+ years Create totally trendy outfits for stylish girls Packaging transforms into cakewalk This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pairs Of Trainer Socks, at M&S
Designed to hide neatly inside your trainers, these breathable cotton rich socks are made with added stretch for comfort, superior shape retention and durability

3 Younger Boys' Cotton Rich Batman Trunks, at Marks and Spencer
A must for fans of Batman, these cotton rich trunks feature assorted Batman motif designs

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 Spenser 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.