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 Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spenser than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Money. 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, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Money 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 Money 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 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, 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 Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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

Also, on both M&S Money Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents 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.

Chintz Tea Party Hand Finished Multipack of Cards, at M&S
Pack contains: 6 cards, 2 designs Cover text: Both designs blank Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 200 x 80 mm

Silver Plated Barrel Bracelets, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length

Hastings Bedstead, at Marks & Spencers
Headboard: H122cm Endboard: H73cm Underbed: H26cm Single: L206 x W105cm Double: L206 x W152cm King Size (5ft): L216 x W167cm Matress sold seperately Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket with Silk, at Marks & Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Woodspice Moisturising Aftershave, at Mark's & Spencer
Moisturising Alcohol free 100 ml

Multiway Sheer Strap Push-Up Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Whether you wear it strapless, cross-over or conventional, this smart bra offers the best in versatile comfort thanks to a multiway design and gently padded cups. An essential addition to any wardrobe

Filigree Collection - 3-Arm Chandelier, at Marks and Spencer
3 light chandelier Clear glass droplets Tiered H 75 x Diam 36cm Bulb: 5 x E14 Golf Ball 60W This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Older Girls Seam-Free Picot Heart Trim Bras, at Marks and Spencers
These great value bras are ideal for everyday wear. They're made with stretchy fabric for a supportive and comfortable fit and the non-wired design is the best choice for first bras

Per Una Pure Cotton Floral Revere Pyjamas, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and feminine, these stylish floral revere pyjamas are made from pure cotton. So you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Slim Hide Away Umbrella in Walker, at Marks & Spensers
Stylish and practical, this large traditional umbrella gives good coverage to protect you from the elements

Cross Dye Quilted Bedcover, at Marks and Spenser
Stitch detail Contains padded quilting Available in 2 sizes Medium: L150 x W200cm Large: L260 x W265cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

5 Cotton Rich Scallop Trim Full Briefs, at Marks and Spencers
A great value pack, ideal for everyday wear. This pack contains a mixture of designs and colours. See Click for zoom and other views

Blue Harbour Suede Trim Cardigan, at Mark & Spensers
An extremely comfortable cardigan. It's made with extrafine lambswool which is spun for the softest feel. Conveniently, it can be machine washed and tumble dried and it resists bobbling

Pure Cotton Stab Stitch Jersey Top, at Marks & Spencers
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features pretty stab stitch for a stylish casual look

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Cymru Rugby Top, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable smart-casual look, this comfortable cotton rugby shirt features block stripes and an embroidered Cymru motif. Stylish, practical and easycare

Cupcake Bedset, at Marks & Spencers
Set includes single duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Cupcake design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Rag Fairy Doll, at Marks & Spencer
Not recommended for babies under 12 months Hair ribbon detail Flared dress with bow feature Suitable for ages 1-3yrs This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Essentials V-Neck Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Sophisticated and modern, this v-neck cardigan has been designed for a luxurious feel and a flattering, fashionable look

3 Pack Easy Short Sleeve Shirts, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this pack of 3 short sleeve easycare shirts is great value. An ideal choice for everyday wear

Patent Shopper Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this shopper bag is a useful accessory with bags of style!

Pure Cotton Easy Iron Oxford Check Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Stylish and innovative, this check design easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

Movement Mantle Clock, at Marks&Spencer
Visible mechanics Roman numerals Free standing Dimensions: 19cm x 16cm x 8cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Art Deco Jewellery Box, at Marks and Spencers
Art deco design 4 drawers Mirror finish Internal compartments 35 x 25 x 16cm

Cashmilon™ 3/4 Sleeve Slash Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and flattering, this 3/4 sleeve slash neck jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features a ruched front detail

Autograph Pure Cotton Floral Damask Pillowcase, at Marks & Spencers
Floral damask print, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Underwired Piped Bikini Top, at Marks and Spencer
Stunningly stylish, this flattering bikini top is underwired for a flattering, supported shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Ultimate Sudoku Puzzles, at M & S
Are you a Sudoku fan? Then you'll love the Ultimate Sudoku Puzzles. It's filled with over 600 different puzzles, has a spiral bound design for easy use and includes a pen too

Black & DeckerŪ PV9605N Dustbuster, at M&S
9.6V for powerful and effective pick-up 700ml dustbowl capacity 12 minutes runtime 20 airwatts Pivoting nose for cleaning hard to reach areas 10 setting pivoting nose Cyclonic Action spins dirt away from the filter maintaining optimum suction power Filter cleaning wheel Cordless for use anywhere 2 stage filtration - allows the product to perform better and last longer Built-in crevice tool and hard brush Multi-surface charging base - can be wall mounted or kept on the worktop Accessories are stored on board Window bowl so you know when to empty the Dustbuster Ergonomic design

Pulling Faces Puzzle, at Marks&Spencer
Suitable for ages 0-3 years 16 pieces Helps with hand-eye coordination and problem solving This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 Mark's & Spencer are so useful. M&S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spencer 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, Buildings & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents 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 Money Buildings & Contents 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 Money Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.