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 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."

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 Mark's & Spencer 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, Buildings Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 Buildings 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 Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

M&S Finance Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Buildings Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Finance Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

7 Pure Cotton Assorted Heart Print Bodysuits, at Marks & Spenser
Cute and practical, this pack of 7 bodysuits is great value. Popper fastenings and envelope necklines make quick changes easy and the soft cotton fabric will keep her feeling comfy and happy

Classic Collection Rose Embossed Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spenser
Wrap up and relax in this soft dressing gown featuring embossed design for a fashionable look

Pure Cotton Spot Print Mock Layer Top, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and comfy, this pure cotton spot print top is outstanding value!

Classic FM: Movies CD, at Marks and Spenser
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Checkerboard Cosmetic Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Rectangular Zip fastening Check pattern Side pouch

Pure Cotton Embroidered Hello Kitty Top, at Marks & Spencer
Fans of Hello Kitty will love this short sleeve cotton top featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Autograph Pure Cashmere Bold Stripe Hooded Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and snuggly, this practical cashmere cardigan will keep her feeling warm and comfortable. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Tribal Cardigan, at M&S
A feminine 3/4 sleeve top in textured fabric featuring an embellished tribal bead design

Wipe-Clean Fairy Activity Book, at Marks&Spencer
Have hours of wipe-clean fun in this fairy activity book. Inside you will find mazes and puzzles, word searches and spot the difference plus much more! Decorate the pretty fairies and butterflies with your wipe-clean pens, then next time, wipe them off and start again

Per Una Styled Overlaid Lace Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this stylish bra features stretch lace fabric and a scallop trim. The padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fuller shape. Pretty everyday fashion

3 Pairs of Sheer Assorted Design Knee Highs, at Marks & Spencer
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These daisy net knee highs have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

2" Longer Pure Cotton Royal Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Woven in pure cotton fabric, long sleeves and double button cuffs add a smart focus to your office look. A practical and convenient choice for everyday wear

Knee Length Belted Panel Skirt, at M & S
Fashionable and contemporary, this panelled skirt makes a fashionable, flattering choice. A glamorous modern style

Autograph Leather Centre Seam Slip-On Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Square toe Center seam feature Slip-on Low block heel Comes in sizes 6-12, including half sizes

Shimmer Stripe Wallpaper, at Marks and Spencers
Textured wallpaper No pattern repeat Roll dimensions: W52cm x L10m Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and hallways Not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens Made in the UK and sourced from sustainable, renewable forests How many rolls do you need?Click here for our wallpaper calculator Complete your room with made to order curtains. Click here to view our range For a detailed view of the colour and pattern, please click on the image and use the zoom function. Please note that your monitor settings may affect how colours are displayed, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Tile Print Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
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

Art Nouveau Pendant & Earrings Set, at Marks and Spencers
2 part set Pendant necklace Stud earrings Art Nouveau design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

125 Years Mug, at Marks & Spencer
Retro style Part of the Commemorative Collection, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mamma Mia! Blu-ray DVD, at Marks and Spencer
Rating Parental Guidance,

Cotton Rich Belted Bootleg Jeans, at Marks and Spenser
Comes with belt shown in image Flattering and fabulous, bootcuts make legs look longer and are kind to curves. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit. Specially designed for the petite frame

Sony Bravia 40'' KDL-40S5500 HD Ready LCD TV, at M&S
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 2 with a 40 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Dynamic Contrast: 33000:1 Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Watch digital TV with the integrated standard definition digital terrestrial tuner (MPEG-2, also receives analogue) Dimensions: With table stand: W99.6 x H66.3 x D25.9cm, without table stand: W99.6 x H61.2 x D10.9cm Weight: weight inc. stand 19kg, weight without stand 17kg Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: HDMI™ Inputs x 3, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2 BRAVIA Engine 2: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 2 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Picture Mode: Share your favourite photos and music on the big screen with the easy-to-use USB Photo Viewer and Music 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 T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Spot Print Mock Layer Top, at Marks and Spencers
Cute and comfy, this pure cotton spot print top is outstanding value!

50/50 Floral Embroidered Bedset, at Marks & Spencer
Floral embroidered design Single set includes duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover and 2 pillowcases Kingsize set includes duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio 2 Tone Wide Leg Trousers with Linen, at MarksandSpencer
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

Manicure Kit with Travel Wallet, at Marks & Spencer
Kit contains: Stainless steel nail scissors Nail clippers Nail file Straight tipped tweezers Presented in a travel wallet with press stud fastening

Vinalta Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at M & S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 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

Autograph Short Sleeve Fine Stripe T-Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
Whether you're heading for bed or relaxing at home, this comfortable t-shirt is great for chilling out in style. Mix and match with our pyjama bottoms

Cyclone Summer Hat, at Marks & Spensers
Keep your cool in this cyclone sun hat, a summer and holiday essential

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Trousers with Silk, at M+S
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from fine quality wool with silk for a touch of luxury. A practical, hardwearing and fashionable choice

Vinalta Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks n Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 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

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 & Spencer, 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.