When you're shopping at Marks and 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 Buildings 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."

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 and Spencer 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 and Spencer, through its M&S Financial Services website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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's & Spencer, 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.

Black & Decker® V6090CN 6V Chrome Dustbuster® Hand Vac, at Marks & Spencer
Rechargeable handheld vacuum cleaner 6v power volts Weight 0.95kg Wall mountable Includes crevice tool and upholstery brush For dry spills only 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

Per Una Pure Cotton Tropic Leaf Print Dress, at Marks and Spenser
A colourful tropic leaf print dress in pure soft cotton featuring a pleated neck detail

Sony Leather Camera Case, at Marks & Spenser
Use this durable leather case to keep your camera safe when you are out and about

Sleeveless Longline Knitted Waistcoat, at Marks and Spencers
Elegant and stylish, this sleeveless waistcoat is made with cool comfortable cotton and features a tie waist feature for a fashionable look

Perfect Military Button Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
With military button styling, these bootlegs are right on trend for autumn. You'll wonder how you managed without them

Pure Cotton Quick Iron Button Down Check Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Stylish and innovative, this pure cotton easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

Collezione Pure Wool Check 3 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
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

Pure Cotton 3/4 Length Camouflage Belted Shorts, at Marks n Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these 3/4 length cotton shorts make a practical, fashionable choice

Artificial Lily & Rose Cylinder Vase, at Marks and Spencer
Our beautiful artificial flowers look just like the real thing and are fabulous for brightening up your home all year round

Autograph Essentials Wool Rich Single Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious and elegant, this smartly tailored wool rich single breasted jacket is part of our exclusive Autograph range

3 Pure Cotton Stain-Away™ Polo Shirts, at Marks & Spencers
A great value 3-pack in pure cotton. They're treated with STAIN-AWAY™, our unique high performance finish which helps prevent everyday stains and makes them easy to wash out clean. It even works with ink blots!

Pinwheel Cushion, at M+S
Rectangular shape Embroidered pinwheel design L30 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Sports Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Elasticated tie waist shorts in soft brushed cotton for comfort. Ideal for PE

Per Una Pure Cotton Check Design Pyjamas, at Mark's & Spencer
Modern and feminine, these pretty pyjamas are made from soft cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Autograph Pure Wool Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, these stripe trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Pure Cotton Monster Hooded Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this pure cotton hooded top is outstanding value!

Moulton Side Table, at Marks & Spencer
H55 x W55 x D55cm Round table Glass top Glass table tops are made from safety-tested toughened glass Bottom under shelf Made from solid ash and ash veneer All wooden shelving is finished with a starburst veneer effect 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 SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this table as part of a set. Click here to view the Moulton Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Faux Fur Cuff Ankle Boots, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Faux fur cuff design Ankle high Pull on High heel Heel height: 99mm

Classic Collection Pure Cotton V-Neck Top, at Marks and Spencers
Feminine and pretty, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features a floral print neckline. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Large Pillar Candle, at Marks and Spencer
Pillar shape Plain H19cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Double Breasted Check Jacket with Wool, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this double breasted jacket is tailored to fit and flatter. A great choice for work

Detroit Dining Table, at Marks & Spencer
H75 x W90 x D150cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Delivered flatpack due to size 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

In Bloom Honeysuckle & Jasmine Eau De Toilette, at Marks and Spencer
Honeysuckle and Jasmine fragrance 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Long Sleeve 'Cymru' Zip Fastening Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Sports fans will love this Wales jacket featuring the team motif. A practical, easycare style

Artificial Lisianthus & Wide Bud Vase, at Marks and Spencer
Wide bud vase Circular base Pebble lined Diameter: 41cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Plain Leggings, at Marks & Spensers
Complete with a full length and understated design, these great leggings are the perfect partner for this season's trendy tunics and denim minis

Per Una Essentials Modal Blend Spot Print DD-G Bra, at Marks & Spenser
Elegant and feminine this stylish bra is made from a soft comfortable modal rich fabric. Soft padding and underwiring give support and an enhanced natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Pure Cotton Pyjamas, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and breathable, pure cotton pyjamas are the natural choice for a comfortable night's sleep

Limited Collection Angel Wings Necklace, at Marks n Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Angel wings pendant Fine chain Necklace length: 45cm, extendable by 8cm

M&S Arm Wall Mount with Tilt for 23-32'' TV, at Marks & Spencer
Fits LCD, TFT and plasma screens from 23-32 inches Dual pivot cantilever VESA compliant for 23-32in screens Fully assembled Drilling template supplied Dimensions: H28.5 x W58 x D8.5cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 Mark's & Spencer 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, 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 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.