When you're shopping at Mark & 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 Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spenser 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."

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 Spenser are so useful. M&S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spenser 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Money Home 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 Money Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Besides Mark's & Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Home 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 & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Premier Home Insurance and Standard Home 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.

°Climate Control Pillow Protector, at Mark's & 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

Foxtail Cluster Drop Earrings, at MarksandSpencer
For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights Hook fastening Drop style Mixed beads Cluster design Diamant detail

Miele GN Hyclean Dustbags, at Marks and Spencers
Replacement dustbags for Miele vacuum cleaners

Large Inner Damask Shade, at Marks & Spencers
Oversized black shade Inner flocked damask 46 x 46 x 32cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Short Sleeve Varied Stripe Top, at Marks and Spencer
A smart short sleeve top featuring a scoop neck and ruffle detail

Collezione Leather Monk Shoes, at Mark's & Spencer
Luxurious and contemporary, these leather monk shoes are part of Collezione, inspired by Italian style. Their superior design, quality and hand finishing make them a sophisticated and fashionable choice

Per Una Asymmetric Hem Check Coat with Wool, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable check design coat featuring asymmetric hem and large jewel brooch.

Stainless Steel Honey Spoon, at Marks&Spencer
Stainless steel Loop in the handle L14.5cm x W3.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Floral Collection Lavender Moisture Rich Hand Wash, at Marks & Spenser
Lavender fragrance Moisture rich Hand wash 250ml

Desroches Champagne - Case of 6, at M & S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier & Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Hooded Faux Fur Trim Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and practical, this hooded coat is outstanding value. An easycare style at a great price

Bold Geometric Cushion, at MarksandSpencer
Square shape Geometric design L50 x W50, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sunny Daze Eau De Toilette Purse Spray 25ml, at Marks and Spencers
Fruity floral fragrance 25ml

Bonded Jacquard Underwired DD-G Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Soft and comfortable, this jacquard bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

Wide Fit Leather Toe Cap Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Wide fit Round toe Stitch detail Lace-up 5 eyelets Block heel

Collezione Single Breasted 2 Button Self Stripe Suedette Jacket, at M&S
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

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

Only Fools and Horses 50th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Have a cushty birthday 50 Inside message: Have a teriffic time! Approx. size: 230 x 114mm

Easycare Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Perfect for a fuss free lifestyle, this shirt is made with easy care fabric that can be worn and washed, day in day out

Top Hat and Tiara Wedding Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover message: Bride and Groom 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: 230 x 114mm

Per Una Modal Blend Batik Abstract Print Top, at Marks and Spenser
A fabulous abstract print top in a soft, comfortable modal blend featuring a 3/4 length sleeve

Recycled Hollowfibre Pillow, at M&S
Rolled - once removed from packaging will bulk out with a shake Medium support Non-allergic Approx: 76 x 48cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Maxim Coffee Pot, at Marks & Spensers
Suitable for everyday use Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Removable lid Oversized handle 1 litre capacity H22cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Spot Design Travel Ballet Slippers, at Mark & Spencers
Round toe Spot design Bow detail Slip-on Flat sole Ballet style

Cotton Rich Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks and Spenser
Ensure a smart exterior with the sleek shape created by the moulded cups and plunge design of this padded bra. Underwiring and added stretch provide all day comfort and support

2 Halves of Dressed Fresh Canadian Lobster, at Marks & Spenser
Serves 2 2 halves Ready to eat 184g total weight As featured on page 22 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Oudinot Champagnes - Case of 6, at Mark & Spensers
3 Oudinot Brut Champagne NV: A dry and elegant champagne with a crisp mousse and fresh lemon fruit... 3 Oudinot Ros Brut Champagne NV : A lively, luxurious ros Champagne with ripe strawberry fruit, a hint of cream and a crisp, dry aftertaste... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Diamanté Square Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at Mark & Spensers
Rectanglular Aperture 5 x 7in H13 x 18cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & Autograph F500 Latex Pillowtop Mattress - Medium, at M+S
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm 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: 29cm Divan height: H41cm Large drawers: H14 x W78 x D52cm Highly responsive pocketed springs Mattress features deep pillowtop layer of Talalay latex and luxurious white fibre Mattress also features two further layers of cotton and resilient white fibre for additional support Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges Mattress spring count: 1225 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

Mixed Faux Pearl & Bead Tassel Necklace, at MarksandSpencer
Clasp fastening Tassel detail Mixed Faux pearl and bead design Necklace length: 76cm

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, Sainsburys, or Tesco Direct:

• 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.