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 House Insurance and Motor 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 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 Financial Services 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 & Spensers 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, 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 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 Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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

Collezione Wool Rich Single Pleat Trousers, at M&S
Add a smart dimension to your formal wardrobe with these single pleat trousers. Allowing for more hip room, they provide a clean, crisp and well turned out look

Limited Collection Bloomsbury Clutch Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous this bloomsbury clutch bag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's strong and practical as well as a trend-conscious accessory. Get the lastest look!

Siemens Built-In Gas Hob ER15354EU, at Marks n Spencer
H56 x W582 x D512mm 4 burners - 2 standard, 1 high-speed, 1 economy 2 cast-iron pan supports with rubber feet Stainless steel base Black glass inlay for controls Easy-to-use front controls Flame-failure safety device Simmer setting on all burners for controlled simmering One-handed ignition 5-year guarantee This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Speckled Bangle, at Marks & Spencer
Chunky style Speckled design

Pure Cotton Paisley Print T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
This fashionable pure cotton t-shirt features a stylish paisley print for a fresh modern look

Geometric Print Tie Waist Sarong, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and sophisticated, this fashionable sarong features a striking geometric print. The ultimate in poolside glamour

125 Years Retro Apron, at Marks & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Star Trim Assorted Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Practical and fashionable, this pack of 5 cotton shorts feature star trim and assorted designs

Thermal Lace Trim Ribbed Camisole with Silk, at Marks and Spenser
Indulge in soft, warm comfort with this thermal easy to wear knitted camisole. Perfect for adding a snug extra layer to your outfits during the winter months

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Tatty Teddy Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Fun and fabulous, this 5 pack of cotton shorts feature assorted Tatty Teddy designs

Limited Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Knitted in pure cotton, this cute cardigan will keep him warm and comfy. It looks cuddly too!

Buckle Detail Long Sleeve Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Say goodbye to stuffy formal dressing. Summer suits are light and easy, with relaxed styling to match your mood

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ Funnel Neck Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Extra small ideal for Boys and Back to School Stylish and innovative, this Blue Harbour jacket is treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains

Limited Collection Lace Stripe Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Fabulous and modern, these shorts are part of our Limited Collection lingerie. Theyre made from smooth stretchy fabric and designed to fit and flatter. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Autograph Leather Overnight Rollercase, at Marks&Spencer
Stylish and contemporary, this leather overnight bag is a fashionable and practical must-have

Marble Swirl-Effect Candy Floss Bowl, at Marks and Spenser
Swirl effect Opaque design Round shape Soda glass H5.5 x Diam29cm Weight: 0.95kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Younger Boys Pure Cotton Plain Vests, at M&S
Comfortable, practical and fashionable, this 5 pack of vests is made from soft breathable cotton

Recycled Stormwear™ & Stain Defence™ Junior Blazer, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and innovative, this blazer is treated with Stormwear™ and Stain Defence™ to repel water and stains. It's made from polyester from 100% recycled sources. It features a contrast coloured lining and has an inside zipped pocket to keep lunch money safe

Per Una Spot Print Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and feminine, this pretty spot print dressing gown is made from soft fabric so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Pop Up Vintage Car Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover Text: Birthday Inside Message: To, From Approx size: 90 x 230mm

Per Una Double Breasted Water Repellent Mac with Belt, at Marks & Spencer
A modern double breasted mac featuring a check design. A matching waist belt gives it the Per Una touch

Sony DAV-DZ280 Home Theatre System with iPod® Dock, at Marks and Spenser
DVD player CD player iPod/iPhone™ dock 5.1 channel surround sound system with 850W total power output 3 HDMI™ inputs 6 speakers Sony DIGITAL MEDIA PORT - connect to and release digital music stored on your WALKMAN or other mp3 players, mobile phones, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices Built-in upscaler generates a 1080p signal via HDMI™ cable for superb picture quality on your High Definition TV Progressive scan USB interface Dolby Digital, Dolby Prologic II and DTS Decoding FM radio tuner with RDS and 30 station presets Portable Audio Enhancer function - improves the sound quality of compressed music such as MP3s DCAC - one-push automatic sound set-up for flexible speaker placement and optimum sound quality New Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology that converts standard-definition signals (480i) to 1080p and outputs a full HD equivalent resolution signal to 1080p TVs via HDMI™ BRAVIA Sync for simple, integrated control with your BRAVIA TV and other compatible products using only one remote Dimensions (main unit): W43 x H6.6 x D3.9cm Weight: 12.3kg 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

Bright Analogue Watch, at Marks and Spencers
Buckle fastening Round face Analogue

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Floral Print Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this short sleeve shirt is made from pure soft cotton. The floral print adds a fashionable finishing touch

Stormwear™ Pure Cotton Ambassador Stripe Hat, at Mark's & Spencer
Designed to keep you dry, this hat is treated with Stormwear™, a unique finish that repels water and stains

Flat Front Bootleg Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Magic High Waist 15 Denier Shine Tights, at MarksandSpencer
Look slimmer in seconds with these shine Magic high waist tights. Special support zones shape hips, thighs and bums, and they feature a special tummy shaping panel and factor 6 leg support. 70% of our testers saw an instant reduction in their measurements

Autograph Retro Hipsters, at Marks and Spencer
Sitting slightly lower on the waist and providing a snug fit, these comfortable hipsters are a great way to stock up your day to day underwear drawer

Perfect Pure Cotton 3/4 Roll Up Sleeve Longline Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Simple sophistication. This longer line shirt adds crisp, business-like chic to any outfit

Black Aluminium 24cm Skillet, at M&S
Non-stick aluminium Triple layer non-stick coating for low fat cooking and easy cleaning Tempered glass lid for easy visibility Riveted handle Soft touch silicone handle for strength and durability Oven safe up to 180/240C/350F/ gas mark 4 Glass lid Diam 24cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is M&S Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Financial Services you can keep the cost of your Motor 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 Motor Insurance cover from M&S Financial Services, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Mark & 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 Motor Insurance from Marks & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.