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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Car 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 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."

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

Besides Marks & Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Buildings 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 Mark's & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

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

Autograph Pure Silk Diagonal Stripe Tie, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Ceramic Pot Pourri Bowl, at MarksandSpencer
Grooved design inside Circular shape Ceramic bowl Weight: 0.650kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

SupimaŽ Pure Cotton Non-Iron Pillowcase, at Marks & Spencer
Internationally recognised as the world's finest cotton High performance non iron finish offering the ultimate in easy care Supima is renowned for its superior strength, enhanced durability and sumptuous feel 180 thread count, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

That's Not My Puppy Book, at M&S
This delightful series of board books is aimed at very young children. The bright pictures, with their patches of different textures, are designed to develop sensory and language awareness. Babies and toddlers will love turning the pages and touching the feely patches

3-Piece Cream Aluminium Saucepan Set, at Marks and Spencer
Small: Diam 16cm. 1.86-litre capacity Medium: Diam18cm. 2.8-litre capacity Large: Diam 20cm. 3.75-litre capacity Includes glass lids, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Piece Pure Cotton Check Dungaree Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
Fun and practical, this cute 2-piece outfit features a short sleeve bodysuit and check dungarees. It's made from soft cotton to keep him comfy

Music Mad Grabs Game, at Marks and Spencer
Number of players: 3+ Suitable for ages 8+ Contains: 72 game cards, 90 song name cards, instructions Approx. card size: 58 x 88mm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ultimate Non Iron Long Sleeve Satin Stripe Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Perfect Short Sleeve Abstract Print Belted Top, at Marks & Spensers
The tunic is still a key shape this season. Timeless and flattering, we've given this a bold print to bring it right up to date

Reds & Whites - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
1 Mcon Millly-Lamartine Blanc 2007: It's so difficult to find good value white Burgundy these days, which is exactly why this wine is a real gem. With aromas of roasted peach and grilled nuts... 1 Trentino Chardonnay 2008: A scrumptious, lip-smackingly fresh style of Chardonnay from the mountain slopes of northern Italy. Charged with mineral, apple and nutty aromas... 2 Turn the Table Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Durbanville: A lively and invigorating Sauvignon Blanc with crisp acidity and a lovely touch of spice on the finish. Classic flavours of cut grass and freshly podded peas are complimented by a note of tangy lemon... 2 El Tidon Sauvignon Blanc 2008: Packed full of fresh, spicy flavour, this Spanish Sauvignon Blanc offers outstanding value for money... 1 La Tentation de Richelieu 2005: A powerful Bordeaux red which offers a wonderful combination of traditional flavours with ripe fruit concentration... 1 Chianti Riserva 2004: With its subtle, engaging flavours of sour cherry, dark chocolate and baked herbs, this is classic Chianti made in a highly approachable style... 2 Turn the Table Shiraz 2007: A deliciously juicy, fresh style of South African Shiraz that sets a new quality standard for affordable Cape reds... 2 El Tidon Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: A fresh and deliciously fruity red blend from the sunny vineyards of Castilla La Mancha in central Spain... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Scallop Trim Vests, at Marks and Spencers
Stock up on stylish essentials with this 5 pack of cotton vests

Plain Flip Flops, at Marks & Spencer
Plain Flat sole

Per Una Long Sleeve Crochet Blouse, at Mark & Spensers
A feminine v-neck self stripe blouse featuring a crochet detail and rear tie fastening

Jumbled Numerals Wall Clock, at M & S
Round face Jumbled numerals Metal case H30 x W30 x D5cm Weight: 0.75kgs 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

Bright Butterflies Daughter Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Happy birthday to a special daughter Inside message: With lots of love Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Nintendo DS™ Lite Starter Pack - Black Console & Brain Training Game, at Marks & Spencer
Pack includes Nintendo DS™ Lite in black and Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? game The Nintendo DS Lite brings gaming within everyone's reach Its touch screen and voice recognition function are so simple to use that even beginners will feel at ease This Nintendo comes with a host of new features that set it apart from all other portable video game consoles:- Better screen quality (brightness and definition) than all other consoles currently available More compact (2/3 as large) and lighter (20% lighter) than the original DS Lite Two back-lit screens brightness can be adjusted over 4 levels to adapt to any lighting and reduce energy consumption 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

Chalk & Cheese Characters Multipack of Mini Cards, at M+S
Cover text: Design 1: Surprise, Design 2: Thanks, Design 3: For you, Design 4: Thank you Inside message: blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Pack contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Approx size: 95 x 80mm

Collezione Pure Silk Square Grid Tie, at Marks & Spenser
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

Bubble Bullet Glass Vase, at Marks & Spensers
Bullet design Hand made Thick base Bubble base design H31cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Bold Stripe Shirt, at M&S
Relaxed and stylish, this stripe shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Limited Collection Side Button Leggings, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

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

Pure Cotton Gathered Short Sleeve Mock Layer Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this mock layer top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features gathered short sleeve

Pearl Effect Floral Y Design Necklace, at Mark & Spencers
Pearl effect and diamant detail Y design chain Clasp fastening Adjustable length Length: 41cm

Sony VAIO VGN-P11Z Laptop, at Marks & Spenser
Processor: Intel Atom™ Z520 Processor, Supports Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Processor speed: 1.33 (GHz) RAM: DDR2 SDRAM (1x2048MB on board) Screen: (Diagonal Size) 8" X-black LCD with LED technology with 1600 x 768 resolution Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium Hard Drive: 60GB Ultra ATA/100, 4200 rpm Graphics card: Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 Memory stick slot: Memory Stick™ Duo, Memory Stick™ PRO Duo, high speed data transfer Digital camera: Built-in 'Motion Eye' Digital Camera, 0.3 Image Sensor (Mega Pixels) resolution 640x480 (VGA) and built in microphone Keyboard: Pointing Stick Shock Protection: G-Sensor HDD Shock Protection Interfaces: DC in x 1, Memory Stick™ Slot x 1, SD Card Slot x 1, USB Port 2.0 x 2, Audio out x 1, Port Replicator (dongle connector) x 1, Port Replicator Interfaces - GigaEthernet / VGA Port Connectivity: Built-in WWAN - Everywair Wireless WAN 7.2Mbps (HSDPA/HSUPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS), Wireless LAN Max. Data Rate (Mbps) 300 (RX)/ 150 (TX), Integrated Bluetooth (Version) 2.1 + EDR Battery: Lithium-Ion battery (VGP-BPS15/B) Battery Life (min) 165. Actual battery life will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations. Benchmark: MobileMark 2007 Video & TV software: WinDVD 8.0 for VAIO Audio software: Windows Media Player 11 Photo software: Google Picasa Office application software: Adobe Reader 8.1, Adobe Standard 8, Microsoft Office Ready 2007 (60 days Try & Buy) Security & other software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 60 days free virus updates), VAIO Recovery Utility - HDD recovery (hidden partition) Accessories included: AC Adaptor, Battery - VGP-BPS15/B, Power Cord, VGP-DA10 (Display/LAN Adapter) Dimensions: D 120 x H 19.8 x W 245mm Weight: Weight with Supplied Battery and Supplied Drive (kg) 0.638 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

Christening Type Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Christening Inside message: Wishing you a wonderful day Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Same Difference - Pop CD, at Marks & Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Older Girls' Heart Print Dressing Gown & Socks, at Mark's & Spencer
The heart print makes this soft fluffy dressing gown so cute

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Block Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Relaxed and stylish, this block stripe shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Birthday Girl Crown Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: Birthday Girl Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Flat: 150 x 215mm. Crown circumference up to 600mm

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