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

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

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Financial Services you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M&S Financial Services, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spencers, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from Marks & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Portfolio Pure Silk Beaded Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
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

Autograph Long Sleeve Hairline Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Autograph Cotton Rich Swimming Shorts, at M&S
Casual and contemporary, these swimming shorts are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Winchester Table Lamp, at Marks & Spenser
Conical shade Silver-effect round metal base 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

125 Years Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Grid Check Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

T345623C, at Mark & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Cap Sleeve Pintuck Shirt, at M&S
This cap sleeved shirt will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features smart pintuck detail for a stylish casual look

Le Signal 2005 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Grape variety: 75% Carignan, 15% Grenache, 10% Mourvdre Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Disney Princess Colour and Activity Pad, at Marks and Spencers
You'll find Belle, Cinderella, Snow White and all of your other favourite Disney Princesses waiting for you inside this wonderful activity book. Have fun completing the fabulous activities and decorating the pages with lots of pretty colours as you colour-in the pictures.

Burgundy Pair - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
3 Bourgogne Chardonnay 2007: A fresh and fruity well-balanced white Burgundy, with delicious flavours of citrus fruit and apricot... 3 Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007: A temptingly smooth and fruity red wine from Burgundy. It has a lively aroma, fresh flavours of strawberries, raspberries and plums... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Nan Tiny Fairies Teacup Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: A Lovely Birthday for a very Lovely Nan A lovely Nan like you Deserves a special day Because you are so wonderful In each and every way! Inside message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 230mm x 114mm

Mineralstein Riesling 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Medium dry Grape variety: Riesling Country of origin: Germany Closure: Screw cap Bottle: 12 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

Hanging Bag & Cosmetic Purse Set, at Mark & Spensers
2 piece set Hanging bag with multi compartments Cosmetic purse with zip fastening Plain

Shimmer Effect Glass Charger Plate, at Marks & Spencers
Circular shape Shimmer effect Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Plated Sparkle Loop Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks & Spenser
2 part set Butterly stud fastening earrings Clasp fastening necklace with adjustable length Loop design Diamant detail

Younger Girls' Spot Print Wellie Boots, at MarksandSpencer
Wellie style Round toe Spot print Handle detail Lined

°Climate Control All Seasons Mattress Protector, at Mark's & Spencer
Absorbs body heat, releasing when your body needs it Fleece reverse Made using Outlast technology, originally designed for NASA Moisture management technology, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

The Floral Collection Bath Cream Pack, at Marks and Spenser
Pack of 4 Includes: lavender, iris, magnolia and rose Moisture rich Foaming bath cream Magnolia Moisture Rich Foaming Bath Cream 50ml: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Parfum, Magnolia Liliflora (Magnolia), Glycol Distearate Sodium Sulfate, Laureth-4, Glycerin, Disodium, EDTA, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citric Acid, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Benzophenone -2, Citronellol, Magnesium Nitrate, Isoeugenol, Propylene Glycol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Sorbitol, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, CI 14700, CI 19140 Rose Moisture Rich Foaming Bath Cream 50ml e 24M: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Parfum, Rosa Centifolia (Rose), Glycol Distearate, Sodium Sulfate, Glycerin, Laureth-4, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Salicylate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Citronellol, Linalool, Citric Acid, Magnesium Nitrate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben Lavender Moisture Rich Foaming Bath Cream 50ml e 24M: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Parfum, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Glycol Distearate, Sodium Sulfate, Glycerin, Laureth-4, Disodium EDTA, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Linalool, Butylphenyl, Methylpropional, Magnesium Nitrate, Citric Acid, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben Iris Moisture Rich Foaming Bath Cream 50ml e 24M: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Parfum, Glycol Distearate, Glycerin, Laureth-4, Disodium EDTA, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Citric Acid, Magnesium Nitrate, Propylene Glycol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Iris Flrorentina (Iris) Flower Extract, Sodium Sulfate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone

Per Una Pure Cotton Stripe Kaftan, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable stripe kaftan in pure soft cotton. The corsage design on the neckline makes it extra stylish

Per Una Floral Lace Padded Plunge Bra, at M & S
Fresh and feminine, this padded bra features floral embroidery. It's underwired for extra support and the padded plunge style gives an enhanced shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Cotton Rich Stripe Vest, at Mark & Spensers
Pretty and feminine, this strappy vest features a stunning lace trim. The soft stretch cotton fabric gives a comfortable flattering fit

The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World, at Mark & Spensers
This pint-sized paperback version of the best-seller The Travel Book inspirational images and text will make travel from your armchair a delight and inspire your future travel plans A-to-Z coverage of 218 countries

Per Una Mid Calf Length Pleated Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
A fashionable a-line skirt featuring pleated front detail and tape tie feature

Large Pillar Candle, at Marks and Spencer
Pillar shape Plain H19cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bonded Leather Collection - Magazine Rack, at Marks and Spencers
Glossy magazine rack Handles at either end H24.3 x W41 x D20.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pure Cotton Assorted Heart Print Tops, at Marks and Spenser
Comfortable, fashionable and practical, these pure cotton tops feature assorted, plain and heart print design. A great value pack

12 Piece Linen Dinner Set - Sage, at M&S
Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 cereal bowls Dinner Plate: Diam 27.5cm Side plate: Diam 20.5cm Cereal bowl: Diam 17cm Floral linen design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Stripe Vest Set, at Marks and Spencer
This fashionable stripe print bra is designed for a supportive and comfortable fit. The non-wired design is the best choice for first bras

Per Una Tab Front Knee Length Dress, at M&S
A fabulous knee length dress featuring tie cuff details

Hooded Rib Sleeve Padded Jacket, at Mark's & Spencer
Ribbed long sleeve makes this little hooded jacket super cute. It's warmly padded and made from soft fabric to keep him comfy and cosy

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

Also, on both M&S Financial Services 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.