Besides Marks & 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 n Spencer 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.

When you're shopping at Mark's & 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 Property Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & 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."

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 Mark & Spencers 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 M & S, 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 Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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

Extra High Impact Racerback Sports Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Offering the superior support and control you need for those high energy workouts. This extra high impact sports bra features a racerback design and sets the pace for essential comfort thanks to an easycare fabric and the shape retaining qualities of added stretch

Travel Cushion, at Marks & Spencer
Cylinder design Polyester beads filling for extra comfort Pink

Autograph Leather Thong Punch Monk Shoes by Jeffery-West, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Buckle fastening Punch design Block heel

Floral Fine Art Multipack of Mini Cards, at MarksandSpencer
Pack contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Cover text: All cards are blank Inside message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Plain Full Slip, at Marks & Spensers
A fashion essential you can't do without! This slip enhances the look of dresses and stops them clinging or becoming see-through under light. All our slips are cling resistant and come in a number of lengths

Painted Floral Mother's Day Sheet Wrap Pack, at Marks n Spencer
Contains: 2 sheets and 2 tags Approx size: Each sheet: 495 x 695mm

Floral Collection Rose Bath Essence, at Marks & Spencer
Moisture rich Rose scented 500 ml Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Rosa Centifolia (Rose), Glycerin, Cocamide DEA, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-2, BHT, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, CI 17200 CI 47005

Detroit Trunk Coffee & Side Table Set, at M&S
Trunk coffee table: H50 x L100 x W55cm Side table: H56 x W50 x D50cm Top of coffee table opens to reveal storage Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Table top panel made from oak veneer with a 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 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Office Desk, Desk Tidy & Chair Set, at Marks & Spencers
Desk: H77 x W131 x D65cm Desk tidy: H16 x W106 x D22.5cm Office chair: H116.5 x W63 x D71.5cm Adjustable seat: H36-42cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Desk has 1 large pull-out drawer with fold-down front Desk tidy has 2 drawers and a fixed glass shelf Office chair has leather seat and metal base, adjustable height and gas-lift function Displays all the rich natural characteristics of wood, such as knots, figuring, and subtle colour variations Delivered flatpack due to size. Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Desk and tidy top panels are veneered with solid oak edging for strength Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Desk drawer boxes and fronts made from solid oak. Drawer bottoms made from white oak veneer 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. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Silk Hexigan Pattern Tie, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Pure Silk Geometric Print Lightweight Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk stripe design scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Open Toe Floral Spot Mule Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these open toe slippers feature floral and spot print and they're machine washable for added convenience. Relax in style and comfort!

Autograph Leather Zipped Washbag, at M+S
Stylish and contemporary, this leather wash bag is a fashionable and practical must-have

2 Pack of Plain Shorties, at Marks & Spencers
Easy to wear and easy to care for, these great value shorts are woven from pure cotton and have a gathered waist, ensuring a comfortable and snug fit throughout the night

Signature Ginger Lily Scented Filled Candle, at Marks and Spencers
Ginger lily fragrance Glass holder Burns up to 40 hours, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fern Armchair, at Marks & Spensers
H98 x W106 x D98cm Seat: H50cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining Ecoflex™ foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support, made with 80% recycled plastic bottles 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 Available with loose cushion covers 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 Feet are glides Available in Fairtrade certified cotton (cream coloured) All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Ultimate Linen Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
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

Wisteria Luggage Medium Rollercase, at Marks & Spencer
Free 5 year guarantee Capable of expanding to provide an extra 20% of luggage space, a tough, hardwearing fabric and fitted padlock for extra security helps ensure your peace of mind while on the move

Older Boys' Limited Knitted Beanie Hat, at Marks and Spencers
Warm and comfy, this knitted beanie hat is ideal for chilly days

Footglove™ Wide Fit Leather Square Toe Loafers, at M & S
Square toe Stitch detail Slip-on Flat sole Wide fit Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight

Per Una Brow and Lash Gel, at M&S
Non-flaking Conditioning Hypoallergenic Carmine free and GMO free Animal Free - No ingredients of animal origin

Older Boys' Cymru Rugby Swimming Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Sports fans will love these cosy Cymru swimming shorts featuring the country motif. A practical, easycare style

Maternity Cotton Rich Drawstring Joggers, at M+S
Relaxed and casual, these plain joggers are designed to flatter you and your bump. A drawstring waist gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A fashionable, functional choice

Dora the Explorer Puzzle, at Marks & Spencer
Kids will love to spot the adorable Dora and her friends as they complete this colourful arrow shaped puzzle

Stainless Steel Long Handle Colander, at M+S
Long handle design L42 x Diam 22cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cashmilon™ Long Sleeve V-Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and flattering, this plain jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features a v-neck

V-Shaped Champagne Flute, at Mark's & Spencer
H24cm 17.5cl capacity Coloured glass Dishwasher safe Handmade Wide base V-shaped, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mixed Bead Short Row Necklace, at Mark's & Spencer
Dual-strand feature Clasp fastening Adjustable length Mixed bead design Necklace lengths: 40cm, extendable by 8cm

Malabar Extending Dining Table & 6 Leather Chairs Set, at Marks and Spencer
Table: H76 x L180 x W100cm (extends to L230cm) Comes with an extension leaf stored beneath the table Table seats 6-8 Made from solid mango wood Features characteristics of handmade furniture with colour variations, knots and figuring Chairs: H101 x W47 x D55cm Vertical slat back chairs with leather upholstered seat Chairs made from solid wood for strength Treated with a protective low-sheen lacquer that provides added durability 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

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 Marks & 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.