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 Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark's & Spencer 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."

Shopping for financial products at M&S Financial Services UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Financial Services website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from M+S, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Financial Services in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Financial Services website.

M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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&Spencer 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, 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 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Coloured Teardrop Print Roll Wrap, at Marks & Spensers
1 roll wrap Approx size: 1.5 x 700mm

Cotton Rich Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks and Spencer
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

Pure Cotton All Over Print Hooded Jacket, at M&S
Relaxed and comfortable, this fashionable hooded jacket is made from soft cotton and features an all over print detail. A practical easycare style

Portfolio Bobble Necklace, at Marks & Spensers
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Mixed bobble design Necklace length 95cm, extendable by 8cm

Per Una Flawless Finish Illuminating Concealer, at Marks & Spencer
Liquid concealer Hypo-allergenic Light diffusing

Limited Collection Taffeta Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Classic Collection Neck Tie Stripe Top, at M+S
Modern and stylish, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features a pretty stripe design. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Body Formula Moisture Rich Bath & Shower Cream, at Mark's & Spencer
Olive oil to soften and nourish Ginger and cardamom to soothe, warm and energise Glycerin to hydrate Suitable for all skin types 200ml

Pure Cotton Roll Neck Stripe Jumper, at Marks & Spencers
Soft and comfy, this warm knitted roll neck stripe jumper is outstanding value. A fashionable easycare style

Ingredients Pomegranate Shower Gel, at Marks and Spencer
Pomegranate scent This fruity shower gel will leave your skin feeling fresh and clean 200ml

3 Pure Cotton Stripe Kitchen Hand Towels, at Marks and Spencers
Pack of 3 Assorted stripe designs, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Natural Beauty Enriching Body Butter, at Marks and Spencer
200ml Naturally fragranced

Handmade Character 30th Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: You're 30 Inside message: Happy Birthday! 178 x 125mm

DD-G Lace Strap Minimiser Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this minimiser bra gently shapes your bust to make it look smaller. A flattering, supportive style

Younger Girls' Bow Bar Permair™ School Shoes, at Mark & Spencers
Round toe Bow feature Single ankle strap with rip tape fastening Flat sole Scallop trim Scuff Resistant Permair™ micro porous coating makes the shoes scuff- and water-resistant and easy to clean, while allowing feet to breathe

Animal Print Scarf Trim Hat, at Mark & Spencers
Keep cool and stylish with this wide brim hat featuring an animal print scarf

Canon IXUS 100 IS Digital Camera, at Marks and Spenser
Pixels: 12.1 megapixels Zoom: 3.0x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom Screen: 2.5'' PureColor LCD II ISO: AUTO, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 Dimensions: W87.0 x H54.5 x D18.4mm Weight: 115g Motion Detection Technology: Eliminate blur by compensating for subject motion and camera-shake PictBridge Enabled: Enables you to print images using a USB cable to connect the PowerShot A470 to a printer without a PC Face Detection Technology: Ensures superb people shots by automatically setting optimum focus, exposure, flash and white balance Red-Eye Correction: Easily removes red-eye in-camera Processor: DIGIC 4 processor drives exceptional processing speeds, responsive operation, superb image quality and colour reproduction. Richly detailed, cleaner images, even at high ISO speeds, are the result of advanced Noise Reduction Shooting Modes & Special Scenes: 14 shooting modes include Special Scenes like Sunset, Portrait and Kids & Pets, which make it easy to get great results in common shooting situations. My Colors in-camera photo effects such as Black & White can be applied during shooting i-contrast: Canon's i-Contrast feature offers improved contrast and greater detail in tricky lighting conditions HD movies in stereo: Create smooth, high quality movies in high definition (1280x720, 30fps), then connect the optional HDMI cable for playback on HD widescreen TVs System requirements: Windows XP SP2-3 / Vista (including SP1), Mac OS X v10.4 - 10.5 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

Pure Linen Roll Sleeve Belted Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated linen shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a waist belt

Compton Coffee Table, at Mark & Spensers
H45 x W90 x D90cm 1 fixed shelf Made from White Oak solids and veneers Hand distressed, with the distressing aged with dark patina Mid-brown stained finish, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Solid hardwood legs Side panels, door panels, back panels made from oak veneer. Top panels 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 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 this table as part of a set. Click here to view the Compton Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Multi Pocket Jacket, at Marks&Spencer
This sharply styled casual jacket gives a fashionable urban look. Superior fabric, a contemporary design and exceptional attention to detail make it a must have for this season

Autograph Luxury Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Multi Stripe Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Smart and refined, this 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

3 Pairs of 60 Denier Opaque Tights, at Mark & Spencers
Complete with added stretch for shape retention and essential comfort. These simply outstanding tights are a terrific option for ensuring your legs look and feel their everyday best

Limited Collection Panel Clutch Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, this panel clutch handbag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Autograph Styled Embroidered Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine these flattering shorts feature a delicate embroidered design. The modern low leg hipster styling gives a shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Sophisticated Dress Mum Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: To a special Mum Inside message: With love on your Birthday Approx size: 178 mm x 125 mm

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Bart Simpson Football Shorties, at Marks and Spencer
A must for fans of The Simpsons, these pyjamas feature Bart playing football

Sterling Silver Twist Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
Twist design Butterfly stud fastening This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Floral Cut-Out Jewellery Roll, at Marks & Spencer
Tie fastening Flap over style 2 inner zip compartments Floral cut-out design

Fuzzy Teddy Chocolate Box Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Have a yummy scrummy birthday... Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Lichfield 5-Drawer Wide Chest, at Marks & Spencers
H90.5 x W116.5 x D50cm With three small and two wide drawers Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Handles made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered Top panel is veneered with 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 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 this chest as part of a set. Click here to view the Lichfield Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 M & S 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 & Spenser, through its M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.