When you're shopping at Mark & Spensers 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 Property 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 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 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 Finance UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

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 Mark & 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 Marks & Spencer, 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 Car Insurance, M&S Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Pure Cotton Deer All-in-One & Hat Set, at Mark & Spencers
Fun and practical, this cute 2-piece outfit features an all-in-one and matching hat. It's made from soft cotton to keep her comfy

2 Underwired Bras, at Marks and Spenser
Smooth and sleek, these moulded cup bras give a perfectly smooth outline under clothes. Underwiring and padding give an uplifted and enhanced natural shape

Autograph Essentials Pure Silk Animal Print Shift Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and elegant, this shift dress is beautifully designed and detailed with animal print. An exclusive, luxurious look from Autograph

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Chino Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Think smart on those warmer days and nights with the design of these great value shorts. Pair with sandals and a T-shirt or team with a short sleeve shirt and boat shoes for a dressier casual look

Pure Cotton Corduroy Straight Leg Trousers, at M & S
Smart and stylish, these easycare cotton trousers are outstanding value

Per Una Paisley Print Bolero with Vest, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable 3/4 length sleeve bolero with tie front fastening. It comes with a matching plain vest

Autograph Mineral Powder Blusher, at Marks & Spencer
Designed for all skin types Fragrance and preservative free Hypoallergenic

1 Pair of Gel Pads, at Marks & Spencers
These clever gel pads help to prevent the burning pain you get when wearing high heels

40 Denier Opaque Hold Ups, at Marks & Spencer
These comfy hold ups won't let you down. Their reinforced design gives long-lasting wear

Portfolio Pleated Tulip Skirt with Belt, at MarksandSpencer
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Split Neck Short Sleeve Cover Up, at Marks & Spencer
Feminine and fashionable, this flattering cover up is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

MoDA Pink Floral Bamboo Paper Blank Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover Text: Blank Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm Our MoDA range has been screen printed onto paper made from bamboo. Bamboo is a truly sustainable and renewable resource as it's the fastest growing plant on the planet!

M&S Steam Generator Iron, at Marks and Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Micro Stripe Trousers with Cashmere, at Marks & Spencer
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece 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 these trousers to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Pure Cotton Mock Layer Tank Top, at Marks & Spencers
Made from soft cool cotton, this cute mock layer top will keep him feeling comfortable in hot weather

Vanilla Pot Pourri Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Repair the aroma of your home with this refreshing Vanilla scented pot pourri selection

Maxim Cup & Saucer, at Marks & Spenser
A simple yet stylish cup and saucer Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Suitable for everyday use Cup height: 6cm Saucer diameter: 16cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Floral Diamanté Centre Ring, at Marks and Spencer
Floral design Diamant centre

Salt & Pepper Shakers, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 2 Suitable for salt and pepper, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Styled Floral Embroidered High Leg Knickers, at Marks and Spencers
Feminine and delicate, these stylish briefs feature a floral embroidered design and are finished with a center bow detail. Pretty everyday fashion

Autograph Leather Knee High Riding Boots, at Marks & Spensers
Almond toe Stitch detail Knee high Small block heel

Recycled Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™ Fashion Skirt, at Marks&Spencer
Smart and stylish, this fashionable skirt is made from polyester from 100% recycled sources. It is treated with our unique Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ finishes, making it resistant to water and stains

Rochaille Twist Earrings, at Marks & Spenser
Cluster rochaille bead design Twist style Clip on

Limited Collection Turn-Up Cropped Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
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

Moisturising Lipstick, at Mark's & Spencer
Moisturises lips Hypo-allergenic 4ml

Leather Weave Belt, at Marks n Spencer
Add a stylish finishing touch with this colourful weave belt

Silver Plated Hoop Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks&Spencer
2 part set Hook fastening drop style earrings Cord design with hoop pendant necklace

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Top, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this scoop neck top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a button detail

Laser Cut Butterfly Birthday Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 x 126mm

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Trousers with Silk, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from fine quality wool with silk for a touch of luxury. A practical, hardwearing and fashionable choice

Shopping for financial products at M&S Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Finance website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Property Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from MarksandSpencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Finance in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Finance website.