Besides MarksandSpencer Motor Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Household 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 & Spenser purchases are also protected while you take them home.

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

When you're shopping at MarksandSpencer 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 Household Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencers 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 Marks and Spenser, 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 Household Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Blue Energy Deodorising Body Spray, at Marks and Spencer
150ml spray This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pastry Brush, at Marks and Spencer
Grip handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Funnel Neck Fleece Gilet, at Marks and Spenser
Relaxed and cosy, this sleeveless fleece makes a warm and comfortable extra layer

Champagne Oudinot Medium Dry - Case of 6, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Medium dry Grape variety: Mixed Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 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

3 Aperture Photo Frame with Mount 10 x 15cm (4 x 6''), at Marks and Spencer
3 identical apertures Long rectangular frame Removeable mount card Aperture: 10 x 15cm (4 x 6in) H26.5 x W47cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Essentials Sleeveless Shift Dress, at Marks & Spenser
Feminine and elegant, this sleeveless shift dress is beautifully designed and detailed with front pleat feature. An exclusive, luxurious look from Autographbr>

Strapless Stick on Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Thanks to these moulded cups, you can get discreet support - great for wearing with strapless or backless dresses and tops

Burgundy Pair - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
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

Perfect Modal Blend Scoop Neck Stripe Top, at Mark & Spensers
What weekend chic is all about. This soft, pima cotton modal tee looks great with jeans or cords

Earth Spa Himalayan Rock Salt Body Scrub, at MarksandSpencer
350ml To replenish and pamper

Younger Girls' Bow Bar Permair™ School Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
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

2 Cotton Rich Straight Leg Joggers, at Marks & Spencer
Casual and comfortable, these easycare cotton joggers are outstanding value

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

M&S 1.7L Cordless White Kettle, at Marks and Spencer
1.7 litre capacity 220-240v 50hz 1850-2200w Water window and on/off switch Cord storage base Lockable safety lid Removable filter for simple cleaning 2 year guarentee

Diagonal Stripe Bandeau Swimsuit, at Mark's & Spencer
Feminine and delicate, this flattering swimsuit is designed in the latest shape. A stylish, shapely look

2 Non-Wired Maternity Bras, at Marks & Spencer
Soft yet supportive, these bras will keep you in check thanks to their wide and adjustable straps. Just the thing to give you a good shape even when you're feeling tender

Wentworth 3-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spencer
H96 x W204 x D100cm Seat H50cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Feet are castors Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Mosaic Coffee Table, at M&S
H45 x Diam 87cm Circular top Mosaic design Metal frame Suitable for all-weather outdoor use Assembly required This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and relaxed, this long sleeve polo shirt is made from pure cotton it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Roberts SOUND 37 DAB Radio, at Marks and Spencer
Frequency ranges: FM/DAB wavebands Functions: DAB radio, CD, MP3/WMA playback Controls: Menu display selection of all major functions are clearly placed onthe front panel Output connectors: Headphone socket LCD Display: FM RDS station name display with dimmer control Mains power supply: Mains operation via AC adaptor (included) CD Bookmark: automatically remembers the last played position on the disc Station scan: Search/manual tuning Timer: Adjustable Sleep timer and adjustable Snooze timer Alarm: Wake to buzzer, radio or CD with multiple alarms Preset Stations: Up to 20 station presets Dimensions: W13.5 x H13.2 x D16.5cm Weight: Weight 1.03kg 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

Single Wick Filled Candle, at Marks & Spensers
Coloured glass holder Single wick, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Double Button Skinny Jeans, at Marks & Spensers
Long and lean, skinny jeans are an edgy modern style. This stretchy pair sits below the waist and is cut to fit and flatter. Wear with some volume on your top half to balance the shape and give an even leggier look

Wide Knightsbridge Formal Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable wide leather belt

Cotton Rich Spot Print Vest & Knickers Set, at Marks&Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this spot print bra and knicker set is made from cool, breathable stretch cotton. It's designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and casual, this pure cotton shirt has been pre-washed to make it extra soft and comfortable

3 Pack Easycare Long Sleeve Shirts, at Mark's & Spencer
Woven in a no-fuss easycare fabric, long sleeves and double button cuffs add a smart focus to your office look. A practical and convenient choice for everyday wear

Pure Merino Wool Mock Layer Jumper, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, this mock layer jumper is made from pure merino wool. It's luxuriously soft, warm, and fine but also hardwearing and easycare, making it a natural choice

Luxury Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Offering a timeless appeal, the soft twill finish of this pure cotton shirt provides easy to wear comfort, while the traditional cut makes it an essential part of any smart wardrobe

3 Pack of 40 Denier Opaque Tights, at Marks and Spenser
Complete with a reinforced toe and added stretch for lasting comfort and durability, these opaque tights are the perfect choice for giving your legs a wonderfully attractive sheen

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 Marks and Spencer are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spenser 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, Household Insurance policies. Usually, UK Household 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 Household 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 Household Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.