Besides Marks and Spencers Car Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Household 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 & Spensers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

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

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

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, Sainsburys, 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.

Double Bridge Rimless Sunglasses, at Mark & Spencers
With full UV protection and a flattering modern design, these smart sunglasses will see you through the summer in style

Limited Collection Dogtooth Mini Skirt, at Mark & 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

Hooded Zip Up Fleece Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and warm, this cute floral design fleece jacket will keep her cosy. A comfortable practical style in easycare fabric

Silver Plated Ramases Abalone Necklace, at Marks n Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Abalone pendant

Autograph Leather Hip Wallet, at Mark's & Spencer
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Pintuck Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
This fashionable long sleeve shirt is made from pure soft cotton that looks and feels great. Modern styling pintuck front detail gives it a cool contemporary edge

Autograph New Cosmic Y Necklace Made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements, at Marks and Spencer
Y design Gold plated Clasp fastening Adjustable length Made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements Necklace length 41cm, extendable by 8cm

Tiny Fairies Nan Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover Text: To my lovely Nan, You mean such a lot to me xx Inside Message: Hope that your birthday is as special as you are xx Approx. Size: 178 x 126mm

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

Classic Collection Short Sleeve Check Blouse, at Marks & Spencers
Feminine and pretty, this check 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

Reds & Whites - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
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

The Incredibles Collector's Edition DVD, at Marks & Spencers
Rating Universal, suitable for all,

Brushed Metal Photo Frame 20 x 25cm (8 x 10''), at Marks & Spencers
Rectangle design Brushed metal effect Aperture: 20 x 25cm (8 x 10''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Easy Chicken, at Marks and Spencer
Tantalise your taste buds with this great collection of tasty chicken recipes

Pure Cotton Thomas & Friends© Mock Layer Hooded Top, at Marks and Spenser
Fans of Thomas & friends will love this pure cotton mock layer hooded top featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Pure Cotton Woven Bold Stripe Pyjama Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, these pure cotton shorts can be worn alone or with a number of our pyjama tops and t-shirts to create your own style

Sonoma Office Desk Tidy, at Marks&Spencer
2 drawers Fixed glass shelf Both desk tidy and desk are pictured. Desk sold separately H16 x W106 x D22.5cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this desk tidy as part of a set. Click here to view the Sonoma Office Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Piece Pure Cotton Ruched Pinafore Outfit, at Marks & Spensers
A pretty look in pure soft cotton, this coordinated outfit combines a pinafore dress and a short sleeve t-shirt. The ruched front detail adds a modern finishing touch

Perfect Single Breasted Short Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
The neat cut of this jacket gives it contemporary catwalk appeal. You'll love the soft feel and the fantastic price, too

Dan's Mouse Tutu Age 1 Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday 1 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 Approx size: 175 x 127 mm

Autograph Single Cascade Orchid, at M+S
Who could resist this Autograph luxury single cascade orchid? Presented in a beautiful silver embossed ceramic pot This variety of orchid is special due to its unique waterfall stem characteristics and large flowers Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Mosaic Dining Table, at Marks and Spencer
H72 x Diam 110cm Mosaic design Wrought iron twisted stand Assembly required This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Long Sleeve Zip Funnel Neck Top, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and relaxed, this zip funnel neck top is made from pure cotton it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Single Breasted 2 Button Plain Jacket, at Marks & Spensers
Boasting a sophisticated cut and quality fabrics at everyday prices, impeccable styling needn't cost the earth, with our impressive Outstanding Value suits range

Pure Silk Handwoven Cushion, at MarksandSpencer
Rectangular Plain Frill contrast trim This cushion is produced by Lotus Pond an M&S Fair Partner, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Barbera D'Asti 2006 - Case of 12, at M & S
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Barbera Country of origin: Italy Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Marble Collection Soap Dish, at Mark & Spencers
3 drain holes Curved edges H14 x W8.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Roma Wide Leg Centre Crease Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
A smart pair of wide leg trousers in a soft stretch fabric featuring a centre crease and jet pockets

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Spot Vest Top & Shrug, at Marks n Spencer
This fashionable layered look is a 2 piece set - a long sleeve spot vest top and shrug both in soft comfortable pure cotton. Stylish, practical and easycare

2 Pairs of Performance Quick Dry Sports Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Specially contoured left and right socks follow the shape of the toes to give a perfect, comfortable fit. Shock absorbent micro cushioning helps protect high-impact areas and gives stability while extra heel support helps reduce pressure that can lead to injury. Dry fit yarn lets feet breathe

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 Household Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at MarksandSpencer 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."