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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & 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 & Spensers 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Finance. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Finance you can keep the cost of your Car 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 Car Insurance cover from M&S Finance, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spencers, 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 Car Insurance from M&S Finance, you get more, and you pay less.

Per Una Essentials Clover Embroidered Shorts, at Mark & Spensers
Feminine and delicate, these stylish shorts are made from soft stretch lace. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

3 Pack Round Neck T-Shirts, at Marks and Spencer
Stock up on essential t-shirts with this great value multipack in soft, comfortable cotton. Practical and easycare, they're a great choice for casualwear and for PE

Ribbon Blossom 'Thinking of You' Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Thinking of you Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150mm x 150mm

Thelema Sutherland Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 6, at M+S
Style: Dry Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Screw cap Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Spot Print Dress, at Marks & Spenser
A gorgeous sleeveless spot print dress featuring frilled scoop neck

Autograph F500 Latex Pillowtop Mattress, at Marks and Spencer
Single (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 29cm Spring count: 1225 Highly responsive pocketed springs Deep pillowtop layer of Talalay latex and luxurious white fibre Two further layers of cotton and resilient white fibre for additional support Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning Manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Toulouse 2-Door Large Glazed Dresser, at Marks and Spenser
H112 x W173cm x D43.5 2 Toughened glass sliding doors 4 Adjustable shelves Sits on sideboard (sold separately) Light, natural matt lacquer with protective finish This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Short Sleeve Spot Print Blouse, at Marks and Spencers
A beautiful short sleeve blouse with camisole featuring frill trim and spot print design

Classic Collection Flower Scarf Neck Top, at M+S
Modern and stylish, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features a threaded foral scarf neckline. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Older Boys' Wide Stitch Belt, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and practical, this leather rivet detail belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Divan on Legs & F400 Coolmax° Mattress - Medium, at Marks and Spencer
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 25cm Divan Height: 31cm Individually pocketed springs Coolmax stretch knit cover helps regulate body temperature and adds a soft feel to the mattress Mattress features a layer of resilient foam and memory foam, and also polyester fibre Mattress has foam layers to encourage air circulation Two rows of hand side-stitching give edge-to-edge support on the mattress Quality Belgian fabric for added durability Mattress Spring Count: 1225 Sprung-Edge divan - can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Towelling Dressing Gown, at Mark & Spencers
Soft, comfortable and snag-resistant, this cotton rich dressing gown is ideal for wearing over pyjamas or after a bath

Elasticated Weave Waist Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable weave waist belt.

Anthony Bear Niece Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Happy Birthday! To my lovely Niece with love xx Inside message: Enjoy your special day Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

2 Wooden Spatulas, at Marks & Spensers
2 Piece set Handle hole for hanging L29.5cm (largest), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

WALL-E DVD, at Marks and Spencers
Rating Universal, suitable for all,

Machine Washable Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks n Spencer
Add spring's key nautical colours of red to your tie rack. This is a stylish but great value way to bring your suit up to date and it's machine washable too

Per Una Pure Cotton Frill Front Cardigan, at M&S
A fabulous long sleeve cardigan in pure soft cotton featuring a stripe and frill front design

Pure Cotton Floral Stitch Table Runner, at Marks and Spencer
Floral design Dimensions: L230 x W35cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Indian Summer Stripe Shower Curtain, at M&S
Bold stripe design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Autograph Cotton Blend Stripe V-Neck Jumper, at Mark & Spensers
Fashionable and contemporary, this stripe v-neck jumper is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail makes it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Per Una Pure Linen Flared Panel Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
Comes with belt shown in image An elegant A-line skirt in a cool linen blend, the panel design makes it extra stylish

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 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

Blue Harbour Pure Lambswool Crew Neck Jumper, at M+S
An extremely comfortable jumper. It's made from extrafine lambswool which is spun for the softest feel. Conveniently, it can be machine washed and tumble dried and it resists bobbling

Autograph Long Sleeve Floral Print Top, at Mark & Spensers
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in smart styles and high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look.

XBOX 360® Beijing 2008™ Game, at Marks & Spensers
Experience the authentic look and feel of the Olympic Games Brand new control systems to give you the edge Train and manage your countrys elite, customising their agility, power, stamina and speed, creating the unbeatable team Challenge friends online to walk away with the gold Accessible to play online on XBOX Live 1 - 8 players 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, Platforms: Xbox 360, ESRB Rating: Everyone

Autograph Leather Twin Riptape Strap Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Twin riptape straps Flat sole Comes in sizes 1-7

Older Boys' Cotton Rich Motor Hero Shorties, at Marks and Spencer
Made from comfortable, breathable cotton, these motor hero shorties are outstanding value

Long Sleeve Ribbed Trim Satin Button Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
Casual and modern, this cardigan features satin buttons. A versatile, easywear style

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