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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and 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."

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 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 Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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 Spencers 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 Tescos:

• 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.

Maxim Casserole Dish, at Marks & Spenser
Removable lid with small handle Height 10cm Diameter 25.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Granite Mat, at Marks and Spencers
Rectangle shape This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Roma Wide Leg Centre Crease Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
A smart pair of wide leg trousers in a soft stretch fabric featuring a centre crease and jet pockets

Cashmilon™ Multi Stripe Scarf, at Marks and Spencers
Keep warm, cosy and stylish in this fashionable multi stripe scarf made from supersoft cashmilon™

Older Girls' Cotton Rich Heart Print Bra & Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
A pretty matching set in cotton rich fabric. The heart print bra and shorts are designed for a supportive and comfortable fit. Non-wired designs are the best choice for first bras

3D Heart & Text Wife Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Wife, Birthday wishes to my wonderful wife, To my wonderful wife birthday wishes, Wife birthday wishes to my wonderful, Wishes to my wonderful wife birthday, Wonderful wife birthday wishes to my, To my wonderful wife birthday wishes, Birthday wishes to my wonderful wife, Wife birthday wishes to my wonderful, Wishes to my wonderful wife birthday, Birthday wishes to my wonderful wife Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Collezione Silk Blend Varied Stripe Tie, at Mark's & Spencer
Stylish and luxurious, this silk blend tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

Collezione Leather Hip Wallet, at Marks and Spencer
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

Pienzo Small Rectangular Table & 4 Chair Set, at Marks and Spencer
5-piece set Table dimension: H75 x W80 x L140cm Chair dimension: H82 x W57 x L65cm Powder coated steel Suitable for all weathers Available to buy online only, this will not be sold in stores This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Tonal Flower Padded Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Sleek and contemporary, this modern pinstriped bra gives a perfectly smooth outline under clothes. Light padding and underwiring give an enhanced natural shape. Designed for a streamlined silhouette

Autograph Bone China Cereal Bowl, at Marks and Spencer
Plain Diameter: 23cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Luxury Pure Cotton Wide Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Maxim Casserole Dish, at Mark's & Spencer
Removable lid with small handle Height 10cm Diameter 25.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Velour Drawstring Joggers, at M+S
Relaxed and comfy, these casual joggers are made from cotton rich fabric and feature drawstring waist. A practical easycare choice

Chrome Glass Stack Floor Lamp with Fabric Shade, at Mark & Spencers
Cylinder fabric shade Stacked glass cylinder detail Chrome plated Round base Dimensions: H 161 x Diam 40cm Bulb: 100W GLS or 21W CFL, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Woodspice for Men Gift Set, at Marks & Spencer
Aftershave 100ml Talc 100g Soap on a rope 50g Woodspice scent

Girls' Limited Cotton Rich Denim Leggings, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Girls Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Cut Flowers Pot Pourri Box, at Marks & Spencer
Cut flowers frangrance Presented in a box, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Jacquard Spot Print Lightweight Scarf, at Marks and Spencers
This sophisticated jacquard spot print scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. Tassel trim adds a stylish finishing touch.

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and practical, this long sleeve t-shirt is outstanding value. The pure soft cotton fabric will keep him happy and comfy

Light Control Low Leg Briefs, at MarksandSpencer
Look slimmer in seconds! These light control knickers gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

Autograph Pointelle Embroidered Dress with Hat & Tights, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

3 Pure Cotton Classic Marl Briefs, at M&S
Easy to care for cotton and a classic cut ensures these comfy briefs are a staple part of any underwear drawer

Large Spot Tights, at Marks & Spencers
Add a stylish touch of chic with these head-turning large spot print tights

The Floral Collection Rose Anti-Perspirant Roll-On, at Marks and Spencers
50ml Rose fragrance Roll-on Alcohol free

Summer Manor Cup & Saucer, at Marks and Spencer
2 part set Floral design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S 19'' HD Ready LCD TV with Built-in DVD Player - Black, at Marks and Spenser
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 19 inch flat screen, 1440 x 900 pixels Contrast Ratio: 500:1, Dynamic Contrast: 4000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: H41 x W46 x D20.5cm Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x Scart socket DVD Player: Built-in DVD player 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 Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Use wall mount T042100 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Post Surgery 2 Tone Embroidered Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this padded modal bra is made from soft microfibre fabric and gives a gently supportive fit and a flattering shape. It features 2 secure prosthesis pockets

Dyson DC16 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, at Marks & Spensers
Bin capacity: 0.8 litres Suction power: 36 airwatts (constant) Root Cyclone™ technology: Dyson vacuum cleaners separate dirt from the air by centrifugal force. It spins the air incredibly fast and the dust and dirt is flung out into the clear bin™. Suction is maintained as there is no bag to become clogged No bags or filters: No extra costs and your vacuum doesn't lose power as you clean Hygienic and quick to empty: Dyson design minimises risk of contact with dirt Expels only clean air: Air expelled from a Dyson has 150 times less mould and bacteria than the air you breathe. Dyson technology captures particles as small as pollen, bacteria and mould spores Up to 3 times faster recharging: 21.6 volt lithium ion battery technology re-charges up to 3 times faster than others Combination accessory tool: Debris nozzle converts to a brush tool for dusting Included in the box: Combination tool, crevice tool, battery, wall mounted battery charger, fixing screws, operations manual, quick start guide Dimensions: H225 x W115 x D360 mm Weight: 1.55 kg 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

Casa Cadaval Estate Vinha Padre Pedro 2006 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Mixed Red Country of origin: Portugal Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Besides Mark & Spencers Motor Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Buildings 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 & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Finance Premier Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings 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.