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 Home Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spencers 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 and 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, Sainsbury's, 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.

Besides Marks & Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services Home 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 Home Insurance and Standard Home 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.

Harvard Miniatures Giftset, at Marks & Spencers
1 x 50ml shower gel 1 x 50ml moisturising aftershave 1 x 50ml shave cream

Adored Comfort Pansy Lace High Leg Knickers, at Marks & Spenser
Delicate and stylish, these briefs are made from the softest fabric and trims, so they feel blissfully comfortable to wear. The high leg style makes legs look longer, giving a flattering shapely fit. Feminine everyday lingerie

Pink and Sage Floral Duo Multipack of Cards, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Blank Inside message: blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 138 x 138mm

Formula Age Repair 4 in 1 Cleansing Wipes, at M & S
Enriched with ceramides to replenish and repair your skin Enriched with amino acids to improve radiance Formulated to cleanse, moisturise and refresh without irritating or drying out your skin Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic Contains 25 wipes

Cotton Rich Scallop Trim Low Rise Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
These cotton rich shorts are shapely and modern. They have been designed with added stretch for a snug, comfortable and figure-flattering fit

Ambassador Summer Hat, at Marks and Spencer
Keep your cool in this ambasador sun hat, a summer and holiday essential

Neutrals Giraffe Book of 1st, at Marks and Spencer
An exciting introduction to the world of playtime, this activity toy will have them entertained for hours of fun

Luxury Pure Cotton Edged Stripe Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
The superior quality, cut and detailing on this luxurious pure cotton shirt are inspired by Jermyn Street tailors. A sophisticated style with a great fit

Autograph Copper Base 20cm Saucepan, at Marks and Spenser
Stainless steel for maximum durability and shine Glass straining lid Riveted handles with silicone inserts for comfort and safety High performance copper base for even heat distribution Twin pouring lips for left and right-handed cooks Diam 20cm Capacity: 2.8 litre Suitable for all cooker types except induction, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Nintendo DS™ Sega Superstars Tennis, at Marks and Spenser
Gamesworlds, cameos, unlockable and extras all to be found exclusively in the Sega Superstar series! Some of the greatest starts in video games, competing in one action packed game. Featuring Segas greatest heroes and including characters in high definition glory for the first time Lets play crazy tennis! A unique take on tennis Planet Superstar: Take to the tour and travel around Segas favorite game worlds with a host of modes and secrets to discover Sega Legends: Plays as or against over 15 of Segas greatest heroes, each with their own unique Superstar Tennis skills! Fantastical Sega courts: Featuring hilarious cameos and NPCs from Sega World to cheer on the games Platform specific features: Including online modes on selected platforms More game modes and content to be announced 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 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, Platforms: Nintendo DS, ESRB Rating: Everyone

Pro Flip Flops, at Marks and Spencer
Casual and relaxed, these flip flops make a comfortable and stylish choice. Perfect for warmer days at home or on holiday

GarminŽ Oregon™ 300 Handheld GPS, at M & S
Free 2 year guarantee The Oregon 300 puts the great outdoors at your fingertips. This next-generation handheld features a touchscreen along with a built-in basemap with shaded relief, a high-sensitivity receiver, barometric altimeter, electronic compass, microSD™ card slot, picture viewer and more. You can even exchange tracks, waypoints, routes and geocaches wirelessly between similar units

Blue Harbour Classic Quilted Heritage Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
A contemporary design makes this jacket a fashionable choice

Bright Butterflies Nana Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Love you Nana Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Soft Fleece Dressing Gown, at Marks n Spencer
Relax in style and comfort in this cosy dressing gown made from soft fleece

Stormwear™ 3 in 1 Hooded Parka, at M&S
Smart and modern, this 3 in 1 parka is treated with Stormwear™ technology, an innovative finish that repels water and stains. Comfortable, breathable, easycare style whatever the weather

Fun Holographic Characters Wedding Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: On Your Wedding Day Inside message: Congratulations! Approx size: 230 x 114mm

2 Big & Tall Autograph Mini Rib Hipsters, at M&S
Featuring the best in modern fabric and contemporary design, these luxurious hipsters feel exceptionally comfortable and give a superior fashionable fit

5 Piece Stainless Steel Pan Set, at Marks and Spencer
5 pan set Glass lids Riveted handles Encapsulated base for even heat distribution Non stick coating Includes 16, 18 and 20cm saucepans 0.9 litre capacity milk pan 25cm diameter frying pan, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Little Oxford English Reference Set, at Marks and Spencers
The Oxford English reference set is the perfect package to help them ace their essays and to prepare for their next exam

Plain Lace Trim Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
Smart, snug and easy to care for, these cosy shorts combine a flattering fit with a plain design and stretchy fabric to create the perfect knickers for day to day wear

Bonded Leather Collection - CD Tower, at Marks&Spencer
Holds approximately 70 CDs H92.5 x W23 x D23cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S 10m High Speed ADSL & Broadband Modem Cable, at Marks & Spencers
10 metre cable Faster internet connection This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

Autograph Belted Straight Leg Trousers with Wool, at Marks and Spencer
Simple and stylish, straight leg trousers are a modern classic. They are cut to skim the hips and thighs, giving a sleek flattering shape that's always in style

Limited Collection Short Sleeve Pleated Belted Dress, at MarksandSpencer
Chic and stylish, this belted dress makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Portfolio Leather Almond Toe Court Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Heel height: 60mm Almond toe Suede detail Strap fastening Mid heel Water resistant Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Icon Letters Mum Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Mum Inside message: With love and kisses This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Kitchen Planner Family Organiser, at Marks & Spencers
Comes with a pen, memo pad, chalk board, chalk pencil and cloth eraser Dimensions: 330 x 430mm

Silver Plated Assorted Petal Y Design Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Y design chain necklace Assorted petal design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Sunny Town People Set, at Marks&Spencer
4 sunny town people and dog Promotes imaginative play Suitable for ages 12+ months This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, 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 n Spencer, 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 Car Insurance, M&S Home Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.