When you're shopping at Marks & 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 Buildings Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark's & 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 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 Finance 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 Marks & Spencers 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, Sainsburys, or Tesco's:

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

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 Mark's & 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, 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.

Velour Drawstring Plain Bootleg Joggers, at Mark & Spencers
Flattering and functional, these soft comfy joggers are made from lush velour, giving a stylish look to this easycare essential

5 Pairs of Cotton Rich Week Days Trainer Liner Socks, at Marks & Spencer
Comfy and practical, these soft cotton rich socks are designed to hide neatly inside trainers

2 Plain Sheer Non-Wired Bras, at Marks & Spenser
Soft and comfortable, this pack of 2 non-wired bras is great value. They're designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

Hippo Pramsuit, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and cosy, this hooded pramsuit is warmly padded and lined with soft cotton to keep him comfortable

125 Years Retro 3 Pack of Tea Towels, at Marks & Spencer
Pack of 3, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Damask Bathmat, at Marks n Spencer
Damask design L80 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Floral Print Jersey Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Chic and modern, this short sleeve top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a floral print

3 Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Cutie Tops, at Mark's & Spencer
Stock up on essentials for less! This great value pack of 3 pure cotton long sleeve cutie tops is comfortable, practical, fashionable and easycare

Tyrrell's Single Vineyard Belford Hunter Chardonnay 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks&Spencer
Style: Dry, oaked Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Younger Girls' Heart Print Sunglasses, at Mark & Spensers
Fun and fashionable, these heart shape sunglasses give 100% UV protection for safer style in the sun

Wisteria Flight Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and practical, this hardwearing flight bag meets the UK size restriction for carry-on luggage. It features seperate case section

M&S 19'' HD Ready LCD TV with Built-in DVD Player - Pink, at Marks & Spencer
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display:19 inch flat screen, resolution: 1440 x 900 pixels Contrast Ratio: 500:1, Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 4000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: H41 x W46 x D20.5cm Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x Scart socket DVD Player: Built-in DVD player 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 Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Use wall mount T042100 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Kaituna Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap 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

Wool Rich Lion Rug, at Marks & Spencers
Rectangular shape Soft, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Floral Top, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this 3/4 sleeve top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a floral print

Footglove™ Leather Panel Trouser Shoes, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe Panel design Stitch detail Buckle feature Slip-on Heel height 48mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Sleeveless Satin Spot Print Nightdress, at Marks and Spencers
Feminine and elegant, this sleek satin finish nightdress feels comfortable and gives a flattering fit. A gorgeous, glamorous look

Secano Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork 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

Woven 'Scotland' Jogging Bottoms, at M&S
Sports fans will love these cosy joggers featuring the Scotland slogan. A practical, easycare style

Fragranced Pot Pourri Bag, at Marks & Spencers
Add a fresh aroma to any room in the home with the fruit fragrance of this wonderful pot pourri

Vintage Lace Trim Brazilian Kinickers, at Marks and Spencers
Brazilian briefs are the newest trend in knicker shapes with their flirty cutaway styling at the front and back. These flattering briefs are designed to make the most of your figure

Single Strap Pumps, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Single strap with buckle fastening Flat sole

Curve Table Lamp with Marble Base, at Marks&Spencer
Chrome plated Bubble design shade Long curved arm Marble base Dimensions: H56 x Diam 28cm Bulb: 40W SES or 11W CFL, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Flat Front Plain Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, these flat front trousers are made from fine quality pure wool. A practical, hardwearing and fashionable choice

2 Piece Pure Cotton Embroidered Dress & Top, at Marks and Spencer
A cute look in pure soft cotton, this coordinated outfit combines a stripe top with pinafore dress. The embroidered detail adds a pretty finishing touch

Bow & Floral Feather Fascinator Headband, at Marks & Spencer
A glamorous bow fascinator headband detailed with soft feathers

Bright Letters Godson Birthday Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover Text: To the greatest Godson Inside Message: Happy birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

M&S Ruby & Midnight 2-Slice Toaster - Red, at Marks & Spencer
Polished red and stainless steel finish 7 browning levels Defrost and reheat setting Cancel setting Removable crumb tray for simple cleaning Anti-slip base

Hooded Fleece Lined Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Warm and soft, this pretty hooded fleece lined jacket will keep her cosy

Elasticated Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. A stylish, fashionable look

Besides Marks and Spencers Motor 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.