When you're shopping at Marks and 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 Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks n 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."

M&S Finance offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor 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 Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Finance Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor 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 Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor 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 Motor 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.

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 Marks and Spencer 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 and Spenser, 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 Motor 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.

Bridal Party Outfits Wedding Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Wedding day Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 178 x 126 mm

Autograph Luxury Linen Blend Vertical Stripe Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart and refined, this vertical stripe shirt is part of an exclusive range of beautiful garments, available only in our top stores and online. It's made from superfine yarn so it feels luxuriously smooth. Designed for a stylish contemporary look and great fit

Bamboo Long Handle Dry Body Brush, at Marks and Spencer
Bamboo wood Double sided oval brush head Long handle

Photographic Toy Cat Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy birthday to a special daughter Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

2 Younger Boys' Limited Pure Cotton Beanie Hats, at Marks and Spencer
Warm and comfy, these pure cotton hats are ideal for chilly days

The Floral Collection Magnolia Hand & Nail Cream, at Marks & Spencer
Hand and nail cream Moisturising 100ml Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Petrolatum, Magnolia Liliflora (Magnolia), Polysorbate 60, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine Propylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Benzophenone-2, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, CI 19140, CI 14700

Handcrafted Spotty Shoes Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: Birthday girl Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Per Una Essentials Seersucker High Leg Knickers, at Marks and Spencers
Fresh and feminine, these stylish knickers are made from soft stretch lace. The high leg style gives a flattering long-legged look. Pretty everyday fashion

Per Una Ruffle Shoulder Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Ruffles make this fashionable bag even more special. Give your look the Per Una twist!

Meursault 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

3 Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Assorted Tops, at Mark's & Spencer
Fun and practical, this pack of 3 tops is great value. The soft cotton fabric will keep him comfy and happy

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Cat Top, at Marks & Spencer
The cat print makes this top so cute. It's made from pure soft cotton and feels comfy to wear.

Travel Stamp Swim Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Colourful and modern, these drawstring shorts fit comfortably and securely. A practical and stylish choice

Autograph Weekend Pure Cotton Envelope Neck Stripe Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Casual and modern, this envelope neck stripe jumper has been designed for a chic, relaxed look

Underwired Pin Spot Lace Minimiser Bra, at Marks n Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this minimiser bra gently shapes your bust to make it look smaller. A flattering, supportive style

Rose Net Hold Ups, at Marks and Spencers
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These rose net hold ups have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

Autograph Cotton Rich Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and comfortable, these straight leg trousers give a regular fit through the hip and thigh

Pure Cotton Plain Long Sleeve T-Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
An essential part of every woman's casual wardrobe, this great value tee is made from pure cotton, while long sleeves offer the perfect antidote to the winter chill

Machine Washable Pindot Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Classic pindots provide a stylish design on a sturdy fabric base. A most reliable tie that will lend assured elegance to your shirts

Tree Pastry Cutter, at Marks and Spencers
Tree design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Birthday Girl Handmade Text, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Birthday girl Inside message: Hope you have a great day! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Scarf Neck Top, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and stylish, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features scarf detail neckline. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit.

Machine Washable & Tumble Dry Single Breasted 3 Button Stripe Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Put an end to expensive trips to the dry cleaner with our innovative Machine Washable range. Each suit's stylish cut and fit is combined with high quality fabric that can be machine washed and tumble dried

Sonoma Kitchen Corner Unit & 70cm 3 Drawer Base Unit with Oak Tops Set, at Marks & Spencer
Corner Unit: H87.5 x W87 x D87cm Corner Worktop: H10.5 x W93 x D93cm 3-Drawer Base Unit: H87.5 x W70 x D52cm Base Unit Worktop: H10.5 x W70 x D60cm Corner unit includes 1 shelf and can be fitted left or right hand Worktop thickness: 3cm Made from solid oak and oak veneer Finished with a protective low-sheen lacquer for added durability Adjustable feet on base unit Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself 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

M&S 1200W Steam Iron, at Marks and Spencers
1200 watt Adjustable temperature control Adjustable steam Vertical steam Transparent water reservoir Water spray Stainless steel soleplate Dimensions: H16cm 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Oscar Cot Bed, at Marks and Spenser
Total unit: H89 x L147 x W82cm Drawer: H12.5 x W132.5 x D65cm Mattress sold seperately Underbed drawer Cot converts into a junior bed suitable for children up to age 5 Cot has fixed sides with 3 optional height positions for the base Delivered flatpack due to size 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Stormwear™ Double Collar Raincoat, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart and contemporary, this double collar raincoat is inspired by Italian tailoring. It's treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains

Woven Silk Westminster Tie with Stain Defence™, at Marks and Spencer
This woven silk tie has been treated with our stain defence™ technology giving inbuilt resistance to everyday spills, this repellence benefit is maintained after dry cleaning

Straight Leg Crease Resistant Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers

Classic Collection Pure Merino Wool Cardigan, at Marks & Spenser
Warm and cosy, this pure new wool stylish cardigan makes a versatile extra layer. Dress it up with smart skirts and trousers, or wear it with jeans for a casual modern look

Besides Marks & Spencers Motor 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 & Spenser 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.