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 Money Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at M&S than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Money Direct. 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 Money Direct, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Money Direct 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."

Besides Marks and Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct 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 n Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct 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.

M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct 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 Tesco 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 Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Signature Natural Cotton Room Spray, at Marks and Spencers
15ml Deodorising spray Clear glass with attractive labelled design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Silk Pleated Cushion, at Marks and Spencers
Rectangular shape Pleat detail Lined, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

123 Sticker Book, at Mark's & Spencer
This sticker book will keep them busy as they look for an incredible 150 stickers inside!

Collezione Pure Linen Flat Front Plain Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece is designed with that same passion, Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on these trousers to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Short Sleeve Open Neck Collar Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
This outstanding value short sleeve shirt makes a stylish addition to your wardrobe. A great fashion choice for everyday wear

2 Piece Pure Cotton Owl Dungaree Outfit, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and practical, this cute 2 piece dungaree outfit features an owl motif and assorted buttons detail. It's made from soft cotton to keep her comfortable and happy.

Dualit Jug Kettle - Black, at Marks & Spencers
1.5 Litre - 12 cup capacity 3000 watt Cordless operation Hinged lid Washable limescale filter Rapid boil concealed element Large viewing windows on both sides Can be turned to any angle on its base Heatproof handle, ball knob and finger-guard Non-slip rubber feet Oversized non-drip spout Weight: 1.36kg Dimensions: H27cm 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

Limited Collection Sequin Clutch Bag, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and fabulous, this clutch handbag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Pure Cotton Ruffle Pintuck Top, at MarksandSpencer
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features smart pintuck details for a stylish casual look

Limited Collection Round Toe Court Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Heel height: 78mm Round toe Slip on Court style High heel Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

3D Floral Lace Duvet Cover, at M+S
Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6in), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft) Pure cotton, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Floral Print Top, at Marks and Spenser
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

British Heritage Leather Wetherby Brogues, at MarksandSpencer
Enjoy the best of Britain with our British Heritage range. Handcrafted in England, these timeless shoes use the finest calf leather and traditional Goodyear Welted Construction. They also include a leather insole and cork filler which moulds to your feet for superb comfort and fit

Autograph Large Studio Humbug Bottle Vase, at M&S
Narrow neck Swirl stripe design Broad base, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Chrome Shower Squegee, at Marks and Spencer
Chrome plated Hook storage for squeegee Wide replaceable squeegee blade Dimensions: H28 x W20cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Fairtrade Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Top, at Marks and Spencer
2 for 8 offer excludes items in the sale Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade This stylish longer length short sleeve top is a good deal for you and for our Fairtrade farmers. It's made from 100% Fairtrade cotton, helping local farmers to invest in developing their own communities

Autograph Addison Display Unit, at Marks & Spencers
H179 x W120 x D35cm With 5 shelves Made from American Black Walnut solids and veneers, with Beech veneer on unseen faces Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Velour Hooded Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Treat yourself to plush comfort with this super soft velour hooded jacket. Perfect for relaxing or exercising in style

Bow Detail Mid Heel Ankle Boots, at Mark & Spencers
Almond toe Stitch and bow detail Zip fastening Block mid heel Heel height: 69mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half size

Pure Cotton Stripe Apron, at Marks and Spencers
Tie bow fastening at back Front pocket Stripe design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Boys' Linen Blend 3/4 Length Shorts, at Marks n Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these linen blend shorts make a practical, fashionable choice

Pure Cotton Twill Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these pure cotton shorts make a practical, fashionable choice

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Robot T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this long sleeve t-shirt in soft cotton features a robot motif design and slogan. A practical easycare style

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spencer
Feminine and pretty, this floral print top will give your look an instant lift. It looks lovely worn with plain skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic collection

Younger Girls' Tatty Teddy Star Dressing Gown, at Marks & Spenser
Fans of Tatty Teddy will love this fluffy dressing gown featuring a motif of the popular character

Mini Limited Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Corsage Top, at Mark & Spencers
Mini Limited is a collection of cute fun styles designed in the latest looks. The casual, contemporary pieces are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for layering

Daddy & Me - Drill & DIY Accessories, at MarksandSpencer
Helping Daddy with his DIY projects is a seriously fun business, and every little assistant needs to have tools and accessories that are up to the job. With realistic looks and features, the mini cordless drill is just like Daddy's and a 'must-have' for any junior tool kit. The protective gloves and ear defenders mean that no job will be too big (or too dangerous) for Daddy and his helper!

North Coast Pure Cotton Chinos, at Marks & Spenser
A stylish smart casual look, these plain chinos are made from soft cotton and designed for a fashionable and comfortable relaxed fit

Autograph Cotton Rich 3 Piece Waistcoat Outfit, at Mark & 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

Autograph Reversible Leather Belt, at Marks and Spencers
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather belt

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 & Spensers 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 Mark's & Spencer, through its M&S Money Direct 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.